Paragliding from Signal Hill

Signal Hill is where most of our tandem paragliding flights in Cape Town take off. It is the long, flat-topped ridge that runs from Lion’s Head towards Sea Point, and from the launch you look straight down over the Atlantic Seaboard, the Sea Point promenade and the V&A Waterfront, with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head behind you.

Why we fly from Signal Hill

Signal Hill faces the Atlantic, so it works whenever the wind blows in off the sea — anywhere from west-south-west round to north. The sea breeze rises up the slope and gives smooth, steady lift, which is why it is our first choice on most flying days. When the wind swings further south we move to Lion’s Head instead; your pilot decides on the morning of your flight, using live readings from the weather stations on both hills. You can see how we make that call on our weather page.

The launch

The launch is at about 350 m, at the very end of Signal Hill Road, next to the Signal Hill car park — so there is no hike: you park, meet your pilot and walk a few metres to the take-off. There are toilets at the car park and usually a coffee truck. Your pilot briefs you, clips you into the harness in front of them, and on their call you take a few running steps down the slope until the wing lifts you off the ground.

The flight

Once you are in the air there is nothing for you to do but enjoy it. On a good soaring day you ride the ridge lift along Signal Hill with Sea Point, Green Point and the Waterfront below; on a lighter day the flight glides gently down towards the coast. Flights usually last between 5 and 20 minutes, depending on the conditions. In the right wind your pilot may even fly across towards Lion’s Head.

Want the whole flight on your phone? Add our inflight photos and videos — your pilot films the flight, and you watch the footage after landing before deciding.

The landing

We land on the grass of the Sea Point promenade, right on the beachfront, in front of the Winchester Mansions Hotel. Landings are gentle — your pilot brings you in slowly into the wind and you simply stand up or slide in on the harness. Our shuttle then takes you back up to the car park on Signal Hill, or you can stay on the promenade.

Who can fly

• No experience needed — every flight is a tandem with a SACAA-licensed instructor.
• Minimum age 14 (under 18s need a parent’s consent).
• Maximum weight 120 kg.
• Wear closed shoes and long pants, and bring a light jacket.

We regularly fly people with disabilities — get in touch before you book so we can plan your flight.

Getting to the Signal Hill launch

Drive up Kloof Nek Road to the roundabout at the top, turn onto Signal Hill Road and follow it all the way to the end — about 3 km past the Lion’s Head parking. Park in the Signal Hill parking area. Full directions and a map are on our directions page.

Booking a Signal Hill flight

You book a tandem flight, not a launch site: the wind decides on the day whether you fly from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head, and we confirm the site and meeting time with you beforehand. See prices and available days on our bookings page, or give someone a paragliding gift voucher.