Chapmans Peak Drive and Beyond

Starting in Hout Bay and ending at Noordhoek is arguably the world's most spectacular ocean road – Chapmans Peak Drive. So join us on the drive of a lifetime to Noordhoek and beyond.

We'll start off in Hout Bay...

Hout Bay

Hout Bay has a really lovely beach and the town seems to be living in its own little world – tucked away behind towering mountains and enclosed by the sea - they feel themselves to be a little different to the rest of Cape Town.

Perhaps that is why Hout Bay has become such a mecca for so many artists and writers. They've been finding inspiration in this glorious setting for over half-a-century.

Hout Bay Main Beach

Mariners Wharf - Hout Bay

Fish & Hotel in Hout Bay

To the right of the main beach is where the local fishing boats dock and upstairs there is a really good restaurant called Mariner's Wharf. It looks a bit like an old wooden boat inside and their seafood comes straight from the fishing boats below. I had the best fish curry I've ever tasted here and anything fresher than this would still be swimming.

If you enjoy your seafood then another good option is the Chapman's Peak Hotel (click for more) – it used to be a secret that only locals knew about but suddenly it seems the world has discovered it and you'll need to book.

In season (December to February) you have to stay at the hotel to be allowed to eat in the restaurant.

Chapman's Peak Drive to Noordhoek

Leave Hout Bay on the toll road (it costs R50 each way) for Noordhoek and I can promise you a drive you'll remember for ever more. Along the way are dozens of viewpoints that allow you to stop and enjoy the scenery.

The beginning of the drive

View of the road (and traffic) looking back to Hout Bay

One of the many viewpoints and picnic spots

Nearing the Noordhoek end of the drive

Noordhoek Beach and Monkey Valley Hotel (the thatched roof building) from the end of Chapmans Peak Drive

Noordhoek

At the end of Chapman's Peak Drive (M6) you descend into Noordhoek. Take the first right to reach the Monkey Valley Hotel and the beach. The beach is awespiring! They exercise race horses here and from Chapman's Peak Drive they appear as tiny tots – the beach is that huge!

If you continue straight on the M6 and take the second left you'll discover a great little market called the Noordhoek Farm Village. It is filled with stores selling African crafts and restaurants, get here in the morning (before 11am), if you can, to try one of the farm-style breakfasts - you won't need to eat for the rest of the day!

Noordhoek is a great destination to get away from it all and if you do decide to stay why not feel like an African Queen (or King) at the African Violet Guest House (click for details). It might not be as famous as the Monkey Valley Hotel but they'll treat you way better.

If you want your tummy to feel like royalty while here then pay a visit to Nadege Cuisine, where Nadege will teach you a few tricks in the kitchen and you'll eat the best meal between here and the Antarctic.

Misty Cliffs and Scarborough

To get to here carry on along the M6 until you get to the intersection with Kommetjie Road (M65), turn right and follow the road until you get to Misty Cliffs. Scarborough is a little farther along the same road.

Misty Cliffs

Not much to Misty Cliffs really, but the beach is beautifully wild and usually empty. The only people here are usually kitesurfers who know what they are doing. Handling the strong winds and waves here is not for the beginner.

Kite Surfer - Misty Cliffs

Misty Cliffs Beach

Scarborough

A little more developed, but not by much, is Scarborough.

Driving along from Misty Cliffs you'll see The Hub Cafe and Greenshop on the left as you enter the town - this is a great spot for lunch and the owners Kyall and Natasha are always there to greet you and make you feel right at home.

It might be as casual as any beach bar but the food standards are strictly excellent. I always go with their fish dishes which seem to swim from the ocean to your plate with a quick stop in the kitchen.

I'm a bit of a meat/fish eater but for the sake of complete research I tried their legendary veggie burger - good I guess as these things go but I still prefer a nice meaty burger.

Once you're past the Hub Cafe take the first right into Camel Rock road to reach the beautiful beach. It's not a great place for swimming, with rough & dangerous seas and cold water, but for sunbathing or surfing it is paradise.

Scarborough Beach

Map

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