About Signal Hill and the Noon Gun

The breathtakingly beautiful and historic Signal Hill stretches from Lion’s Head towards the V&A Waterfront and Sea Point. Numerous tourists and locals flock here every day to see the firing of the Noon Gun. The gun was first fired in 1806 and is one of Cape Town’s oldest traditions until today. Startled pigeons of the City Bowl fly away and sometimes make tourists jump in surprise when the bang echoes through the town. It was used for signaling ships in Table Bay, hence the name Signal Hill. These are the oldest guns in the world that are still in use. The noon gun has been a major attraction and a symbol of Cape Town’s colorful and ever-changing history. It is a reminiscence to the colonial occupations, wars, and apartheid and still remains a treasured tradition of Cape Town. Signal Hill offers mindblowing towering views over the Table Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Cape Town from its 350-meter peak. Visitors drive up here to watch the precious sunset and to see the Cape Town lights across the horizon. 

Must See

  • See the cannon that is activated by an electronic impulse from the Observatory. It fires a single shot at noon every day. 
  • Go paragliding at Signal Hill when the weather is good.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, and the city and enjoy the beautiful sunset.

How to reach

It is 2.4 km from the city center. The easiest way to reach is by taxi. Take a cab from the city center to 74 Strand Street. It will cost you R 90 - R 120.

Tips

  • Visit during clear weather.
  • Take a sweater as it gets chilly after the sun dips.
  • Prefer the sunset timings as the view is amazing.
  • The hill is adjacent to the Lion's Head peak, so you can club the tours together.
  • You can sign up for paragliding if the weather is good.
  • Read about the gunshot timings before you decide when to visit.
  • You can drive there yourself as it is close to the city center.
  • One of the best (and safest) ways to enjoy the view is with the Cape Town City Sightseeing Sunset Bus.

Visit Time

Sunday: Closed
Monday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Tuesday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Wednesday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Thursday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Friday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Saturday: 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Time Icon

Waiting Time

No

 

Entrance Fee Icon

Entrance Fee

No

 

Time you can spend Icon

Time you can spend

1-3 hours

 

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 24.86°C

 

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