Live Life over the Edge of Lion's Head

Tandem Paragliding off Cape Town's Iconic Lion's Head

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." - Leonardo Da Vinci

Da Vinci, eat your heart out: Paragliding is the closest humans have come to experiencing what it must feel like to soar like a bird. Forget hangliding, skydiving or bungee jumping, Leonardo Da Vinci would have given up all his fame and glory to experience the serene beauty and thrill of paragliding. So, who are we, to refuse such a life-altering experience?

Take the plunge: Choose an alternative route down Cape Town's iconic Lion's Head. The hike up the hill is short but steep with panoramic views of Cape Town, Camps Bay, Table Mountain and the ocean. At the top, you can take a few minutes to savour the view. Then get strapped up, psyched up and briefed for the jump.

Running off a slope into thin air can be a little bit daunting (while attached to your instructor with mere bits of string), but once you're up and away, a sense of pure Zen sets in as you gawk at the breathtaking view. It is an indescribably surreal feeling, to watch the hills, trees, houses, beaches, waves and roads roll by underneath your feet.

You will also get the opportunity to play paragliding pilot for a couple of minutes - as your paragliding instructor takes a few mid-flight snaps to document your Kodak moment (whether to keep as a cherished memory or as cold, hard proof for unbelievers back home).

You'll then engage in a game of see-saw in the sky - doing a few wingovers (or Wagga Wagga's) with the paraglide before landing in front of La Med in Camps Bay. Feel the glider dip and turn as you push your weight to one side and then to the other.

After the jump: Feel oh-so suave (like a regular 007) when you arrive at Camps Bay's La Med for sundowners with the paragliding equipment strapped to your back. Bask in the curious stares while you order a cold one.

The nuts and bolts of it: A tandem paraglide flight down Cape Town's Lion Head costs around R950. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, a warm jacket and a bottle of water. Oh, and a few bucks for a drink at La Med afterwards.

For more information please call the guys of Cape Town Tandem Paraglide on +27 (076) 892 2283 or visit the website of Cape Town Tandem Paragliding.

Molo says: "Find other extreme activities to do in Cape Town. Try your hand at skydiving, shark cage diving, Huey helicopter flights or wreck diving. Also subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more ideas on adventures to be had in Cape Town."