Here at Chapman's Peak Drive we are whale fans! It's one of our favourite things about the winter months here in Cape Town, South Africa.  Every year, the Southern Right Whale visits the Cape coastline. These gentle giants do a great job of treating Cape Town locals to a display of breaching, spouting, spyhopping and fluking. Of all the whale species that frequent our shores, the Southern Right whale is the most common. On a great day, you may even spot some Humpback and Bryde’s whales while you’re whale-watching.  Check out the Top 5 Whale Watching Spots. 

If you are standing at one of the view points on #Chappies and see a whale spouting, you may need a few interesting facts whales - in particular, about the Southern Right Whale:

• Southern Right whales migrate annually from Antarctica to the coast around Cape Town. The main reason for this migration is to calve their offspring. Their stay lasts for about six months (June-November).
• Before the Southern Right whales became an endangered species in 1935, they were considered to be the ‘right’ whales to hunt, because of their slow swimming speeds and the fact that their carcasses float. 
• The Southern Right whale’s average length is 15 meters and can weigh 60 tons. 
• These whales are distinguished by the callosities on their heads, their long arching mouths and their double blowhole. 
• Southern Right whales are very active on the water surface and are increasingly curious toward humans.
• They love tail sailing, whereby they use their flukes to catch the wind.
• Southern Right whales have strong maternal connections, especially with the locations and gene pools they are born into. 
• Females, who migrate to calve, usually return to their birth spots. 
• Hermanus, is known as the mecca of Southern Right whales, however, they are quite common in Cape Town, around the Chapman’s Peak area. 

Visit our blog for more information on where you can find these gentle giants.  We always encourage taking the scenic route to get more experiences like whale-whatching out of life! If you’re visiting Cape Town, this winter, book a vehicle with cheap car hire Cape Town today. 

Photo credit: D. Hurwitz, Simon's Town Boat Company

Entilini Operations reminds all users of Chapman’s Peak Drive that inclement weather can cause #Chappies to be closed. High risk weather conditions, notably strong winds or heavy rain, will likely cause the drive to be closed. The safety of all road users is the highest priority, and the decision to close Chappies can be taken within a minute. Once the gate is closed, no-one will be allowed to enter – not even runners or cyclists.

It is hard to pre-warn motorists or recreational users of the road closures, as the weather is notoriously unpredictable in the Cape in winter. If there is a stormy day and you are a regular user, please prepare for last minute changes to the drive’s status and we appreciate your co-operation to ensure the safety of users on Chapman’s Peak Drive.

Efforts to notify the public as quickly as possible of road closures include:

• The electronic notification board which is linked to the website stating open or closed.
• Social Media status updates are done manually as soon as possible.
  Please follow us on our social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) to keep up to date with notifications of any Road Closures on Chapman's Peak Drive & other happenings.
• An SMS is sent out to all registered frequent users during the closure events. This service is only available to our registered Frequent Users. Registration is Free - CLICK HERE to sign up. 
• Media Release to local radio Stations.

As always Chapman’s Peak Drive thanks you for your patience during the possible road closures of the winter period. We remind our users that the alternative route is Ou Kaapse Weg.

Photo Credit: IG_user @seat22jay

The annual increase of the Chapman’s Peak Drive toll tariff fees will take effect on 1 July 2019.

The increase arises from a contractual arrangement between the Department of Transport and Public Works and the Concessionaire.

Discount tariffs are still applicable to users who have pre-registered with the concessionaire operator and who maintain a minimum balance of R50.00 in their accounts. Discount tariffs are only applicable to non-commercial use only.

New Tariff Toll - effective 1 July 2019

For a light motor vehicle, the toll will start now start at R50 for one way for individual trips.

Please see the new tariff schedule below or Click Here for full details.

Note (1): All tariffs include 15% VAT

Note (2): Discount tariffs are only applicable to users who have pre-registered with the Concessionaire and who maintain a minimum balance of R50.00 in their accounts.

Note (3): Wild Card Tariffs are only applicable to persons in possession of valid Wild Cards as distributed by South African National Parks and Cape Nature Conservation and who have pre-registered with the Operator / Concessionaire. Wild card holders who have not pre-registered but who present their cards at the toll plaza will not qualify for the Wild Card Tariff. It is for non-commercial use only.

Wild Card is not applicable for Motor cycle users.

The following vehicles are exempted from paying toll fees

South African Police Service motor vehicles in the performance of duty

South African National Defence Force motor vehicles in the performance of duty

Western Cape Provincial Administration emergency vehicles and Traffic Police motor vehicles in the performance of duty

City of Cape Town emergency services vehicles and Traffic Police motor vehicles in performance of duty

Ambulances used for an ambulance service licensed in terms of the Western Cape Ambulance Services Act, 2012 (Act 3 of 2010) used in the performance of ambulance services

Fire-fighting vehicles as defined in section 1 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996) used in the performance of fire-fighting services

Rescue vehicles as defined in section 1 of the National Road Traffic Act,1996 (Act 93 of 1996) used in the performance of rescuing services

The following motor vehicles are prohibited from using the road

Travelling in a direction from north to south (Hout Bay to Noordhoek)

Heavy motor vehicles

Articulated vehicles

Travelling in a direction from south to north (Noordhoek to Hout Bay)

Heavy motor vehicles

Category 3, Category 4 and Category 5 motor vehicles

Any motor vehicle exceeding 2,1 metres in width

Please click here for all new tariffs– effective 1 July 2019

Frequent User Discount

Receive discounted rates at the Chapman’s Peak Drive toll road when you sign up for a Frequent User Card! You will receive SMS notifications when #Chappies is closed. Progressive discounts apply - It’s never been easier to save. Register online for your Frequent User Card in Three Easy Steps.

Three Easy Steps

STEP 1 - Sign Up Online
Quick & Easy Online form

STEP 2 - Card is Ready in 24 Hours
Collect at Toll Plaza Office (Office Hours: Mon- Fri 08h00 -17h00)

STEP 3 - Top Up Card Any Time
Minimum R50 balance to remain on card

SIGN UP NOW

See Tariffs  for all classes here

As in life….Terms and Conditions apply!

It’s Whale season in Cape Town, which means that the Southern Right Whales are migrating into the coastal waters of the Western Cape to calve and nurse their young. This seasonal migration takes place during June- November, every year, with September usually being the peak period. 

Here are five of the best whale-watching spots in the Western Cape

Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive | Pixabay

Chapman’s Peak Drive is an excellent whale-watching spot in Cape Town. It happens to be one of the most spectacular coastal roads on the planet and runs between Noordhoek and Hout Bay. At #Chappies you will be able to experience a mountainside vantage viewing of the passing or calving whales. Keep a look out for Humpback whales, Brydes whales and dolphins too!

Cape Agulhas

The Cape Agulhas | Henri Steenkamp

The Cape Agulhas is known to be the perfect place for spotting the Humpback Whale. The Southern Right Whales are spotted along these shores, but not as frequently as the Humpback. If you’re timing is right, you may even spot some Orce’s on the coast.

De Hoop Nature and Marine Reserve

Image: De Hoop Collection

De Hoop is one of South Africa’s most diverse nature reserves, encompassing a mountain range , unspoilt beaches, towering sand dunes and a dreamy vlei. It is arguably the best land-based whale-watching destination in the Cape Whale Coast.

Witsand

Whale Watchers Inn | Image- Inside Guide

Witsand is often referred to as the “Whale nursery of South Africa”, due to the pods of Southern Right Whales who migrate and calve in Saint Sebastian Bay. This town is well-known as a special place for land-based, whale-watching only.

Gansbaai

Image: Inside Guide

The fishing village of Gansbaai is the only South African Town that boasts the Big 2, namely the Great White Shark and the Southern Right Whales. You can enjoy a whale-watching experience on land or join a boat-based and aerial tour.

If you’re planning a trip to the Western Cape this holiday, book a vehicle with cheap car rental Cape Town to accommodate your travel plans around this glorious province.

Chapman’s Peak runs between Hout Bay and Noordhoek and has been crowned the paradise of Cape Town. It is safe to say that a visit to South Africa’s Mother City is incomplete without being mesmerized by Chapman’s Peak drive. Here are three things you should know about ‘Chappies’...

The distance and its reward

Chapman’s Peak drive is 9 km long, stretching from Noordhoek to Houtbay. The drive has 114 curves and is often regarded as the most rewarding toll road in the country. On one side you have a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and on the other the Western Mountains of the Cape Peninsula. On your way, there are plenty of stops you can make to take photos and take in the scenery. It is one of those drives you can never exhaust, every visit to Chappies is a reward. Share your experiences on Chapman's Peak Drive with us on your social media platform. 

You can pack a picnic basket

On your way, there are plenty of stops you can make to take photos and take in the scenery. There are also designated picnic spots and viewpoints for you to experience nature at its better. During the latter part of winter and early spring, you might even be able to spot the Southern Right Whale.

Chappies has been crowned SA’s most innovative road engineering project

Chapman’s Peak drive was constructed under the order of Sir Nicolas Frederick, the first administrator of the Cape Province. At the time, two possible routes were under consideration in 1910, however the low nek between the Chapman’s and Noordhoek Peaks was second to the more spectacular route along the vertical sea cliffs. The route took seven years to complete and was officially opened in 1922. In 2004, Chapman’s Peak Drive received an excellence award for rock fall protection.

Are you planning on visiting Chapman’s Peak drive on your next holiday? Most tourists opt for cheap car rental to accommodate their travel plans.

Photo Credit:  Landscape photography of the ocean and Chapman’s Peak | Jaques Burger

It’s that time of the year again, where local and international athletes and sporting enthusiasts gear up for the annual Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon. The sporting event has earned a sterling reputation over the years and has been crowned the world’s most beautiful marathon.

The event attracts over 25 000 participants across South Africa and abroad and has become a national institution in our country. Although the marathon provides participants with the most breathtaking scenery, the race can be quite challenging and has been said to be a “gruelling test of fitness” for beginners and professional athletes. Athletes journey around the Cape Peninsula during the marathon, a highlight being their trip around the world renowned Chapman’s Peak Drive, located on the western side of Table Mountain, one of the world’s seven natural wonders.  

Race day and other events:

• The Ultra Marathon takes place on the 20th April 2019 and is a total of 56 km. This year is particularly special as the Ultra Marathon celebrates its 50th anniversary.
• The Half Marathon takes place on the 20th April 2019 and is a total of 21 km. This event is great for recreational to mid-level runners who are not quite ready to tackle the 56 km race yet.
• The Two Oceans Marathon caters for trail runners too. Participants can look forward to the nested pathways and dramatic landscapes of Newlands Forest to the lower slopes of Devil’s Peak. Trail runners have to be  18 years or older to participate in this race.
• If you’re planning on bringing the whole family to the Mother City for the marathon, you can look forward to the fun runs, specifically designed for toddlers, parents and the whole family on the 19th of April 2019. Most travellers opt for car hire to accommodate their travel plans.

If you’re not participating in this year’s race, find your way around the Cape Peninsula to spectate the world’s most beautiful marathon in full view.

Photo Credit: Chapman’s Peak Drive| Sharon Ang

OMTOM 56km Ultra Marathon - 20 April 2019

The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon is a 56 km (35 mile) ultra marathon held annually in Cape Town, South Africa on the Saturday of the Easter weekend. Self-proclaimed as “the world’s most beautiful marathon", the ultra-marathon will take place on Easter Saturday, 20 April 2019 in Cape Town. The 56km route will remain the same as usual. The race is run against a backdrop of spectacular scenery through the Cape Peninsula. It is as stunning as it is challenging.  The very popular half marathon is also held on the same day as the ultra marathon, but does not include Chapman's Peak Drive.  Route Information

Road Closure for Two Oceans Marathon 

Chapman’s Peak Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic for this iconic Cape Town event.  Chappies will also have a temporary road closure on Sat 20 April from 03h30 and should reopen betwee 12h00 and 14h00. 
See all Road Closures on 20 April 2019

Chapman's Peak Drive itself is the iconic climb of the Ultra Marathon, and it's one of the most beautiful sections of road anywhere in the world.  It also ushers in the tough second half of the race, coming shortly after the halfway mark in Noordhoek.  In order to assist the race organisers and to provide the competitors with a remarkable route, Chapman's Peak Drive will be temporarily closed for this annual Cape Town event. 

Two Oceans Marathon Race Organizers

087 742 0210 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Chapman's Peak Drive Enquiries  

021 791 8220 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

41st Cape Town Cycle Tour

The 2019 Cape Town Cycle Tour takes place on Sunday, March 10. The Cape Town Cycle Tour which was previously held under the name of one of the sponsors, the Cape Argus is a cycling event held in Cape Town, South Africa and it is the largest, timed cycling event in the world. Traditionally the race is held on the second Sunday in March.

The most beautiful bike race in the world circles the Cape Peninsula, starting and finishing in the shadow of Table Mountain, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This is a large international event with more than 30,000 people taking part from all over the World. The route is 110km long and you will ride through various town and communities in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Cape Town Cycle Tour Route Description

After a ‘Hoopla’, and the crack of the starter’s pistol, the new start sees riders head past the Cape Town Castle for the first time in 35 years, before hitting the first challenge of the day – Nelson Mandela Boulevard – a little later than before. A swift swoop through Hospital Bend, before spinning past UCT and Newlands Forest, and suddenly you will be on Edinburgh Drive. Also called Wynberg Hill, this steep ramp reminds you why you needed to train, before the fast 25-odd kilometres to Simonstown restores the faith, a little.

The long drag up to Smitswinkel and the entrance to the Cape Point Nature Reserve almost brings you to the halfway point and, if the South Easter is pumping, some welcome relief from the niggly headwinds. The traverse through Scarborough and Misty Cliffs is restorative, after your guaranteed too-fast start, with a cool breeze and the best view of the ocean all day. Then it all gets hard again, with the flat run back to Fishhoek straight into the South Easter softening the legs for the Chapman’s Peak/Suikerbossie double-feature to come. Chapman’s Peak is a two-part trial; Little Chappies is short and steep, but over quickly and buoyed by the spectator support at its foot. The main climb is longer, but flatter, and offers distractions aplenty (force yourself to look) as you ride one of the world’s most beautiful roads. After a speedy descent into Hout Bay, it is time to face the demons of Suikerbossie. Chappies is one of the highlights of the race.

A kilometre-and-a-half of purgatory – it is the same for everyone, dig in and use the spectators for inspiration and distraction – will be over sooner than you think, and then it is fifteen glorious downhill and flat kilometres to the finish, through Bakoven, Camp’s Bay (the little kick up to the old finish in Maiden’s Cove will wake your legs up), Clifton and Sea Point.  ROUTE DESCRIPTION 2019 

#Chappies Road Closure 

Due to race logistics Chapman's Peak Drive will be temporarily closed for 24 hours for preparation and the event.  Chappies Road Closure for Cape Town Cycle Race - Saturday 09 March at 18h00 until Sunday 10 March 2019 at 17h00.

All Road Closures for Cape Town Cycle Tour 2019 

Please share the road

We all love Chappies! Lets not compromise access or usage. There are few more beautiful spots in this gorgeous city of ours than Chapman's Peak Drive Loved by all who use #Chappies for the sheer joy & pleasure of it - the walkers, the runners, the cyclists, the Sunday Drivers, the tour buses and the gobsmacked self-drive visitors who join the daily commuters. Please share the road and be considerate of other users who have the same right to be there as you. Many cyclists and runners will be training on Chapman's Peak Drive during February, March and April - let's give them space to be their best. 

• Motorists please be reminded that the speed limit on Chapman's Peak Drive is 40km/hour and stay wider of the rider.
• Cyclists please stay in single file.

February - Month of Love

Valentine's Day on the 14 February each year is the highlight of the month of love. Cupid and hearts and couples holding hands seem to be everywhere!  February however is no different to other months on Chappies - though our fabulous neighbours in Noordhoek and Hout Bay have some sensational Valentine's Day offers for you or your loved one. 

Location Location Location

Some destinations seems to inspire romance and we are fortunate to be one of them.  A popular destination for wedding photographs, a destination for engagement proposals, a popular destination for a romantic roadtrip, a romantic picnic or a one of the top 10 sunset destinations in Cape Town (if not the globe!). Chapman's Peak Drive is a Valentine's Day Dream! 

A Picture Says a Thousand Words  

We have thousands of pictures to say thousands of words. On #Chappies - love stays in the air. 
#HappyValentine's Day 

Alien Vegetation Clearing is Back

Frequent Users of Chapman's Peak Drive will be familiar with our periodic road closures for Alien Vegetation clearing. This is essential to protect our delicate eco-systems and prevent the alien plants from stealing ground water or destroying our natural fynbos.

SANParks Table Mountain HAT Teams in conjunction with Working on Fire send out specialized teams to clear these aliens using ropes and technology to chop and clear the slopes of Chapman's Peak Drive and protect them from the alien threat.  Whilst they are at work, the drive below will be encounter falling debris, making it dangerous for passage.

The Alien Vegetation Clearing Unit will tackle the slopes of Chappies between  09h30 and 15h00 every Wednesday in February and March 2019 - weather permitting. 

Start Date: Weds 6 Feb 2019 
Completion Date:  Weds 27 Mar 2019 

Chapman's Peak Drive is committed to protecting our slopes and as such Chappies will be closed to all traffic as per the schedule whilst the Alien Vegetation Clearing Team takes to the slopes of the mountain above our drive to remove as many aliens as possible on the above mentioned dates.   

We understand the inconvenience but appreciate your assistance in the process of removing these aliens during which time Chapman's Peak Drive will be closed to all traffic - vehicles,  bicycles and pedestrians.  Please try and travel before 09h00 or after 15h30 on Wednesdays.  

Should you need to travel between Noordhoek and Hout Bay between those times, kindly use Ou Kaapse Weg as an alternative route.  We thank you for your co-operation and trust the mild inconvenience will be worth everyone's time to rid our slopes of Alien Vegetation.  

Should you have any queries please call 021 791 8220

Chapman’s Peak Drive Toll Plaza Office Hours:

The Toll Plaza is open Monday - Friday from 08h00 - 16h30 for registration as a Frequent User.
Address: Toll Plaza, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Plaza Tel: 021 791 8220