Signal Hill
Signal Hill
Signal Hill derives it's name from the days when a semaphore (communication) post on the side of the hill was used to send signals to ships in the harbour. Today, the hill is famous for the noon day gun - a canon that has been fired everyday except Sunday, since 1902. The firing of the noon day gun is carried out with military precision by the South African Astronomical Observatory who take such things quite seriously. An electric cartridge is loaded into the cannon which is then triggered remotely by the Observatory's master clock. Note that the noon day gun is not located at the top of Signal Hill, but rather a short distance down the side of the hill at Lion's Battery.
Signal Hill is also referred to as Lion's Rump due to it's position relative to Lion's Head. At 300m the hill affords an good view across the City Bowl and Table Bay. If you're unable to take the Cable Car to the top of Table Mountain, then Signal Hill is the next best thing.
Visiting the hill at night allows one to see the city lights and also provides an excellent vantage point from which to admire the floodlights that light up the side of Table Mountain in summer. But be warned that Signal Hill is not considered to be a safe place to visit at night.
5 Interesting facts about Signal Hill in Cape Town:
1. Historical Signal Station: Signal Hill gets its name from its historical use as a signaling station. Flags were used to communicate weather warnings and messages to ships in Table Bay. This practice dates back to the early days of Cape Town's development as a major port.
2. Noon Gun Tradition: Signal Hill is home to the famous Noon Gun, a historic cannon that has been fired at noon every day (except Sundays and public holidays) since 1806. The tradition continues today and is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors gathering to witness the daily firing.
3. Panoramic Views: The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and Robben Island. It's a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to watch the sunset and take in the city's stunning scenery.
4. Lion's Rump: Signal Hill is sometimes referred to as Lion's Rump, as it forms part of the dramatic backdrop to Cape Town, along with Lion's Head and Table Mountain. This trio of natural landmarks creates a distinctive skyline that is iconic to the city.
5. Recreational Activities: Signal Hill is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, paragliding, and picnicking. The scenic drives and walking trails make it an accessible spot for enjoying Cape Town's natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle.
DIRECTIONS:
- from the city head up Kloof Nek towards Camps Bay.
- at the crest turn right into Signal Hill Rd.
- follow this road for about 3 km until you reach the end.
Accommodation Near Signal Hill
Green Point Self Catering Studio
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town
0.9km from Signal HillGreen Point Self Catering Studio provides visitors with self catering accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town City Bowl. We offer 2 self catering studios. Green Point Self Catering Studio 1 (sleeps max two) is a tastefully renovated self-catering studio.. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hastings Hall
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
1.5km from Signal HillHastings Hall provides self catering apartment accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Surround yourself with the beauty of Table Mountain and Lion's Head, and put yourself in the perfect position to get to see everything that... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Liberty Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town
1.6km from Signal HillLiberty Lodge provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Over the years, this classic Cape Town bed & breakfast has earned an enviable reputation for relaxed and genuine hospitality. Originally a V …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Barry Hall Apartments
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fresnaye
1.6km from Signal HillBarry Hall is located in the leafy suburb of Fresnaye on the Atlantic Seaboard. The 4 large apartments and garden cottage are offer free Wi-Fi as well as friendly daily service, weekdays leaves you free to enjoy Cape Town and all its beauty. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Beach Villa
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Mouille Point
1.7km from Signal HillBeach Villa apartment provides self catering accommodation in Mouille Point, Cape Town City Bowl. Beach Villa, is a spacious two bedroomed self catering apartment with stunning sea and mountain views and within walking distance to the Mouille Point beach …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Riviera Suites
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Sea Point, Cape Town
1.8km from Signal HillRiviera Suites is suitable for both family holidays and business stays and offers a variety of configurations, from compact two sleepers to the spacious eight-sleeper apartments. All the apartments feature full kitchens... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mount Sierra
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
1.8km from Signal HillMount Sierra apartments offers self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Located in the heart of Cape Town it will delight you with its numerous award-winning restaurants, galleries, shops and tourist sites. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
1.9km from Signal Hill5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town
2.2km from Signal HillThe Grande Kloof is a privately owned and operated accommodation establishment offering both Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering options in a great holiday location within the upmarket residential area of Fresnaye, on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
7A Clifton Steps
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clifton, Cape Town
3.2km from Signal HillA beautifully appointed garden self-catering 2 bedroom apartment on Clifton Steps. Ideally situated - just a short taxi ride from Camps Bay to one side and to the other side, all that the Mother City has to offer. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Cape Bonsai Kai Show (0.90km)
- Cape Town Flea Markets (1.10km)
- Bo-Kaap Museum (1.18km)
- Green Point Market (1.28km)
- De Waterkant Village (1.28km)
- Green Point Park (1.30km)
- Cape Town Carnival (1.34km)
- Cape Town Pride Festival (1.37km)
- Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village (1.39km)
- Out The Box Festival (1.42km)
- Heritage Square (1.47km)
- Cape Town Stadium (1.51km)
- Cape Medical Museum (1.51km)
- Labia Theatre (1.56km)
- Shnit - International Short Film Festival (1.56km)
- The South African HorrorFest (1.56km)
- Designer Maker Christmas Market (1.57km)
- Designer Festive Market, Cape Town (1.58km)
- Green Point Lighthouse (1.60km)
- Two Oceans Aquarium (1.60km)
