Route 27
Fantastic views, untouched nature and wonderful contrasts – Route 27 on the west coast of South Africa promises all this and much more. This road is known in many places as an “insider tip along the Atlantic Ocean” and is guaranteed to keep what it promises: endlessly vast landscapes of Africa can be admired here. Picturesque little fishing villages and first-class “seafood” food along the route ensure the perfect African flair and satisfy the hunger that overwhelms you on the way. Fantastic surfing beaches provide variety. Route 27 is a must-see for anyone on the west coast of South Africa.
The starting point of Route 27 is Cape Town and the end point is Velddrif, a good 150 kilometers further north. From the South African capital, it goes over Lagoon Beach and further along Bloubergstrand. A few kilometers later, travelers can marvel at the pristine Melkbos beach. Route 27 then leads past the Koeberg nature reserve, which is home to interesting animal species such as the Cape Common Gosh, the springbok, the gorse cat, mongoose and the African wild cat caracal. Further private nature reserves with fascinating flora and fauna follow. The first real stop is the small town of Yzerfontein, which is about 90 kilometers from Cape Town. There are idyllic houses on the coast and delicious restaurants that invite you to enjoy local fish dishes. Children play on the endless beach and surfers race over the waves. Route 27 then paves its way through the breathtaking West Coast National Park, which promises a great diversity of bird species. A real highlight on the way! The town of Langebaan, located just behind the national park, is known as the “jewel of the west coast”. Water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and fans of seafood alike get their money’s worth here. Only 40 kilometers further, Route 27 reaches its end in the small town of Velddrif. which is located just behind the national park. Water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and fans of seafood alike get their money’s worth here. Only 40 kilometers further, Route 27 reaches its end in the small town of Velddrif. which is located just behind the national park. Water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and fans of seafood alike get their money’s worth here. Only 40 kilometers further, Route 27 reaches its end in the small town of Velddrif.
Through the West Coast National Park
Route 27 not only runs in a straight line along the western coast of South Africa, but also makes its way through the beautiful West Coast National Park. This is a good 120 kilometers north of Cape Town and is one of the largest nature reserves on the South African coast. The national park is particularly famous for its rich bird species diversity. Over 250 different bird species live here and every spring there are even more because of the migratory birds. You can find flamingos, African penguins, ostriches, various species of seagulls and cormorants.
Chapman’s peak drive
Legendary coastal road in South Africa
The road “Chapman’s Peak Drive” on the South African Atlantic coast is one of the most spectacular car routes in the world. The 9 km long coastal road, which is located south of Cape Town, connects the towns of Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The route is world famous and is regularly used by car companies as a backdrop for advertising shots.
Originally built during World War I, this 114-bend road runs near Chapman’s Peak, the 593-meter-high southern extension of Constantia Mountain, and follows the rocky coast for breathtaking views in both directions. The coastal road is used daily by many tourists, but also by locals, who use the route with its majestic landscape as a shortcut.
History
Although the construction of the route initially seemed impossible, the project was carried out under the leadership of the geologist Charl Marais. Production began at the beginning of the 20th century under life-threatening conditions. In 1922 the street was opened to the public. Despite a prescribed maximum speed, the journey was dangerous. Rocks regularly fell on the road, cars fell into the depths or hit the rocks. Car accidents increased and when much of the route was buried in 2000, the route was closed. Since the country could not raise the money for the renovation, the road was leased to a merger of several companies. He invested huge sums in the renovation of the street. They set up huge nets for falling boulders, installed video cameras and blasted a tunnel into the rocks in dangerous areas. In 2003, Chapman’s Peak Drive was able to reopen.
What can you expect on the famous road trip today?
Today Chapman’s Peak Drive is operated as a toll road. There are public washrooms and toilets available and these are cleaned regularly. There are three large picnic areas and more than 60 picnic tables and benches along the route from which to enjoy the view. And travelers should take advantage of that too. In addition to the driving experience through the sometimes tight curves, the route is also a popular destination for hikers and photographers, as it offers impressive landscapes and views of the Atlantic coast.
