SA HOTEL - SIGNAL HILL - CAPE TOWN

Signal Hill is the famous, flat-topped hill located in Cape Town, next to Table Mountain and Lion's Head. Lion's Head is connected by a lion's body to the rump, which is known as Signal Hill. Signal Hill derives its name from the time when it was used as a semaphore post for communication with ships at sea. It is from here that the noon cannon is still fired every day. After dark, the hill is a popular scene for couples wanting to enjoy the romantic sights of the sparkling city lights set against the backdrop of a floodlit Table Mountain.

Signal Hill is well known for the cannon shot at noon. This cannon is operated by the South African Astronomical Observatory. There is a road leading to the summit and it is from this vantage point that stunning views over Cape Town and the surrounding areas can be appreciated. These views are at their most spectacular at dawn or sunset. Signal Hill is the perfect place from which to view Cape Town in all its wonder.

Signal Hill overlooks the City and False Bay and it is from this place where the noon gun is still fired. This tradition dates back many centuries and is still carried out to this day. The only day on which it is not fired is a Sunday. In order to view this event, turn right off Buitengracht Street into Whitford Street. This becomes Military Road. The noon gun is situated at the end of Military Road. It is best to get there early in order to avoid disappointment.

The look-out point on Signal Hill has recently been upgraded and is a popular spot from which to enjoy sunsets. An hour and a half's walk will take you to the top of Lion's Head (669 meters). It is from this vantage point that one has an amazing 360 degree view. This hike is definitely worth the sweat! It has become a daily tradition for tourists and locals to gather at the Signal Hill look-out point to watch the sunset. Don't forget to stop at the other various smaller look-outs on the right, which also guarantee fantastic city views.

The Signal Hill look-out point divides the city in half and there are excellent views over most of central Cape Town and Table Bay Harbor. The Malay quarter is found on the slopes of Signal Hill, where the cobblestone streets are peppered with mosques. The oldest of these date back to 1798. A view of signal hill can also be seen from the Cape Town Waterfront. Once arriving at the main look-out, feel free to walk around and explore at your leisure. There is also a gravel walkway leading down to a fantastic viewpoint of Bantry Bay.

You can easily visit the Signal Hill look-out every afternoon and not get tired of it. Each day is an experience of its own! Remember to pack a picnic basket and blanket so that you can enjoy a sundowner while watching a perfect sunset over the ocean. Popular picnic spots are located at the Signal Hill lookout, The Glen, Van Riebeeck Park, Newlands Forest, Constantia Nek, Oudekraal, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Tokai, Witsand, Soetwater, Buffels Bay, Bordjiesrif, Miller's Point and Perdekloof.