Landmark Panorama of Chapmans Peak

Chapman's Peak Drive is considered one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. It is named after John Chapman, the Captain's mate of an English ship. He was nearly left behind at Hout Bay during 1607 or 1615 (date uncertain), after he had been sent to look for a safe anchorage and fresh water. The crew named Hout Bay 'Chapman's Chance' after this incident. On 29 December 1999 a tragic accident occurred when a rock fell onto a car and the passenger was killed. The road was closed early in January 2000. Construction proceeded at a frenetic pace and the road was re-opened as a toll road on 20th December 2003.