Breathtaking views await. Chapman’s Peak View Point offers a panorama of the Atlantic Ocean and the South African coastline. This is Chapman’s Peak Drive. It is affectionately known as “Chappies” to Cape Town residents.
Chapman’s Peak Drive stretches 9km from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. The drive boasts 114 curves. This makes it necessary for motorists to drive slowly. Driving slowly allows you to gaze out at the spectacular vistas.
In 1607, John Chapman, a ship’s pilot, sought provisions near Hout Bay. He recorded the bay as Chapman’s Chaunce. The name stuck and became well-known on East India trade maps.
In the early 1900s, Sir Nicolaas Frederik de Waal wanted a road linking Hout Bay and Noordhoek. Teams surveyed potential sites in 1910. They pronounced the task “a mission impossible.” De Waal ordered the go-ahead on the cliff road.
Chapman’s Peak Drive opened to traffic on May 6, 1922. It took seven years to complete. The road used hard Cape Granite Contour as its base. It used softer Malmesbury sediments to carve the roadway into the cliffs. The pass was cleverly engineered. The road was widened in 1962. A bridge was built in 1977. A section of the road washed away.
Rock falls and mudslides posed unforeseen hazards. Between 1998 and 2000, four deaths occurred. Numerous severe injuries happened. The road closed to reinforce rock fall protection measures. International best practices were implemented. These included a half tunnel and catch fences. Slope stabilization and canopy structures were added. In 2004, Chapman’s Peak Drive received an award. It was an excellence award for rock fall protection. The pass has remained open since its last re-opening on October 9, 2009.
Chapman’s Peak Drive offers numerous points to pull over safely. Savor panoramic views. Some vantage points are up to 593m above sea level. You might see whales and dolphins. Baboon troops curiously observe passing tourists. Don’t feed the baboons.
Hikers can hike up Chapman’s Peak along a marked path. Take lots of water. There are no taps along the route or at the top.
Chapman’s Peak Drive forms part of the annual routes for the Cape Argus Cycle Tour. It also is part of the Two Oceans Marathon.
In 1988, a driver missed a hairpin bend. His Mercedes-Benz plummeted 30 stories below. He lived. Mercedes filmed a commercial to demonstrate car safety.
Along the route, travelers can buy local art as souvenirs. They can take photos. There are designated picnic spots to experience nature. During winter and early spring, you might spot the Southern Right Whale.
Enjoy your time at Chapman’s Peak View Point. Remember the road’s history. Admire the engineering. Savor the views.