The Most Spectacular Views In Cape Town… just not today!
Sunday 5 March 2023
The Most Spectacular Views...er..?
Chapman’s Peak drive is one of the most spectacular drives and hikes in the world.
There is even a scene in a Ryan Reynolds movie (the name escapes me now) and countless YouTube videos, that feature this iconic route.
The hiking trail is not particularly taxing, depending on your fitness level. It is maybe 6km in total with a gradual ascent to the peak.
What the hike does offer is stunning views, varied terrain, and a chance to see unique flora and fauna.
Chapman’s Peak can be done from Hout Bay or Noordhoek. I prefer Hout Bay.
Hout Bay
20kms from the city of Cape Town, Hout Bay is the quintessential seaside town.
It has 2 major beaches, Hout Bay Beach and Sandy Bay beach, the latter being nudist friendly.
Hout Bay boasts a wonderful shoreline, a harbour with fresh seafood for sale straight off the boats as they dock, restaurants and gangsta seagulls.
Leave your chips or ice cream unattended at your own risk.
Starting Point: Chapman's Peak Drive
Chapman’s Peak Drive is named after John Chapman, a ship’s captain who sent a crew ashore for provisions when their ship becalmed in Hout Bay harbour in 1607.
The road was built between 1915 and 1922, a marvel of engineering at the time. It’s carved into the cliffs, and there are several lookout points where you can stop and take in the scenery, while driving. When hiking and/or running, the views are what keep you going.
Chapman’s Peak is also a dramatic part of the Two Oceans Marathon route, which is Cape Town’s world-renowned ultramarathon.
The Two Oceans Marathon is a 56-kilometer (35-mile) race that takes place on Easter Saturday every year. The race winds through some of the most beautiful and scenic areas of Cape Town, including Chapman’s Peak Drive.
The runners face a gruelling course that includes steep climbs and descents but are rewarded with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains.
Chapman’s Peak Drive is one of the highlights of the course, with its dramatic views of the ocean and the mountains. It is also one of the most challenging parts.
Despite the difficulty of Chappies, as it’s affectionately called, many runners consider it to be the most scenic and rewarding part of the race.
The views from the top of Chappies make you want to stop right there and call an uber, because you are just too tired to continue!
Kidding!!!
Just don’t go down too fast on the 5km to Hout Bay or you will destroy your quads and that 4km up Constantia Nek is unforgiving.
Hiking Chappies
The Chapman’s Peak Hike is a 6-kilometer (3.7 miles) out and back route that starts at the parking area on Chapman’s Peak Drive.
This drive is along one of the most dramatic roads in the world, with vertigo-inducing views of the Atlantic Ocean bashing the rugged shoreline, below towering mountains.
As you start the hike, you are immediately struck by the stunning views of Hout Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Not today though. I was only struck by how the mist was thick enough to cut with a knife.
The trail runs along the top of the ridge, providing panoramic views of the ocean, the mountains, and the surrounding valleys. Usually.
It feels like you are walking on top of the world. Being klapped (smacked) by gale force winds like only Cape Town winds can klap (smack) you.
As you continue the trail, you will experience the humble but unique flora of Cape Town, known as fynbos (fine bush). On a day like today, you can respect how hardy and resilient our fynbos is. They just glistened and glowed in the rain, happily dancing in the gales.
The fynbos vegetation is one of the most diverse in the world, with over 9000 species found in a relatively small biosphere.
Keep an eye out for proteas, ericas, and other wildflowers that bloom throughout the year.
You may also spot some of the local fauna. Look out for dassies (rock hyrax), which are small, furry creatures that live in rocky areas.
You may also see some of the many bird species that call this area home, including African penguins, cormorants, and seagulls.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot a southern right whale or a school of dolphins swimming in the ocean below.
The trail has some steepish sections, but overall it is not difficult.
If you do the hike point-to-point, from Hout Bay to Noordhoek, and don’t return to Hout Bay, the most challenging part of the trail will be the final descent down to the beach at Noordhoek.
This section is quite steep and can be slippery, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes with good traction.
The Chapman’s Peak Hike is suitable for hikers of all fitness levels. It is also a good hike for children over 6 years.
The out and back route can take anywhere from 2 – 4 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the views.
Stop. Inhale the view. When it’s visible. Otherwise, just enjoy the mist on your face and the wind in your hair.
On Sunday 5 March 2023, we were greeted with rain and mist. But true hikers never let weather get in the way of a good hike.
Someone once said, there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing.
We met at the Velocity Gym parking in Hout Bay and carpooled to the start of the hike.
We stopped at the toll gate for a day pass. If you want to continue to drive to Noordhoek, you will need to pay R47.00 at the gate.
The day pass is free. Hold onto the day pass. You will have to give it back to the toll-booth attendant when you leave.
On the right side of the Chapman’s Peak drive is a small parking area. If you are a big group, it’s advisable to carpool.
The trail starts up a gentle incline on a rocky, well-maintained path. It was wet and windy, but we were undeterred.
The spirit was strong with these hikers. Like the fynbos we skrikked vir niks (were not afraid).
We were fortunate to be joined by my sister, Nthabaleng, on her first hike with us. Hopefully, she will be able to join us on many more.
I would be lying if I said it conditions were easy.
What is normally a relatively easy walk, suddenly became a dice against the elements, with gale force winds threatening to blow us off the mountain and into the Atlantic Ocean.
Sadly, the spectacular views were hidden behind thick mist and clouds. The good news was that I noticed how beautiful the fynbos was, even in the wind and rain.
Just before we reached the summit, we were pelted by hard drops of icy rain. Nobody complained. We need the water. Rain is a blessing, after all.
And the view from Chappies will still be there when the clouds clear. Cape of Storms indeed.
The Summit
There is an amazing view behind those storm clouds, believe it or not.
Congratulations to everyone who made it to the summit in very trying conditions, with a smile and their sense of humour intact!
We were rewarded with Meenakshi’s very belated birthday cake. But better late than never. It tasted delicious! And the sugar was a welcome distraction from the miserable wetness.
The trek down was harder in some ways, especially with the howling wind whipping our rain gear about and smacking us about the face with drops of rain. But still smiles at the end.
Tips For Hiking Chappies:
1. Wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes with good ankle support.
2. Dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. It is always advisable to bring a windbreaker or rain jacket, as well as a hat and sunscreen.
3. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail.
4. Start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day and crowds on the trail.
5. Take your time and enjoy the stunning views along the way. There are several lookout points where you can stop and take photos or just soak up the scenery.
Pro-Tip: Choose a clear sunny day, so you have a view to see 😀
Yster💥… Great read…. Learnt alot… Keep it up Bibs