About Watch the firing of the Noon Day Gun
Forgetful locals and unsuspecting visitors alike jolt at the sound of a midday big bang echoing across Cape Town city skies. No need for alarm or taking cover is required as this tradition has marked the end of morning since 1806 with a sound sharp enough to signal time to set ships chronometers to and reliable enough to set your pocket watch by.
As the sun hits it mark at noon directly overhead in the sky two canons fire their salute skyward marking the international hour of lunch. The Cape's oldest tradition was initially housed at The Castle of Good Hope but as the Cape population grew the proximity of the bang was relocated to Lion Battery on Signal Hill in 1902. Here the twin canons fire proud as the oldest active 'weapons' in daily use.
Head up the hill and watch as a member of the South African Navy loads the canons with gunpowder which will be fired automatically by remote as prompted by the atomic clock from the South African Astronomical Observatory approximately 10km off site. Bring two sandwiches (no, not one for each canon), one to enjoy watching the view across the bay after the firing on the Noon Day Gun and one much like the additional canon; just in case!
Need to Know
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Need an Update?
Send us feedback if this is your service/activity. Please let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies.
Note, we do not have additional information or rates. Please don't contact us, rather use the service provider's contact details provided.
Find Watch the firing of the Noon Day Gun in these collections
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options by proximity
* Distances shown are "as the crow flies", not driving distances. Please confirm with the establishment should driving distance be a factor in your decision.
Forty on L 607
Forty on L 607 is a charming 1-bedroom apartment nestled in the vibrant neighbourhood of Bo-Kaap in Cape Town. As you step inside, you will immed...
The Studios 315
The Studios 315 is a stylishly decorated split level apartment sleeping two guests in Bo Kaap. This excellent location is within walking distance...
Rose Lodge
Rose Lodge is located at Wale Street in the colourful historic Malay Quarter of Cape Town (Bo-Kaap) just below Signal Hill and the Noon Day Gun. ...
Rouge on Rose Boutique Hotel
Rouge on Rose is for the holiday or business traveller who wants to be right at the centre of all things Cape Town. With its 9 meticulousl...
Other things to do in the area
The Museum of Dogs
The Museum of Dogs in Cape Town, located at 12 Keerom Street, offers a truly distinctive experience, celebrating the historical and cultural impa...
Bo-Kaap Food and Craft Market
If you want to enjoy heritage food and vibrant handcrafts, then the Bo-Kaap's Food and Craft Market is the place to be located at the Schotschekl...
Cape Town Free Walking Tours
Most major cities around the world offer city walking tours, and the Mother City is no exception. Cape Town Free Walking Tours makes the city wal...
Heritage Square Shopping Mall
The vibrant hub of Heritage Square is aptly named, being situated in the heart of the historical and cultural heart of Cape Town. It is right in ...
Visit the Bo-Kaap Museum
The Bo-Kaap Museum, situated in the historic area that became home to many Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery, showcases loc...
Bo-Kaap Cooking Tour
Zainie Misbach has lived in the Bo Kaap all her life, which means that a walking tour with her around the neighbourhood is akin to experiencing t...
Bo Kaap Museum
The Bo-Kaap Museum, situated in the historic area that became home to many Muslims and freed slaves after the abolition of slavery, showcases loc...
Cooking with Lekka Kombuis
The Afrikaans word “lekker” is a complex one. On the surface, it means, “nice” or “great”. But, really, it means so much more. There's an elemen...
Bead Magic at Monkeybiz
Amongst the brightly coloured homes that the Bo-Kaap (area bordering the city centre) is famous for stands a bright yellow haven with red monkey ...
Noteworthy attractions
Table Mountain National Park
At the south-western tip of South Africa, the Table Mountain National Park encompasses the incredibly scenic Peninsula mountain chain stretching ...
Table Mountain
Since the first person laid eyes on Table Mountain, it has exerted its powerful and charismatic pull, enchanting and drawing any and all who fall...
Slave's Walk
At the top end of Upper Buitenkant Street, close to St Cyprian's School, is what was once known as Slave's Walk. This is a particularly historica...
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St George
Not the more-famous Anglican St George's Cathedral at the top end of Adderley Street, this lesser-known, but no less beautiful, ‘other' St George...
The Hurling Pump
The Hurling Pump is one of the only remaining historical water pumps in Cape Town. You'll find it on the corner of Prince and Sir George Grey Str...
Molteno Reservoir
The Molteno Reservoir is a 200 000 kilolitre water storage facility just above De Waal Park in Oranjezicht. It's the city's oldest water reservoi...
Cape Town International Airport
Cape Town International Airport is the base from which millions of international travellers begin their exploration of this uniquely beautiful co...
Al-Azhar Masjied
The Al Azhar Mosque is an Islamic mosque in District Six, Cape Town. It holds the same name as a rather resplendent more-famous mosque in Cairo, ...
Accommodation convenient to Watch the firing of the Noon Day Gun
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Western Cape Accommodation / Cape Town Accommodation / City Bowl Accommodation / Bo Kaap Accommodation
Bo Kaap as a destination
Why book with SA-Venues.com
- Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
- No airy fairy service fees; you save!
- We care. Service with integrity.
- Multiple payment methods:
credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer. - All Bo Kaap property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
- Secure your booking
Things To Do
- By Province
-
Search
Search our comprehensive (and still growing) list of 4567 things to do whilst visiting our beautiful country.
-
Suggestion?
Know of a fabulous thing to do in your suburb, city or region? Share your local knowledge and experiences with visitors and tourists: Suggest a thing to do
Destination Bo Kaap
- By type in Bo Kaap
- Bo Kaap Accommodation
- Bo Kaap Hotels
- Bo Kaap Guest Houses
- Bo Kaap Bed & Breakfast
- Bo Kaap Self Catering
- & Holiday Apartments & Suites
- Bo Kaap Honeymoons
- Destinations near Bo Kaap
- Cape Town Central, De Waterkant, Devils Peak, District Six, Foreshore, Gardens, Higgovale, Highlands Estate, Kloof Nek, Oranjezicht, Roggebaai, Salt River, Tamboerskloof, University Estate, V&A Waterfront, Vredehoek, Walmer Estate, Woodstock, Zonnebloem
- Resources for tourists
- About Bo Kaap
- Things To Do
- Attractions
- Reviews