Urban Paragliding Over Cape Town: Tandem Flight from Signal Hill or Lion's Head
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45 minutes (7–25 minutes airborne)
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required — able to run a few meters and follow instructor directions; suitable for most non-pregnant participants.
Overview
Step off a Cape Town ridge and float over Sea Point and Camps Bay with an instructor at your back. This tandem paraglide from Signal Hill or Lion’s Head delivers quick instruction, dramatic urban-to-ocean views, and 7–25 minutes of airborne time.
Urban Paragliding Over Cape Town: Tandem Flight from Signal Hill or Lion's Head
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The city drops away in a slow, inevitable slide — rooftops folding into green, the Atlantic opening like a cold, bright palm below. One step, a short run with your instructor, and the paraglider fills; for a moment you hang between wind and city, weightless and steady. From Signal Hill or Lion’s Head, pilots guide you along the mountain’s lee, then skim out over Sea Point and the Atlantic Seaboard, landing gently on the grassy promenades where walkers and surfers mark time on the shore.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for briefing
Plan 30–45 minutes extra for sign-in and a safety briefing; punctuality ensures you catch the best wind window.
Wear secure footwear
Closed-toe, flexible shoes that you can run in make takeoff straightforward and safer.
Protect and tether cameras
Bring a wrist or chest strap for phones/cameras — loose gear can be lost during launch or descent.
Check wind direction for Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head launches require southwest winds; if it’s wrong, the operator will switch to Signal Hill for safer conditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Cape cormorant
- African oystercatcher
History
Signal Hill and Lion’s Head have long guided Cape Town’s inhabitants; the hills were used for signaling and small-scale farming by early settlers and Khoi communities.
Conservation
Operators emphasize minimal-impact landings and use established launch sites to protect sensitive cliff vegetation and shorelines.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe sneakers or trail shoes
Provide grip and protection during the short run at takeoff.
Light windproof jacket
Blocks coastal gusts at altitude and during landings along the promenade.
Sunglasses with strap
Reduces glare over the ocean and protects eyes from wind and sun.
summer specific
Phone or compact camera with tether
Capture the view but secure it with a strap to avoid accidental loss.