Signal hill
Signal Hill is at the Northern tip of the terrestrial area of the Table Mountain National Park. Standing next to Lion’s Head alongside Table Mountain, this 350 m high hill is also called Lion’s Rump or the Lion’s Flan. The view of Signal Hill along with Lion’s head, looks very much like a sphinx. Signal Hill offers beautiful views over the city and the Harbour. It is also one of the most famous spots in Cape Town for sundowners, watching Sunset over the Atlantic; and spectacular nighttime views especially when Table Mountain is lit up during Summer.
In the past Signal Hill was used as a point from which signal flags were used to communicate with ships. Today Signal Hill is the home of the Noon-day gun.
The flags were used for weather warnings as well as anchoring instructions to ensure that the ships were effectively prepared for stormy weather while in the bay.
Signal Hill was also the lookout point for the early settlers, and when a ship was spotted, flags were lifted to give the inhabitants of Cape Town below enough time to set up their goods for sale.
Important numbers to have when visiting Table Mountain National Park venues
- Emergencies:021 480 7700
- Medical emergencies from a cellphone:112
- Table Mountain National Park: 021 957 4700/ 0861 106 417
- Wilderness Search and Rescue: 021 948 9900
