What is the most beautiful drive in South Africa?
What is the most beautiful drive in South Africa? Without a doubt it is Chapman’s Peak Drive on the Atlantic Coast between Hout Bay and Noordhoek in the Cape Peninsula. #Chappies as it is affectionately known is one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world.
Chapman’s Peak drive was Initially constructed during the First World War. The route comprises a winding 9 km route with114 curves and follows the rocky coastline to unfold breathtaking views in both directions.
Your drive starts at the picturesque fishing harbour of Hout Bay and then the road winds steeply up to Chapman’s Point, revealing breathtaking views of the sandy bays down below, until the road reaches lower levels again going down to Noordhoek with its spectacular white sandy beach.
The areas surrounding Chapman’s Peak offer local and foreign visitors a myriad of things to do.
The route is also a convenient quick gateways between Cape Town and the South Peninsula and is very popular among business people who can shave off more than 20 minutes on their commute during peak traffic. Who will not love this commute?
Chapman’s Peak Drive is operated as a toll road.
If you are a regular user of the drive with eitherC ategory 1 vehicles (motor cycles) or Category 2 vehicles (passenger cars) you are invited to take advantage of various frequent user benefits. The amount of discount you will receive depends on the frequency of usage.
A Day Pass can be obtained from the Hout Bay side, and the use of the first 3 km of the drive is free but you can only access during day time hours.
Toll fees are paid at the Toll Plaza where you can sign up as a frequent user and where . administration of the drive takes place.
Toilets (including disabled toilets) are available at the plaza and along the drive, public ablution facilities are available, are in a good condition and are cleaned regularly.
The route is a great place for a picnic as there are three major picnic areas with more than 60 picnic tables & benches provided along the route for your leisure needs. So pack that picnic basket and enjoy some of the most spectacular views that you will find anywhere.
The route is eco-friendly and all visitors are asked to respect the natural environment in which we co-exist and to use the rubbish bins provided along the road or take your trash with you to dispose of later on.
Safety and security and security of this road is taken very seriously with advanced security equipment and surveillance cameras monitoring conditions on the route. The route is also patrolled regularly to ensure the safety of use.
In the interest of safety, tour buses & long vehicles may only travel in one direction – from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, North to South.
So, ready to enjoy the most beautiful drive in South Africa, if not in the world. ( The Irish might disagree as they tout the famous Ring of Kerry as the most beautiful. What do you think? )