Between Hout Bay and Noordhoek, Chapman’s Peak follows the mountainside above the Atlantic. It is a short stretch of road, but the viewpoints make it worth allowing more time than the distance suggests.
Two directions, different views
From Hout Bay, the road climbs above the bay before rounding the slopes towards Noordhoek. In the opposite direction, the long beach frames the opening section before the views gradually turn towards Hout Bay. The best direction depends on the rest of your itinerary and where you would like to stop.
On a motorcycle, the perspective changes quickly. To take in the scenery properly, pull into a designated stopping place, switch off the engine and remove your helmet. The sound of the ocean becomes part of the experience.
Planning for the light
A morning ride and a late-afternoon crossing produce very different photographs. The season, cloud cover and position of the sun matter more than a single recommended time. If sunset photography is part of your plan, arrive at your chosen viewpoint early enough to watch the light change.
Before you go
Check the road’s opening status and current toll before setting out. Wind and traffic conditions may affect the day’s plans. Allow time for the onward journey too: staying for sunset usually means riding part of the way back after dark.
Chapman’s Peak fits well into an Atlantic coast ride or a day around the peninsula. Give it room in the itinerary so you can enjoy a proper stop, rather than simply passing through.
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