Signal Hill

About Signal Hill

Forming the ‘lion’s rump’ for the adjacent Lion’s Head, Signal Hill is a prominent attraction from which the historic Noon Gun is fired at midday.

Most people make their way there for the spectacular views across the Cape Town harbour, city and Atlantic Ocean. The family-friendly picnic spots are popular with locals and visitors alike in all seasons.

On summer evenings Signal Hill becomes a ‘lover’s lane’ with couples admiring the city lights and the romance of the floodlit background of Table Mountain.

The site got its name from the practice of using signal flags to communicate with ships in the bay, and later the famous Noon Gun. The two cannons were brought to Signal Hill in 1902, serving as time signals for ships at anchor.

Watch the daily firing of the gun, or bring a picnic and find a spot looking out over the Atlantic Ocean near the parking lot. You could also head down into the Bo-Kaap for a meal at The Noon Gun Tea Room in Longmarket Street.

Photo: Lion's Head and Signal Hill – next on the 'to do' list after Table Mountain and Robben Island