Lion's Head, Cape Town, South Africa Lion's Head offers a stunning backdrop for paragliding, with views of Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. This site is known for its consistent flying conditions, especially in the afternoon when thermic, upslope breezes develop. The best flying season is from November to February. **Launch Sites:** - **Lower Launch:** Located on the main path up Lion's Head, just before it narrows. This site is suitable for South-West winds (5-20 km/h). Be meticulous with your layout and pre-flight checks due to the challenging launch through a grove of endangered Silver Leaf Trees. - **Upper Launch:** Continue past the lower launch to the North side. This rocky, netted launch site is used for South to West-South-West winds (5-20 km/h). Good ground-handling and committed launch techniques are essential. **Landing:** - **Primary Landing:** Glen Club field. Note that this field is rented by Camps Bay High School, so avoid landing during school sports. - **Alternative Landing:** Camps Bay High School field, if empty. The lower slopes of Lion’s Head can be used for emergency slope-landing. - **Hang-gliding Alternative:** Greenpoint lighthouse in Mouille Point. **Weather Conditions:** - **Optimal Wind:** West (W) to South South West (SSW). Thermic lee-side in light South-East. - **Afternoon Conditions:** Typically best from 3pm during South-East wind-shadow conditions. Be cautious of the strong venturi effect at both launch sites when it is soarable. **Requirements:** - **Licenses:** Valid SAHPA Membership and Basic Licence with at least 55 flights. First 4 flights must be supervised by an instructor or Sport-rated local pilot. Logbook must be co-signed after each flight. - **Permits:** SANParks Activity Permit and Foreign Pilot Permit for international pilots. **Cautions:** - **Weather Systems:** Lion’s Head has complex weather systems. Consult local pilots for advice. - **Venturi Effect:** Strong venturi effect at both launch sites can be hazardous. Ensure takeoff is directly into the wind. - **Environmental Protection:** Lion’s Head is part of Table Mountain National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Do not damage vegetation and only launch from designated sites. **Additional Resources:** - [Glen Club Paragliding](https://www.glenclub.co.za/lions-head/) - [SAHPA Site Guide](https://www.sahpa.co.za/site-guide/sites/lions-head/) - [Weather Underground](https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/ICAPET73) - [PWS Weather](https://www.pwsweather.com/station/pws/glenclub) - [iWeathar Station on Lion’s Head](https://iweathar.co.za/display?s_id=252) - [iWeathar Station on Signal Hill](https://iweathar.co.za/display?s_id=28) - [Paragliding Lions Head by Stephan Kruger](https://flycapetown.co.za/blog/paragliding-lions-head-how-when-part1) For more detailed information, refer to the [SANParks EMP for TMNP](http://www.sanparks.org/parks/table_mountain/library/appendix1_para.pdf).