Chapman's Peak
When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them.
Lion's Head's quieter rival: a short, steep climb above the most famous coastal road in the Cape, with Hout Bay on one side and the 8 km sweep of Noordhoek beach on the other.
The day
- 07:00 · Pick-upOut along the Atlantic seaboard via Camps Bay and Hout Bay onto Chapman's Peak Drive.
- 07:45 · Trailhead on Chapman's Peak DriveThe road was cut into the cliffs between 1915 and 1922, largely by convict labour; in the cuttings you can see pale Cape Granite with the layered sandstone sitting on top. The peak takes its name from John Chapman, a ship's pilot sent ashore at Hout Bay in 1607.
- 08:00 · The climbSteep zigzags through fynbos, then a short rocky scramble near the top.
- 09:15 · Summit, 593 mHout Bay harbour and the Sentinel, Noordhoek's Long Beach, Kommetjie lighthouse, and the back of Table Mountain.
- 10:45 · Back at the trailheadReturn via Hout Bay; optional coffee stop at the harbour.
- 11:30 · Drop-offPairs with an afternoon in Constantia or Kirstenbosch.
Chapman's Peak is a private guided hike in Cape Town (Hout Bay & Noordhoek) for up to 8 guests: half day (4.5 h), with pick-up and drop-off included, from R1,850 per person.
Questions about this tour
How fit do I need to be?
Challenging: Steep and long, with ladders or scrambling. Good fitness needed.
What if the weather is bad?
Every hike has a weather alternative. Geoff checks the forecast the day before and confirms the route, a safer option or another date.
Where is pick-up?
At your hotel in the Jimny, for up to 3 guests; others meet us at the Chapman's Peak trailhead on Chapman's Peak Drive.
Do we sign an indemnity?
Yes. When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them. Parents or guardians accept it for anyone under 18.
What time do we start?
Flexible. An early start is recommended to avoid the heat.
Can more than three of us come?
Yes, up to 8. Hotel pick-up in the Jimny covers up to 3 guests; everyone else meets us at the Chapman's Peak trailhead on Chapman's Peak Drive.
What guests say about Geoff
“Geoff was also always helpful, patiently took photos and answered every question. We highly recommend him!”
“We really enjoyed the climb up Lion's Head, and it was definitely a highlight of our stay in Cape Town.”
“Geoff made me feel very comfortable, guided me calmly through all the tricky sections and was so patient!”
Price per person
Included
Private registered guide (licence WC14954, Wilderness First Responder)Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, in the JimnyHead torches for dawn/duskFirst-aid kitChapman's Peak tollBring
1–2 litres of waterYour own snacks (no food or drinks are included)Hiking shoesWarm layerWind/rain jacketSun protectionCancellation and weather
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Bookings close 24 hours before the start.
Private hikes: one group per day. Geoff is the only guide, so once a date is booked, no other tour runs that day.
Every hike has a weather alternative. Geoff checks the forecast the day before and confirms the route, a safer option or another date.
Safety
Registered guide (WC14954), Wilderness First Responder, route chosen for the day's conditions.