Items filtered by date: October 2015

Every March the largest timed cycle race in the world, the Cape Town Cycle Tour, takes place around Cape Town which includes the highest section on the route at 169m over Chapman’s Peak Drive. On the Easter Weekend every year, the world’s most beautiful ultra marathon, the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon, takes place in Cape Town and part of the route includes Chapman’s Peak Drive. Please note that any additional events will have to be arranged with the operators.

Numerous restaurants in Hout Bay and Noordhoek serve a perfect blend of local and international cuisine. Dining-out in both towns or on the Cape Point Route offers diversity in cuisine from relaxed waterside eateries to fine dining restaurants.

The villages of Noordhoek and Hout Bay offer quaint shops in which to browse and active weekend markets.

Hout Bay itself is probably one of the safest sailing venues anywhere in the world, and is also ideal for sea kayaking, surfing and scuba diving depending on the weather and wind conditions.

Hout Bay boasts one of the most active fishing harbours in South Africa. Housed within the harbour are the yacht and power-boat marinas - both popular and convenient stopovers for craft from all parts of the globe. Deep sea fishing charters leave from Hout Bay Harbour.

Noordhoek’s Long Beach with its 8km of pristine white sand, is a popular destination for beach horse riding.

Chapman’s Peak Drive and the surrounding coastal areas offer excellent whale watching spots during the annual whale season in Cape Town as a land based whale watching spot. The whales migrate in winter with the peak period from mid August- mid November.

As with road runners, Chapman’s Peak Drive is well utilised by cyclists living or visiting the area due to the hill training as part of a longer cycle route. The remarkable scenery makes the route an amazing experience for cyclists.

Running or jogging is a popular Cape Town activity and residents are particularly fond of a running or training route along #Chappies.  Weekend mornings can become busy and congested with runners in training. The 9km route requires fitness and effort as it undulates, ascends and descends around numerous bends. Visiting guests have often mentioned #Sightrunning to us... sight-seeing and running at the same time!  This is a great and unique way to explore the drive!   

Each year the annual Two Oceans Ultra Marathon, takes place in Cape Town and the race includes Chapman's Peak Drive as part of the route.  Motorists are advised that Chapman’s Peak Drive is closed to the public on race day which is traditionally held on Easter Saturday.

With the Table Mountain Chain running the length of the Cape Peninsula, there is little doubt that hiking on the mountain is a popular Cape Town activity. Silvermine Nature Reserve, Cape of Good Hope section of the Table Mountain National Park are popular hiking destinations in the Cape Peninsula. The National Park offers an accessible wilderness experience with spectacular views.

The Chapman's Peak hike itself, is a moderate hike and should take 2 - 3 hours in total depending on the length of your rest stops. Park near the Day Pass ticket collectors, and follow the sign to the start of the hike.  It's a steep start but you are surrounded by proteas and other fynbos, (indigenous vegetation) to keep your mind off the ascent!  There are wonderful views of Hout Bay as you round the first peak, and the final ascent gives you great views of Fish Hoek, Noordhoek Beach and even Gordon's Bay on the far side of False Bay if it's a clear day. Return to your vehicles the same route.