Without doubt, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful cities in the world boasting striking mountains, a long stretch of the Atlantic Ocean coastline and an intriguing working harbour. Located at the shores of Table Bay in the Western Cape province of South Africa, it enjoys an ocean Mediterranean climate, with mild moderately wet winters and dry warm summers.
Lion’s Head offers perfect conditions for paragliding in Cape Town. Get air-borne by paragliding here, with breathtaking views of Table Mountain and Cape Town City. Graded as basic +4 guided flights, Lion’s Head is at an altitude of 450 m/1476 ft top site above sea level and a ceiling of 1200 m/3937 ft above sea level.
The spot normally heats up by creating a thermal upslope breeze, thus best flying times are after 15:00 hrs. Wind factors here are the westerly in the south-western and thermic lee side on the south-eastern. Wind crossing at the top site is normally from the left and very strong while the lower site is crossed from the right.
After a challenging 10 minutes walk, you get to the “lower launch” point which is comprised of jeep tracks and a hiking track. You need to be cautious here with the layout, since this is where you launch, winds are not affecting. Another 10 minutes walk and you are on the top site (Not the top of Lion’s Head), which is a rocky launch point with steep and loose underfoot. The top site offers good ground for handling and committed launch techniques, necessary for a safe gate-away.
Landings are smooth, taking place on a grassy area with no obstacles or dangers. Generally dress code is to keep warm and closed shoes.
