Hiking Chapman's Peak

Affectionately known as "Chappies", Chapman's Peak is a relatively quick and easy hike to summit around 1,950 ft (593 m). The hike offers a steep start, but the trail is surrounded by proteas and other fynbos (indigenous vegetation). Flanked by Hout Bay to the west and False Bay to the east, the trail offers stunning views of Fish Hoek, Noordhoek Beach, and the bays at every turn.

A word to the wise -- if you're only planning on doing the hike, you only require a Day Pass which allows free entry along the road until the trailhead/checkpoint. We made the mistake of paying the toll for the entire drive (while legendary, it wasn't on the day's to-do list).

Take a quick peek at the legendary Chapman's Peak drive:

I hiked with a relatively large group (~15 people), and we reached the summit in about two hours, and made it back down in another hour. The path was narrow, but well marked without too many challenging sections. The insane wind was the biggest concern! Following the hike, most of the group got lunch at the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay and enjoyed an afternoon of live music, good food, and frivolity.