Every day, except Sundays and public holidays, a cannon is fired from the slopes of Signal Hill at noon. The boom echoes around many parts of the city as it has done since the first half of the 19th century when this daily time signal was introduced. See the firing of the cannon, go hiking on the hill and enjoy spectacular views.
Signal Hill was named after the practice of flying flags from here to communicate with nearby ships. The first time the guns were fired from this location was in 1902. Prior to that the gun was fired from a battery near the Castle of Good Hope, a 17th-century fort. The original purpose was to allow ships in Table Bay to set their clocks.
Head up the hill to watch the cannon being loaded with gunpowder and fired. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the firing to watch a presentation on the history of this Cape Town tradition. It is presented by the South African Navy, which owns the guns. Note that there are two cannons, one of which is a backup. The cannons were brought to the city by the British during the invasion of 1795 and are considered to be the world’s oldest iron guns still in daily use.
After witnessing the firing, take some time to enjoy the fabulous views over Table Bay Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean. Bring food and drinks with you and choose from several picnic spots on the flat-topped hill.
Reach the hill with an easy drive from the center of Cape Town. Alternatively, if you are feeling energetic, hike up the slopes. Continue your walk on the hiking route between the hill and Lion's Head, the adjacent mountain.
Access to Signal Hill is free and there is a free a car parking lot at the end of Signal Hill Road. There are no public transportation routes from the city.
