Paragliding Table Mountain

Paragliding Cape Town in general is one thing, but to paraglide from Table Mountain must undoubtedly be on every single one of the local paragliding pilots in Cape Town’s to do list…

We are always looking for the next big adventure, or the next activity we can add to our bucket lists. Anything that gets the adrenaline going, or gives you an experience of a lifetime always goes directly to the top. Paragliding Table Mountain is one of those activities that should definitely be high up on your bucket list.

First of all, paragliding Table Mountain, is only done by experienced paragliders. It is one of the most difficult paragliding launch sites and is positioned at a height of 1000 meters above the sea level which is quite high.

If you’re looking for an awesome adrenaline pumping experience, this is it. One has to muster their flying prowess in other paragliding spots before trying Table Mountain. But once launched, without breaking a sweat, you get the fantastic prize of flying across the most amazing views of the spectacular Cape Peninsula.

Table Mountain is at the northern end of a sandstone mountain range that forms the spine of the Cape Peninsula.

The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately 3 kilometres from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and by Lions Head to the west, forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town. This broad sweep of mountainous heights, together with Signal Hill,  forms the natural amphitheatre of the City Bowl and Table Bay harbour.

The highest point on Table Mountain is towards the eastern end of the plateau and is marked by Maclear’s Beacon, a stone cairn built in 1865 by Sir Thomas Maclear  for trigonometrical survey. It is 1,086 metres above sea level, about 19 metres higher than the Cable station at the western end of the plateau.

There are three different take off sites on Table Mountain, with all of them requiring a different wind direction.

 The Front Face

The most scariest take off must definitely be the Front Face – North East to North-North-West but best in light Northerly

The Gully

The Gully is  the easiest take off and can be flown in a South West to South-South-West.

Maclear’s Beacon

Maclears Beacon is probably just as scary as the Front Face and also leaves no room for error. Maclears Beacon can be flown in a light South-East to East-South- East.

With South Africa being one of the best paragliding destinations in the world, paragliding in Cape Town is truly an experience you can’t miss! Add paragliding to your bucket list for an unforgettable experience, and paragliding Table Mountain will make it that much better! Make sure to admire the sky, the mountains and the prettiest blue water. Believe it or not, it’s a super relaxing, fun and totally worthwhile experience!