Situated at the water’s edge of the Knysna Lagoon, this magnificent 6 Bedroom House, plus 3 sea-facing cottages, offers the very best location on the South African coastline.
South Africa: Chapmans Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road, affectionately known as #Chappies., winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay on the Atlantic Coast on the south-western tip of South Africa. Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
Hout Bay is the starting point of Chapman’s Peak Drive, which is about 20km from the centre of Cape Town.
Our route took us down along the M6 towards Camps Bay. It was another stunning morning, and the ocean was sparkling as we headed along the coastal shore, passing by the Twelve Apostles towering above us. Much of this section of the coastline is rocky, with tiny little coves. It was so beautiful that we had to stop a couple of times to take some photos. The next coastal town we came across was Llandudno, which was nothing like its namesake in North Wales – for one thing, the sun was shining and secondly, the sea looked inviting!
After Llandudno the coast curves into a bay called Hout Bay, which is a lovely little coastal town surrounded by lush green mountains. What could be more perfect? Although we had not been on the road we were in need of a coffee, and as we drove through the town, we spotted a café called Dario’s that looked popular, and luckily a parking spot popped up just as we passed by. I call that karma! Even more fortunate than finding a parking spot, we grabbed the last available table. This demanded a celebration, so as well as coffee we got a little top-up on our breakfast.
Leaving Hout Bay, we continued following the coastal road. The next section of road between Hout Bay and the small town of Noordhoek is a toll road, called Chapman Peak Drive, which is purportedly one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Having done the drive this claim is hard to deny! The road is quite windy and starts to climb steeply out of Hout Bay. Along the route, there are numerous picnic spots and pull-ins where you can get amazing views of Hout Bay and the ocean. In one of these pull-ins, there was one of the large frames, that they love so much in South Africa, to get that perfectly framed shot from the Chapman Peak Drive of Hout Bay.
The road rounds the mouth of the bay and offers another spectacular view of the 3km expanse of Noordhoek Long Beach. It looked gorgeous with the waves crashing and the white foam lapping onto the beach.
From Noordhoek you can either continue down the peninsula toward Simon’s Town and Boulders Beach where there is a large colony of African penguins. Beyond Simon’s Town is the Cape of Good Hope, or you can circle back towards Cape Town.
About Chapman’s Peak
Initially constructed during the First World War, this 9km route with its 114 curves, skirts Chapman’s Peak, the 593m high southerly extension of Constantia Berg, and follows the rocky coastline to unfold breathtaking views in both directions.
The route starts at the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay and the climb winds steeply up to Chapman’s Point, revealing breathtaking views of the sandy bays down below, until the road reaches lower levels again at Noordhoek.
Chapman’s Peak is named after John Chapman, the Captain’s mate of an English ship, the Consent. In the early 1920’s Sir Nicolas Fredrick de Waal, the first administrator of the Cape Province ordered the construction of a high-level road linking Cape Town with the Southern Suburbs. Two possible routes were under consideration in 1910. The route over the low nek between the Chapman’s and Noordhoek Peaks was second to the more spectacular route along the vertical sea cliffs.
In 1915, with the use of convict labour supplied by the newly formed Union Government, construction began from the Hout Bay end, and in the following year, work began from Noordhoek. The first portion of the road to the Lookout was opened in 1919.
Planning your visit to Chapman Peak Drive
Toll road: Chapman’s Peak Drive is operated as a toll road. Regular road users with Category 1 vehicles (motor cycles) and Category 2 vehicles (passenger cars) are invited to take advantage of various frequent user benefits. The amount of discount depends on the frequency of usage.
Day Pass: Obtain a Day Pass from the Hout Bay side, and make use of the first 3km of the drive for free. Daylight hours only!
Facilities: Toll fees are paid at the Toll Plaza where administration of the drive takes place and also where you can sign up as a Frequent User. Toilets (including disabled toilets) are available at the plaza. Along the drive, public ablution facilities are available and are cleaned regularly. There are three major picnic areas, and more than 60 picnic tables & benches provided along the route for your leisure needs. There are numerous areas to pull over and see the view and we do ask all visitors to respect the natural environment in which we co-exist and use the rubbish bins provided or take your trash with you.
Safety and security: Advanced security equipment and surveillance cameras monitor conditions on the route. The route is also patrolled regularly. Blind-spot mirrors help with safety on sharp bends.
Route direction, North to South: In the interest of safety, tour buses & long vehicles may only travel in one direction – from Hout Bay to Noordhoek.
The best time to visit Cape Town
The best times to visit Cape Town are from March to May and from September to November. These shoulder seasons boast enviable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. When planning your trip, it’s important to note that the seasons here are reversed: South Africa’s summer corresponds with America’s winter, and vice versa. That said, Cape Town’s summer is the most popular (and most expensive) time to visit. Hotels and attractions are usually overflowing with travellers. Meanwhile, the Mother City clears out between June and August when chilly weather and frequent rainfall put a damper on tourist activities.
Other places to visit while in Cape Town
1. Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
The V&A Waterfront is an iconic 123-hectare neighbourhood which welcomes millions of people from all over the continent and world. We celebrate heritage & diversity, champion art & design, support entrepreneurship & innovation & drive positive social, economic & environment.
2. Robben Island
Robben Island was used at various times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and a military base. Its buildings, particularly those of the late 20th century such as the maximum security prison for political prisoners, witness the triumph of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism.
3. Bo-Kapp
The Bo-Kaap is an area of Cape Town, South Africa formerly known as the Malay Quarter. It is a former racially segregated area, situated on the slopes of Signal Hill above the city centre and is a historical centre of Cape Malay culture in Cape Town.
4. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is acclaimed as one of the great botanic gardens of the world. Few gardens can match the sheer grandeur of the setting of Kirstenbosch, against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
Where to stay Cape Town
1. Luxury – Atlantic View Cape Town Boutique Hotel
Atlanticview Cape Town is a privately owned intimate 5-Star Boutique Hotel. It’s perfectly located close to all the main tourist attractions, nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain in Fashionable Camps Bay, “The South African Corniche”, packed with world-class restaurants, bars and beaches. The hotel is accessible to the Beaches (2 min), Table Mountain (5 min) Down Town or V+A Waterfront shopping Centre (10 min) and Cape Town International Airport (20 min). The Cape of Good Hope, Penguin Colony and Cape Winelands are less than an hour away.
The hotel has commanding 180-degree magnificent views sweeping from the top of Table Mountain and The Twelve Apostles range that disappears into the sea. It is truly the perfect place to holiday, honeymoon or simply take a break for a romantic weekend. This beautiful property is situated alongside a greenbelt/nature reserve in very quiet surroundings. It is far enough from the noisy crowds of the promenade but close enough to enjoy the beaches, bars and restaurants with spectacular views in all directions.
2. Mid Range – Anchor Bay Guest House
Anchor Bay Guest House is nestled on the slopes of Table Mountain within walking distance from the famous restaurants and nightlife of Sea Point. Less than 3.5 km away is the CBD of Cape Town, Cape Town Stadium, and of course, the extraordinary V&A Waterfront – a world-famous working harbour with many speciality restaurants, shops, boutiques, boat cruises, ferries to Robben Island, an aquarium and much more.
3. Unique – The Grand Daddy
The Mother City’s most original, convenient and fun place to stay! The luxurious Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel on Long Street bustles with energy.
As well as standard rooms the Grand Daddy has an airstream trailer park on its rooftop. The seven original Airstream trailers each have their own decor theme and collectively reflect a typical South African road trip. Authentic Airstream trailers are incredible works of craftsmanship and their classic shape is unforgettably iconic.
4. Budget – Long Street Backpackers
Accurately described as “The Soul of Long Street” (Lonely Planet, 2011), this famous hostel is the epicentre of action on Cape Town’s most vibrant street. There are literally hundreds of eating, drinking and entertainment options right on the doorstep.
Sleeping up to 80 guests, this hostel features a lush internal courtyard that’s perfect for braais, ping-pong, chilling, and meeting fellow travellers. The iconic brick building also boasts two large, sun-drenched balconies, with views of Long Street and Signal Hill. There are dormitory-style accommodations, as well as single, twin, and double private rooms, all with shared bathrooms. There is a TV room with satellite TV, a pool table, a well-stocked communal kitchen, and fibre-speed WIFI.
More to Explore
