Cape Town – Day 1 – From atop Signal Hill

 

The most important landmark in Cape Town is, of course, Table Mountain, and Signal Hill nestles next to it and is also known as Lion’s Rump. When seen together with Lion’s Head, which is another peak next to it, the whole formation appears like a lion sphinx. Thus, the three hills lie adjacent to one another – Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill and can be seen from any point in Cape Town on a clear day.

Signal Hill got its name from the olden days when signals were sent to ships through signal flags to communicate warmings as well as anchoring instructions to visitor ships experiencing stormy weather.

The first two days in Cape Town saw Table Mountain shrouded in clouds. The drive up Signal Hill was picturesque with views of Cape Town below and glimpses of the peaks as the cars cruised uphill. The grey clouds hung ominously overhead as the weather threatened to worsen and we were all thankful that we had worn our thickest jerseys and woollens. The view was beautiful with tantalizing glimpses of Cape Town below and the verdant foliage alongside.

During the colonial era, many respectable Muslims were buried on the hills around Cape Town. One significant tomb that is seen on the way to Signal Hill is the ‘kramat’ or shrine of a Muslim saint named Sheikh Mohamed Hassen Ghaibi which forms part of the Circle of Kramats, or shrines built to honour Muslim saints buried in Cape Town.  It was prophesied 250 years ago that there would be a ‘Circle of Islam’ around the city of Cape Town. The kramat of Sheikh Ghaibi has been nominated for Heritage Status. This historic building has escaped mountain fires four times even when the surrounding areas were ablaze, which is seen as an example of divine intervention.

                                                                        Alamy Stock Photo

When we finally got to the top of Signal Hill, we could barely open our eyes because of the stiff breeze that took our breath away. The video below shows a tree dancing in the wind.

Wrapped in caps and gloves, we braved the chill and gazed at the wonderful panorama that spread before us – the sight of Table Mountain with a ‘tablecloth’ of clouds over it, the stadium below, the sea and a faint glimpse of the famed Robben Island in the midst of the sea and the most wondrous sky lit up in grey and gold.

 Even as the wind buffeted us, freezing us to the very bones, we stood and gazed entranced at the view that lay ahead of us. The sun was playing its role to the hilt, showering the earth with golden beams that mantled the sky and the sea with its magnificence. Wordsworth's timeless lines echoed in my ears:

“Earth has not anything to show more fair:

Dull would he be of soul who could pass by

A sight so touching in its majesty.”

“Never did sun more beautifully steep

In his first splendour, valley, rock or hill.” 

(Wordsworth - Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3rd, 1802)

Photo Credits: Deepti Menon