Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Flight with Expert Pilots

Summary

Soaring over Cape Town’s coastline with tandem paragliding pilots

You’ll meet your expert tandem pilot on Signal Hill, feel the rush of takeoff over Cape Town’s coast, float high above Table Mountain and Sea Point, then land by the ocean with transport back included. Expect laughter, nerves, salty air — and a moment of calm you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re going to remember this, trust me,” was the first thing my pilot, Sipho, said as he tightened my harness on Signal Hill. He grinned at my nervous shuffling and pointed out Robben Island in the haze. There were a couple of locals hanging around too — one guy selling cold drinks from a cooler, another just watching the sky like he’d seen this a thousand times. The wind smelled kind of salty and dry, like it does before a big storm, but everyone seemed calm about it.

I’d never done tandem paragliding in Cape Town before — or anywhere really — so when Sipho told me we might have to wait for the right gust, I didn’t mind. We chatted about his favorite flights (apparently sunrise is wild), and he explained how the South African Civil Aviation Authority keeps things tight here. Honestly, I felt safer than expected. When we finally ran those first few steps and lifted off, my stomach dropped just for a second — then suddenly everything went quiet except for the wind and my own heartbeat.

The city looked unreal from above: Table Mountain behind us, Lion’s Head off to the side, and down below people looked like little dots on Sea Point Promenade. I tried to say “Cape Town is beautiful” in Afrikaans (Li laughed when I butchered it). My hands were cold but I couldn’t stop grinning. We floated for maybe 10 minutes — time got weird up there — before gliding down to land right next to the ocean. My legs wobbled when we touched down but there was someone waiting with a van to drive us back up the hill. So yeah, if you’re even half-curious about flying over Cape Town with real pros, this is worth it. I still think about that silence up there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem paragliding flight over Cape Town

• Meet experienced tandem pilot
• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Fly tandem paraglider over Cape Town
• Land next to the ocean

Top questions

How long does a tandem paragliding flight in Cape Town last?

The actual flight usually lasts around 10 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Is transport back to Signal Hill included after landing?

Yes, return transport from the ocean landing site back to Signal Hill is included.

Do I need any experience for tandem paragliding in Cape Town?

No prior experience is needed; you’ll fly with an experienced instructor who handles everything.

What should I wear for paragliding in Cape Town?

Wear closed shoes since you’ll need to run at takeoff; bring something warm as it can get chilly in the air.

Is there an age or weight limit for this activity?

No children under 14; maximum weight allowed is 110 kg (about 242 lbs).

Are flights dependent on weather conditions?

Yes, flights are weather-dependent for safety reasons; your pilot will advise if conditions aren’t suitable.

Where do we take off and land during the flight?

You take off from Signal Hill and land near the ocean by Sea Point Promenade.

What’s included

Your day includes free safe parking next to Signal Hill’s takeoff site, all required paragliding equipment provided by your instructor, a tandem flight with an expert pilot certified by South African aviation authorities, plus easy transport back up after landing by the sea.