Cape Town - Chapman's Peak Drive
 

In an earlier posting someone mentioned that Chapman's Peak Drive is 'closed indefinitely.' I see on their web site that the 'current road condition' is 'closed' but further down the page, they say :'Closed, day passes only.'
http://www.chapmanspeakdrive.co.za/index.php

Can anyone enlighten me as too what this means if you want to drive from Hout Bay to Noordhoek? Is this possible?

Carlux,

One can travel over Chapmans Peak from Hout Bay to Noordhoek or visa versa. This is the journey which presently is closed to public travel due to rockfalls. There is talk about the drive being opened up in January 2009 but my opinion is that you should not hold your breath as far as this is concerned.

Another option that Chapmans Peak offers is that you can obtain a day pass from the Hout Bay information centre. This pass allows you to start the Chapmans Peak drive from the Hout Bay side however all that the pass allows you to do is stop one third of the way up where you can picnic in the designated picnic area. Thats all that the pass allows you to do. It unfortunately does not allow you to cross over the peak.

Hope this helps and trust that you will have great time when you visit our wonderful city.

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r))nation of South Africa

Thanks Selwyn. Looks like we will have to get to Noordhoek from the east side. We thought about trying the Foodbarn restaurant there.

We know we will have a great time in the Cape - it's our fourth time, every year a little longer. (It's a lot warmer than France in the winter)

We stay in Gordon's Bay,not as exciting as Cape Town, but good for a long stay, and near the Wine area, which is one of our major interests. And the drive east from Gordon's Bay along the coast is just about as spectacular as the Chapman's Peak Drive.

Carlux,

It is definitely worth the ride to go to the Foodbarn but do remember that you have to book beforehand.

Hate to disagree but while the Gordons Bay coastline is a truly spectacular drive nothing beats Chappies. This is what makes me so furious that visitors like you to our city cannot enjoy this drive due to bureaucratic governmental decisions not allowing for the repair of the road after rockfalls. Anyway heres hoping that the Peak will be open when you arrive in our city.

Enjoy Cape Town when you once again visit us.

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r))nation of South Africa

We went to the Foodbarn during our recent holiday, unfortunately they were full so you do need to book we went on the off chance but it was a fair drive from Constantia where we stayed, (in process of completing trip report,!)

We're much the same as Carlux.

Off for Xmas and New Year to South Africa for the 3rd year in a row (it's hard to stay away).

This year we're staying the first couple of nights in Kommetjie, a place with a superb beach and that lovely 'away from it all feeling'...we were hoping to drive into Hout Bay along Chapmans Peak Drive,a s it really is one of the most spectacular piece of coastlines in the world...especially coming from South to North.

However, that'll change our plans just a little. We'll just have to spend the first few days in the Kommetjie/Noordhoek area, with maybe a journey or 2 to the False Bay side of the peninsula.

It's hardly a punishment, is it ? :-)

MacSporran,

Eat your heart out. I drive these roads on a daily basis for a living while I take people around Cape Town and its surrounds. How is that for punishment in the job that one has to do?:) :)

Very happy to see that you are returning to my great city and wonderful country. The bug has obviously caught you and may I add this is not surprising at all. Hope you have a wonderful stay in our city in December and rest assured if you think you've seen all of Cape Town during your past trips I can assure you that you have not, so keep digging away looking for ideas and your vacations will become so much better that you wont miss an annual trip to my city thereafter.

Keep on catching the Cape Town bug and remember to pass it on to others. :) :)

Very proudly part of the wonderful ((r))nation of South Africa

Selwyn,

Thanks for your post...have no doubt about it, I envy you being able to spend every day in one of the most beautiful and friendly parts of the planet ! :-)

You're absolutely correct about making the most of our time in Cape Town. Coming back for a 3rd time gives us the opportunity to explore in more detail places that we were only able to pass through before (hence spending a couple of nights in Kommetjie/Noordhoek...an area which blew our socks off when we stopped there last year).

I always read your contributions with interest as they're invaluable for the little hints and tips that any visitor to Cape Town needs. Keep them coming !

We're spreading our wings a little this year...1 week in Cape Town then flying to PE, visiting Schotia and then taking 10 days to return along the Garden Route...can't wait !

So disappointed to hear Chapman's Peak drive is closed. I am returning "home" for a holiday in mid January after 15 years, and was hoping to do that spectacular trip.

Oh, you can still do that spectacular trip...you just have to do it on foot or via bicycle!

"How is that for punishment in the job that one has to do"

Selwyn - please punish me again!

Jokes apart, Chapmans peak drive was awesome with Selwyn in July, so sad to hear that it is presently closed.