Chapman’s Peak and Noordhoek, Cape Town, South Africa

Chapman’s Peak Drive winds its way between Noordhoek and Hout Bay and is touted as one of the most spectacular marine drives in the world. Chapman’s Peak is the 593m (1 945ft) high southerly extension of the Constantiaberg, and the 9km (5.6mi) long Chapman’s Peak Drive (when open) offers stunning 180-degree views over the Atlantic Ocean. The route below the peak was initially constructed during World War I and traverses 114 curves along the rocky coastline. Starting in picturesque Hout Bay, the road winds steeply up to Chapman’s Peak point – revealing exquisite views of the sandy beaches and aquamarine ocean below – before heading down towards Noordhoek. 

There are viewpoints en route which are ideal for picnics and sundowners, but keep an eye out for cheeky baboons! These appointed rest areas also offer the opportunity to take photographs of the sheer cliffs and breathtaking seascapes.During whale season, you might be lucky enough see southern right whales in the ocean below.

Hout Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

Scenic Hout Bay is a lively coastal town with a lovely swimming beach and a picturesque harbour where you can buy the best fish and chips in the world. The pretty town lies in a protected bay between Chapman's Peak and Mount Sentinel. Getting there is an easy drive from the city centre. Apart from its scenic beauty, Hout Bay is well known for its fishing prowess and is the epicentre of Cape Town’s crayfish industry. Hout Bay residents are so passionate about where they live, that there is a secessionist movement from the Mother City – look out for the tongue-in-cheek “Republic of Hout Bay” bumper stickers on locals’ cars. 

Jan van Riebeeck, the first governor of the Cape, gave the bay its name way back in 1652, when he first arrived. “Hout Bay” means “Wood Bay” – named after the dense forests that characterised the area at the time.

Although the water off Hout Bay beach is a little colder than Muizenberg or Simon's Town, the beach is wide, flat and child-friendly, and the water is not too cold for swimming, especially on a hot summer’s day. If you’re a keen walker, the beaches around Hout Bay are wonderful for long strolls, and The Sentinel is a popular climb. Adventure lovers might also enjoy kayaking, mountain biking, fishing charters and jet-skiing – all available in the Hout Bay area.