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Chapman’s Peak Drive to Close Wednesdays for Alien Vegetation Clearing, Offering Scenic Alternative Chapman’s Peak Drive to Close Wednesdays for Alien Vegetation Clearing, Offering Scenic Alternative

Cape Town’s iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive, the breathtaking 9 km coastal route linking Noordhoek and Hout Bay, will experience temporary closures every Wednesday from 10:00 to 16:00 between 4 February and 25 March 2026. This scheduled closure is part of an environmental initiative led by South African National Parks (SANParks) to clear invasive alien vegetation threatening the region’s unique biodiversity and natural beauty.

Chapman’s Peak Drive is celebrated worldwide for its dramatic cliffs and panoramic ocean views, carved out of the Cape Peninsula’s rugged western coastline. The road is not only a vital transport link but also a major tourist attraction, renowned for its spectacular scenery and rich endemic flora, including the rare Peninsula Sandstone and Cape Granite Fynbos vegetation types. Maintaining this delicate ecosystem is crucial to preserving the area’s ecological integrity and ensuring the continued appeal of this world-famous route.

During the Wednesday closures, travellers are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes to avoid delays. Recommended detours include:

  • Ou Kaapse Weg (M64): Starting from Noordhoek, this scenic mountain pass heads north via Ou Kaapse Weg and reconnects to Hout Bay through Constantia Nek. It offers a beautiful drive through the Table Mountain National Park’s lush landscapes.
  • Silvermine Road: Ideal for local traffic, this route runs parallel to the western side of Table Mountain National Park and serves as a convenient bypass during the closure period.
  • Main Road (M6) via Fish Hoek: Although slightly longer, this coastal route provides a reliable and safe alternative with stunning sea views along the False Bay coastline.

Whether commuting locally or visiting as a tourist, it is essential to check real-time traffic updates and plan journeys accordingly to make the most of the Cape Peninsula’s spectacular surroundings without inconvenience.

Chapman’s Peak Drive has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s and has undergone significant engineering upgrades to ensure safety and accessibility. After a decade of intermittent closures due to rockfall risks, a major civil engineering revamp saw the road reopen in 2009, with closures now only occurring as a precaution during severe weather or for essential maintenance such as this vegetation clearing project.

For the African tourism sector, these closures highlight the ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship in one of the continent’s most visited natural landmarks. Operators and travellers alike should embrace the opportunity to explore alternative routes that showcase the diverse landscapes of the Cape Peninsula, while supporting conservation efforts that protect the region’s unique biodiversity for future generations.

As Chapman’s Peak Drive continues to captivate visitors with its unparalleled coastal vistas and rich natural heritage, these temporary closures serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between tourism development and environmental preservation—a balance that is increasingly vital for Africa’s sustainable tourism future.