Chapman’s Peak Drive South Africa

It’s a long ways down to the crashing waves.  But if you like scenic ocean views with sudden drop offs then Chapman’s Peak Drive along the Western Cape of South Africa is a must.

I thrive on curvy mountain roads so thoroughly enjoyed the 114 curves in 5.6mi/9km from Noordhoek…

…north past Hout Bay.

I saw many bicycles along this narrow shoulderless roadway.  The riders may have been practicing for the annual Cape Argus Cycle Race held in March.

Around 1910, Sir Nicolas Fredrick de Waal, first administrator of the Cape Province, called for a road to connect Noordhoek and Hout Bay.  Between 1915 and 1922 convict labor carved the road out of soft sediments while the road base sits on solid granite.

Frequent rockfalls, mudslides and washouts later required building protective canopies and fences in some areas thus in 2003 this became a toll road certainly worth the 31.00 Rand tariff (4 USD).  Yet because Chapman’s Peak Drive is part of the Cape Peninsula National Park if you have a Wild Card, good for entry into national parks, the tariff is only 24.00 Rand (3 USD).

Cheaper than any amusement park thrill ride.  So I drove it both ways.