There is a specific moment in Cape Town, usually around 7:45 PM in mid-February, when the sky turns a shade of pink so ridiculous it looks like a filter. While tourists flock to the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay to catch this, the locals know the real theatre is happening a few hundred meters above at Signal Hill.
Signal Hill is the “spine” of the city, connecting Lion’s Head to Kloof Nek. It offers a 360-degree view that includes the Atlantic Seaboard, the City Bowl, and the back of Table Mountain. It is, quite simply, the best picnic spot on the planet. But, because it’s so iconic, it can be a logistical disaster if you don’t plan ahead.
Here is everything you need to know to nail the perfect Signal Hill sunset in 2026.
Timing is Everything
If you show up 20 minutes before sunset, you’ve already lost. During the peak of summer, the road leading up Signal Hill becomes a massive bottleneck.
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The Golden Rule: Aim to be there at least 90 minutes before the sun dips. This gives you time to navigate the traffic, find a semi-decent parking spot, and scout for a patch of grass that isn’t on a 45-degree incline.
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Check the Wind: This is the most important tip. Download the Windy or Windguru app. If the South Easter is pumping at more than 30km/h, your picnic will consist of eating sand and chasing your paper plates down towards Sea Point. On windy days, find a spot on the city-facing side of the hill for a bit more shelter.
The Picnic Basket: What to Pack
Forget the soggy sandwiches. If you’re doing Signal Hill, do it right.
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The Food: Stop by Giovanni’s Deli World in Green Point on your way up. Grab some imported cheeses, parma ham, and their legendary potato salad.
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The Drinks: While SANParks technically has rules about alcohol, the “discreet sundowner” is a time-honored tradition. Just be respectful—keep it in a cooler bag, use plastic glasses (glass is a no-go for safety), and for the love of everything, take your bottles home with you.
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The Gear: Bring a thick picnic blanket. The ground is rocky and the fynbos can be prickly. Also, bring a light jacket or “hoodie.” The second the sun disappears, the temperature on the hill drops about 5 degrees instantly.
Staying Safe in 2026
In recent years, there has been an uptick in opportunistic “petty crime” (pickpocketing) on the hill during the busy sunset hours.
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Vigilance: Don’t leave your phone or car keys sitting on the corner of your picnic mat while you’re busy taking selfies.
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Buzzer App: Download the Buzzer app. It’s a community safety tool used widely in the Table Mountain National Park area. It connects you directly to SANParks rangers and emergency services if you see anything sketchy.
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Stay with the Crowd: While it’s tempting to find a “secret” spot far down the ridge, it’s safer to stay within sight of other picnickers.
Getting There
The drive up is beautiful, but the parking lot at the top fills up fast.
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Google Maps Link: Signal Hill Sunset Point
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Alternative: If you don’t want to deal with the stress of driving, take the City Sightseeing Red Bus. Their “Sunset Tour” departs from the V&A Waterfront and takes you straight to the top. It’s a great way to enjoy the views without worrying about the narrow road.
Signal Hill isn’t just a viewpoint; it’s a ritual. Whether you’re there for a romantic date or just to clear your head after a long week, that view of the city lights flickering to life as the sun dies is something that never gets old.