Cape Town: Tandem Paragliding Signal Hill & Lion’s Head Views

Summary

Soaring over cape town sea point and table mountain from above

You’ll meet your instructor on Signal Hill or at Lion’s Head for a tandem paragliding flight above Cape Town—sea breeze on your face, Table Mountain behind you, city spread out below. Includes all gear, certified guide, and shuttle back to your car after landing. That feeling when your feet leave the ground? It sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was tightening the straps on my harness, hands steady but quick, and I could smell that mix of sunscreen and mountain air you only get in Cape Town. Our instructor, Sipho, grinned and told me not to overthink it—“Just run when I say run.” I tried to act cool but my heart was thumping louder than the wind flapping the fabric. We’d met at Signal Hill parking lot (easy enough to find), and after a short walk past people snapping photos of the city, suddenly we were at the edge. The city looked small, almost toy-like, down below.

The takeoff wasn’t as scary as I’d built it up in my head. One second we were running on grass, next second my feet weren’t touching anything at all. The quiet up there surprised me—just wind and Sipho pointing out Robben Island in the haze, Sea Point curling along the coast, Table Mountain behind us like some old giant watching everything. He joked about how sometimes he spots whales if he looks long enough; I squinted but only saw whitecaps. My hands kept gripping the harness tighter than necessary, but after a minute or two, I forgot about them completely.

I didn’t expect how different everything would look from above—the colors are sharper somehow, even with clouds rolling in off the Atlantic. At one point Sipho let me steer for a moment (“just pull gently left,” he said), and I probably veered more than gently because he laughed and took over again. The landing came sooner than I wanted—maybe 10 minutes?—on a big field near Sea Point promenade. My legs felt wobbly but in a good way. Someone from their team waved us over and offered a lift back up to Signal Hill so we could grab our car without hiking back up. Not sure I’ll ever forget that first float above Cape Town—I keep thinking about it when I see kites or birds now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem paragliding flight in Cape Town

• Confirm arrival time two hours prior
• Park car at Signal Hill or Lions Head
• Meet team and prepare for flight
• Hike to take-off site if Lions Head
• Enjoy tandem paragliding flight views
• Land at Seapoint or Glen Country Club
• Return to vehicle on mountain

Top questions

How long does the tandem paragliding flight last?

The flight usually lasts between 8 to 15 minutes depending on weather conditions.

Where do flights take off from?

Flights depart from either Signal Hill or Lion’s Head in Cape Town, confirmed two hours before your booking.

Is pickup included after landing?

Yes, you get a free shuttle back to your car on the mountain after your flight.

What are the age and weight requirements?

Participants must be 14 years or older and weigh between 25-100kg.

Is tandem paragliding wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need any experience to fly?

No experience is needed; you’ll fly with a certified instructor who handles everything.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting your certified tandem paragliding instructor at Signal Hill or Lion’s Head (with free parking), all gear and instruction for your flight above Cape Town’s coastlines and mountains, plus a complimentary shuttle returning you to your vehicle after landing near Sea Point promenade.