Paragliding from Signal Hill is a must-do while visiting Cape Town. It’s a really fun bucket list item and a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Details:
Start Location: Either Signal Hill or Lion’s Head. Your pilot will make the call 2 hour before your flight
Cost: R1650 or £68
Duration: 10-25 mins
What to bring: R300 cash for HD photos and videos (*optional), warm top, sunglasses, sports shoes, GoPro with a secure strap.
Where to book: I booked this experience through GetYourGuide
The Team
The team at I did my paragliding with were all so helpful and enthusiastic. When I arrived at the top of Signal Hill I was greeted by a sea of friendly faces, all of them eager to meet me and get me up and flying. I was definitely a little nervous about the flight but my pilot and guide, Ruard, calmed any nerves I had and made the experience so chilled and relaxed.
Booking your flight
You can book your paragliding adventure through GetYourGuide: book here.
Your flight
You will either take off from Lion’s Head and cruise over Clifton to land at the Bungalow in Camps Bay, or you will take off from Signal Hill, fly over Sea Point and Green Point and land on the Sea Point Promenade. The route depends on the weather on the day and wind direction. The company will decide where you will take off. You flight can last from 10 to 25 minutes. It all depends on the conditions of the day though! Once you have landed there will be a vehicle ready to drive you back up to your car.
Taking off and landing- is it scary?
This was my biggest question before going paragliding. I was so nervous there would be a tummy drop moment and a real adrenaline kick (I am no adrenaline junkie and definitely prefer to stay on the safer side of life!). I was so pleasantly surprised by the ease of this experience. To take off you walk quickly, then go into a bit of a jog. Before you know it your feet aren’t touching the ground and you’re just floating. While in flight it honestly feels like you’re just floating like a cloud. If you’re feeling adventurous you can do a few spins and tricks with your guide. Then to land you just need to run a little bit before bending your knees and planting your feet on the ground. It honestly isn’t scary at all! If you are feeling nervous though then let your guide know, they will talk you through every step of the process and help calm you if you feel anxious. Above all, it is such an amazing experience so leave those worries on the mountain and just enjoy the ride!
How do I get photos of this amazing experience?
The guides will capture photos and videos throughout the flight that you can choose to take home with you. It’s a great momento to show your friends and family how brave you are and of course to share on the gram! To get these photos you need to pay in cash to your guide on the day. I promise you they are so worth it! If you have your own GoPro you are more than welcome to bring it along. You will need to make sure you have a secure attachment though (wriststrap or selfie stick). You will not be allowed to bring your DSLR camera or your cellphone. It is unfortunately not safe to have unsecured extras while flying.
Is it worth it?
I know it can seem like a lot of money but paragliding in Cape Town is honestly one of the best things you can do while you’re in the city. Whether you’re a tourist checking out Cape Town for the first time or a long-standing local looking for a new experience in the Mother City- Tandem Paragliding in Cape Town is the perfect bucket list item. If you’re looking to tick this experience off yours then make sure you book this today.
Planning a trip to Cape Town and need a place to stay? For budget travellers check out Never at Home, Kloof Street. Book a stay at Gorgeous George for beautiful interiors and a funky rooftop bar. Or stay at or Kloof Street Hotel to be in the heart of the city.
For more Cape Town adventures why not check out my blogs on Cape Town Cafes That’ll Give You All The Bali Vibes, Best Sunset Spots in Cape Town, Best Tidal pools in Cape Town, The Bo-Kaap, Lion’s Head Full Moon Hike or my Top 10 Hikes in Cape Town .
