Chapman's Peak Drive in Cape Town is an absolute "must see". The locals refer to this drive as "Chappies" The drive was named after John Chapman who was a Captain's mate on the English vessel, the Consent. It's an engineering feat of epic proportions.
The road from Hout Bay to Noordhoek was ordered by Sir Frederik de Waal, an Administrator of the Cape at the time in the early 1900's. The road took 7 years to complete and was opened in 1922. It remains an incredible feat of engineering. Despite the numerous issues over the years with rock falls and mud slides, the road was widened and further drastic safety measure were put in place after 4 fatalities. The road was closed in 2000 for rock fall measures to be implemented.
"The rock fall protection measures implemented at Chapman’s Peak Drive were selected on the basis of what is considered to be best international practice and consists of a half tunnel, catch fences, slope stabilisation and canopy structures. In 2004, Chapman’s Peak Drive received an excellence award for rock fall protection"
For the full story see:
Awards
- Winner of the SAACE National Award for Engineering Excellence (2004)
- Winner of the SAFCEC National President’s Award (2004)
- Winner of the Bentley Systems prestigious international award (civil Design) for 3D and 2D rockfall hazard analysis and design using the Microstation suite of geospatial software packages (2004)
- Runner-up in SAICE’s National Award for Excellence in Civil Engineering (2004)
Today, this drive is done in various ways.....see above! Cyclists love "Chappies"; runners either love or hate "Chappies" yet they come back for more all the time. Take a Tour bus if you don't feel like driving yourself but if you are an adventurous spirit then maybe hiring a "Cobra" will do it for you.
Check out their website:
The road is 9km long and offers 114 curves - it is truly a "must see" iconic drive. Personally, I would recommend that this road is done in both directions so perhaps start in Hout Bay, take a slow drive to Noordhoek, stopping at the view points along the way before reaching Noordhoek, a sleepy, rural part of Cape Town. You can stop in at Noordhoek Farm Village for lunch before driving back towards Hout Bay where you could enjoy sundowners at one of the many restaurants in the area. For those who love picnics, there are numerous tables with amazing views. There is also a Day Pass if you want to return again for a picnic. Currently, this is free of charge.
Chapmans' Peak Drive is a huge favourite with cyclists - both local and international so do take care if driving as there are numerous groups plus individuals cycling, especially over week-ends. The uphill slog does slow them down somewhat and there are usually large groups taking a breather near the top but those going downhill get up to high speeds and whizz by, enjoying this exhilarating ride. It's not for the feint-hearted though or a novice cyclist.
For more information, plus tariffs or road closures, check out the official website
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