Signal Hill - Cape Town
Signal Hill - Cape Town
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.
Accommodation Near Signal Hill - Cape Town
Green Point Self Catering Studio
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Green Point, Cape Town
0.9km from Signal Hill - Cape TownGreen 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.
Liberty Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town
1.6km from Signal Hill - Cape TownLiberty 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 Hill - Cape TownBarry 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 Hill - Cape TownBeach 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.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
1.9km from Signal Hill - Cape Town5 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 Hill - Cape TownThe 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 Hill - Cape TownA 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.
Aview
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camps Bay, Cape Town
4.8km from Signal Hill - Cape TownThis striking luxury villa offers unobstructed views of both the mountain & Camps Bay. It is close to the beach, restaurants, clubs, bars, Cape Town, V&A Waterfront, Golf courses & wine routes. The pool, Jacuzzi & gamesroom are big hits with guests! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Camps Bay, Cape Town
4.9km from Signal Hill - Cape Town3 on Camps Bay is a luxury 16 bedroom Guesthouse in the up-market and trendy Camps Bay, Cape Town. Located in a cul-de-sac overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 3 On Camps Bay offers a quiet retreat where you can vacation in the utmost luxury and pamper. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fernwood Manor
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Newlands, Cape Town
7.6km from Signal Hill - Cape TownFernwood Manor is an elegant colonial style home in the leafy suburb of Newlands surrounded by lush greenery with wonderful mountain views. Our exclusive guest house, catering for no more than 16 guests, ensures warm friendly personal service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Noon Gun - Signal Hill, Cape Town (0.76km)
- Flea & Street Markets in Cape Town (1.10km)
- Bo-Kaap Museum - Cape Town (1.18km)
- Green Point Market - Cape Town (1.28km)
- De Waterkant Village, Cape Town (1.28km)
- Green Point Park - Cape Town (1.30km)
- Cape Town Carnival (1.34km)
- Cape Quarter Lifestyle Village - Green Point (1.39km)
- Heritage Square - Cape Town City Centre (1.47km)
- Cape Town Stadium - Green Point, Cape Town (1.51km)
- Cape Medical Museum - V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (1.51km)
- Museum of Dogs - Gardens, Cape Town (1.52km)
- Labia Theatre - Gardens, Cape Town (1.56km)
- The South African HorrorFest (1.56km)
- Green Point Lighthouse - Cape Town (1.60km)
- Two Oceans Aquarium - Cape Town (1.60km)
- South African Museum and Planetarium (1.63km)
- Cape Town International Film Market & Festival (CTIFMF) (1.64km)
- National Library of South Africa - Cape Town Campus (1.65km)
- Metropolitan Golf Club - Green Point, Cape Town (1.67km)
