Here’s how to celebrate 100 years of Chapman’s Peak

Free access to Chappies, giveaways, festivities + 5 things you should know

Last updated: Friday, 29 April 2022

Chapman’s Peak Drive is turning 100 years old this year with a whole weekend dedicated to feel-good festivities for all Capetonians and visitors. This stunning coastal road remains an iconic tourist attraction and vital route connecting the north and south of the Atlantic Seaboard.

In honour of the centenary, here are all the things you should know about Chappies, from free access to firetrucks, skateboard clinics, side cars, soccer matches and more. Plus, stand a chance to win some great prizes.

Chappies first opened to the public on 6 May 1922. Image: Chapman’s Peak Drive

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHAPPIES

Did you know that it took 7 years for Chapman’s Peak to be built? The engineering of this scenic route began in 1915, cutting a road to connect Noordhoek and Hout Bay. It opened on 6 May 1922, giving Capetonians this stunning 9km drive along the coast. 

Chapman’s Peak was named after John Chapman, the first mate of an English ship which rounded the Cape of Good Hope in 1607. Image: Etiennedup Flickr

100 years later, Chappies (as it’s affectionately known) has over 5000 Capetonians registered as frequent drivers. It offers spectacular hiking routes, picnic spots, lookout points and has been integrated into major sports events like the Two Oceans Marathon and Cape Town Cycle Tour.

The drive has 114 curves with plenty of stops you can make to take photos and take in the scenery. Image: Tyrone vd Berg

JOIN IN FOR THE FESTIVITIES ALL WEEKEND

The centenary of the beloved Chappies will start on Friday, 6 May 2022, followed by a series of events throughout the anniversary weekend in Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The public can look forward to having free access to the drive during allocated hours so that everyone can enjoy the events in both Hout Bay and Noordhoek. 

Chappies will be free for the public on Friday, 6 May from 8am to 2pm and on Sunday, 8 May from 8am to 8pm. Image: Tyrone vd Berg

Put on your celebratory shoes and join in the festivities with the unveiling ceremony (Friday), a soccer derby or Netball tournament (Saturday), a parade of vehicles on Chappies (Sunday) and many more throughout the weekend. (See below the full schedule of events)

The weekend festivities will take place in Hout Bay, Noordhoek and Chappies Drive. Image: Chapman's Peak Drive

TAKE A PICTURE AT THIS BUCKET-LIST SPOT 

Chapman’s Peak Drive has loads of Instagrammable spots, but the Chappies frame is by far the most popular among locals and tourists. In celebration of this momentous occasion, Chappies is hosting a photo competition for over a 100-day period (26 January to 6 May). 

You can find the frame at the big picnic site, about 300m away from the day pass turnaround. Image: Sonya Kudryash

Here’s how it works: locate this popular frame along the route, take a cool snapshot, post it with #CPD100YEARS and stand a chance to win some amazing prizes. 

Follow @capetownmag on Instagram to find out more about the giveaway. Image: @tebogo_pinpin

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CHAPPIES

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO THROUGH CHAPMAN’S PEAK?

The toll fee differs between the class of vehicle used. Standard tariffs work as follows: R35 for Class 1 (motorcycles), R54 for Class 2 (light vehicles), R215 for Class 3 (mini buses or heavy motor vehicles), R537 for Class 4 (heavy vehicles). 

You can also opt for the day pass (or picnic voucher) which allows you to use part of Chapman's Peak Drive for free (from Hout Bay side). It’s valid for designated picnic areas, lookout points and mountain trails, before the Day Pass Control Point.

WHEN IS CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE OPEN? 

Chappies is open 24/7, depending on the weather. To keep you safe, the road is closed during high-risk weather conditions. The Day Pass is valid during the following hours: summer & spring (Oct – Mar) from 6am - 8pm; winter & autumn (Apr – Sep) from 7am - 6.30pm. 

HOW LONG IS THE DRIVE BETWEEN HOUT BAY AND NOORDHOEK? 

The coastal route is 9km long. There are 114 curves along the drive, with a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Cape Peninsula on the other. 

WHERE ARE THE BEST PICNIC SPOTS AND LOOKOUT POINTS?

There are loads of picnic tables and benches that stretch across the route, along with three major picnic areas. You can also pull over at numerous lookout points. Check out what else you can do at Chappies.

IS CHAPMAN’S PEAK DRIVE SAFE? 

The route is constantly being monitored with advanced security equipment and surveillance cameras. It is also patrolled regularly and blind-spot mirrors are available to help with safety on sharp bends. The road will be closed down during high-risk weather conditions. 

Take a drive down Chappies and enjoy the stunning sunsets. Image: Tyrone vd Berg

WHEN + WHERE TO GO 

100 years celebration is on: 6 - 8 May
Chapman’s Peak Drive is open: 24 hours a day, every day
Find them: Chapman's Peak Drive | Cape Town
Contact them on: 021 791 8220, info@chapmanspeakdrive.co.za, @chapmanspeakdrive

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DISCOVER MORE OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Grab your trail shoes and hike the Chapman’s Peak trail.

Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the lookout points on Chappies.

Add these top 50 activities to your 2022 bucket list.

Discover +7 things to do this weekend.

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