Paragliding
Lions Head

Home ground of the Glen Paragliding Club and one of the most consistent, scenic soaring sites in Cape Town, with views over Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. The afternoon thermic upslope breeze makes conditions best from around 3pm, in the lee of the southeasterly. The peak's shape accelerates wind sharply at both launch points when conditions are soarable.

Hazards & cautions

The venturi effect at both launches can be severe — launch directly into wind and stay within your ability, starting with short exploratory tacks to find the wind's limits at each side of the peak. If blown over the back, work around the side of the mountain rather than straight behind it, aiming for Signal Hill or Green Point. In a southerly, fly left of the ridge spine running down toward Camps Bay High School to avoid being pushed short of the landing field. Berg-wind (northeasterly) days can tempt a thermic launch, but the mixing of hot inland air with cool sea air over the landing area creates violent, unpredictable lift and sink — best avoided.

Launch & landing

The lower launch, reached via a 10-minute walk through a silver-leaf grove, is used when conditions are soarable and southwesterly; the top site, another 10 minutes further (below the cliffs on the northwest side, not the summit), is steep, loose underfoot, and typically crossed from the left. Height at the top site is about 450m ASL with a 1200m ceiling. Land on the grass field in front of La Med at the Glen Country Club, with the Camps Bay High School field as a backup; avoid the beaches in summer.

Access

Via Kloof Nek Road to the saddle between Lion's Head and Table Mountain, turning toward Signal Hill; the launch path starts from the gravel car park once the road levels out.

Flying conditions