Meeting Point at Table Mountain
Table Mountain is one of the most complex paragliding launch sites in Cape Town with rapidly changing wind directions sitting at 1000m above sea level. Pilots meet at the car park adjacent to the Cable Way, before determining the ideal launch site. Needless to say it’s only the experienced sports and higher graded pilots that experience the magnificent views of the Cape Peninsula from that height while floating through the air. No tandem paragliding flights in Cape Town may operate from Table Mountain due to the high risk.
The main feature of Table Mountain is the level plateau approximately 3 kilometers from side to side, edged by impressive cliffs. The plateau, flanked by Devil’s Peak to the east and by Lion’s Head to the west, forms a dramatic backdrop to Cape Town.
Take-off areas on Table Mountain
Table Mountain offers three different take off sites with three different wind directions that all require two guided flights with an experienced local pilot
1) The front face which is a cliff launch 200m E of Platteklip Gorge requires a 15-20kph NE-NNW wind direction but best in a light Northerly facing/with views of the City Centre. Be prepared for the lip rotor and turbulence that can cause sudden sink.
2) The gully, a few minutes’ walk behind the cable-car station along the top of the mountain requires a 15-20kph SW-SSW wind direction. One of the easier take offs facing/with views of Clifton and Camps Bay.
3) Maclear’s Beacon launch is a 30-minute hike/100m E of Maclear’s Beacon (the highest point on Table Mountain, 1086 meters above sea level) that requires a 15-20kph light SE-ESE wind direction facing/with views of Constantia and the Southern Suburbs.
Landing Areas
The Promenade in Sea Point or the Glen Paragliding Club in Camps Bay, next to the Bungalow restaurant are landing areas. Alternative landing areas are Good Hope School, Grass Boots Football Club, Saint Cyprians School, Walmer Estate and the University of Cape Town.
Sign-offs & permit
*Need a pilot to guide you, contact us and we will put you in touch with a pilot who will assist you – 0722090119.
* The Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) My Activity Permit (Level 2 – Hang-gliding and paragliding, sport climbing – R370) is required by individuals who make use of the Park. You can purchase this card at Tokai Plantation Office, Tokai Road, Tokai (Mondays to Fridays 08:00-15:45) or List of Cape Town Tourism Visitor Information sales outlets. You will need to take two ID photos, proof of identity and a signed copy of the application form. Click here to download the My Activity Permit form