The Lion’s Head hike is without doubt one of the prime things to do in Cape City. Mountain climbing up the mountain may be difficult however the views from the highest are properly definitely worth the effort. From Lion’s Head, you get a number of the finest views of the town and its environment. Even if you happen to don’t climb all the best way to the highest you continue to get improbable views alongside the path.
Lion’s Head guided hikes and excursions
In case you’re a solo traveler becoming a member of a guided group tour may be an excellent possibility particularly if you wish to do Lion’s Head hike at sundown or dawn.
Is Lion’s Head a troublesome hike?
Lion’s Head is without doubt one of the hottest hikes in Cape City. It’s a reasonable/troublesome route as a result of steep incline from the beginning. The problem will depend on the route you select. In case you simply stroll across the mountain it’s not too troublesome. In case you climb to the highest some components of the path are fairly difficult. The final kilometer is essentially the most difficult half with climbing up over the rocks or steel ladders and chains. For a match individual, it gained’t be an issue, however if you happen to’re not in good condition, it may be exhausting.
In case you’re afraid of heights I’d recommend doing a round route with out going to the highest of Lion’s Head. Climbing down may be a bit scary for you. General the Lion’s Head hike is less complicated than climbing trails up Desk Mountain.
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How a lot does it price?
The excellent news is that the Lion’s Head hike is free. You don’t pay any admission charges. Parking at Lion’s Head is free as properly. Your solely expense is transportation to Lion’s Head and again.
How lengthy does it take to climb Lion’s Head?
The return hike up Lion’s Head is 5,Three km/3,2 mi with a 400-meters ascent and a subsequent descent. Relying in your health degree it may take between 1h30min. and 2h.30min. to hike up and down Lion’s Head.
What’s the surroundings like?
Lion’s Head is the very best place in Cape City to return for the panoramic views of the town, it’s positively a should embrace in your Cape City itinerary. From the highest of the mountain and alongside the path, you may see just about the complete Cape City and its environment. The principle highlights are Desk Mountain, Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay, Clifton Seashores, Metropolis Bowl, V&A Waterfront, Sea Level, Robben Island, Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Peninsula, Blouberg Seaside, seaport, and lots of different metropolis points of interest.
Lion’s Head hike – the usual route
There are two climbing routes to Lion’s Head each beginning on the parking spot on Sign Hill Highway; the primary one (footpath) goes proper in direction of Sign Hill, and the second (gravel highway, the requirements route) goes left. Each routes merge 1 km earlier than the height. There’s one other break up simply earlier than reaching the highest; one route is more difficult however shorter, it entails chains and ladders, and the opposite route (the really helpful path) is longer with going up over the rocks. You possibly can mix each routes; go up utilizing ladders and down over the rocks. All routes and splits are well-maintained and marked.
- Distance – 5,Three km return
- Strolling time – 1h30min. up and down, plus 30min.-1h. for taking pictures, watching the sundown, and many others. The stroll may take longer if there are lots of folks.
- Complete ascent/descent – 387 m
- Terrain – gravel highway, wood stairs, rocks, ladders, and chains.
It’s the most well-liked Lion’s Head climbing path. It begins on the parking spot on Sign Hill Highway is the principle route up the mountain. Most individuals use it to hike up and down. It’s a steep gravel path with a major incline proper from the beginning. The route goes across the mountain providing nice views of Cape City and the shoreline. This route has the very best views of Desk Mountain, Twelve Apostles, and Camps Bay. It begins on the gravel highway continues up the steps and finishes with a rocky path and ladders. The final half entails a little bit of climbing no matter which route you select.
Lion’s Head hike – the round route
- Distance – 6 km
- Strolling time – 2 hours up and down
- Complete ascent/descent – 400 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel highway, huge rocks, ladders, chains
That is our favourite Lion’s Head climbing route as you get to stroll up and down other ways and get the last word 360° panoramic views of Cape City and the Cape Peninsula. The path begins at Lion’s Head parking. It may be completed clock or counterclockwise. We want a counter-clock as a result of the gravel highway is less complicated for happening than the rocky path. The identical with climbing to the highest, it’s simpler to go up utilizing ladders and chains and go down over the rocks. This route has the very best views of Lion’s Head peak, Sign Hill, and Sea Level. You possibly can go up and down the identical means with out going across the mountain.
You are able to do the round hike with out climbing to the highest of Lion’s Head.
- Distance – four km
- Strolling time – 1 hour
- Complete ascent/descent – 280 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel highway
It’s a neater different for many who don’t wish to climb over the rocks or ladders all the best way to the highest. It’s an appropriate possibility for hikers with youngsters or canine. The route provides you a chance to look at Cape City and its environment, get pleasure from a pleasant stroll and take some nice pictures with out sweating and panting. It’s just about the identical route because the round hike the one distinction is that you just stroll round Lion’s Head with out going to the highest. The hike may be walked both means clockwise or counterclockwise.
Sign Hill, a neater different to the Lion’s Head hike
If strolling a steep uphill and climbing aren’t too interesting for you there’s a neater different. You possibly can benefit from the metropolis views and watch the sundown from the highest of Sign Hill. It’s a close-by hill that could be very straightforward to entry by automotive. You possibly can drive all the best way to the point of view, no strolling or climbing concerned. The views from Sign Hill are similar to these from Lion’s Head.
The drive to Sign Hill is similar means as to Lion’s Head however as a substitute of parking your automotive on the head of the climbing path, you retain driving. There’s a parking spot on the highest of Sign Hill but it surely’s typically very full you might need to show round and park your automotive alongside the highway. On the highest, you’ll discover a huge yellow body for taking pictures with Desk Mountain within the background, bathroom services, and a espresso truck.
It’s doable to hike from Lion’s Head to Sign Hill.
- Distance – 5,four km return
- Strolling time – 1 hour
- Complete ascent/descent – 50 m
- Terrain – footpath
The simplest Lion’s Head hike with hardly any ups or downs. You can begin at Lion’s Head parking and stroll to the highest of Sign Hill or one other means spherical. Although you don’t go up the mountain you continue to get unimaginable views of Cape City, Desk Mountain, Robben Island, Waterfront, Sea Level, and Lion’s Head.
There was one other route previous Wally’s Cave but it surely’s presently closed on account of present process terrain rehabilitation. Sadly, it’s unattainable to entry Wally’s Cave.
In case you benefit from the outside and nature you may get pleasure from climbing at Cape Level Nationwide Park, there are a number of day trails that supply breathtaking views and alternatives to identify some animals.
You possibly can mix climbing with paragliding. Paragliding is feasible from each Lion’s Head and Sign Hill. It’s a improbable experience to glide slowly above Cape City having fun with the gorgeous views and touchdown on the seashore at Sea Level. Don’t fear if you happen to park your automotive at Lion’s Head the return switch is included. Sundown is once more the very best time for paragliding. It’s extremely really helpful to e-book paragliding prematurely.
The most effective time to do the hike
For me, the views from Lion’s Head at sundown are essentially the most spectacular. You possibly can see the solar slowly descending into the Atlantic Ocean portray the ocean and the coast with golden coloration, the very best gentle for pictures. Simply ensure that it’s not overcast or too cloudy earlier than you go. Watching the sundown from the highest of Lin’s Head is without doubt one of the most romantic things to do in Cape City. It’s positively one thing to incorporate in your South Africa honeymoon itinerary.
For apparent causes sundown is the most well-liked time to do the Lion’s Head hike. It’s a must to be at the place to begin a few hours earlier than to discover a parking spot, make it to the highest (there’s normally a queue on the rope and ladder a part of the climb), and discover a great spot for taking pictures.
Dawn is one other good time to hike up Lion’s Head. There are normally fewer folks going up at dawn than at sundown. It’ll be quicker to get to the highest. Alternatively in summer season you’ll should rise up actually early to make it in time for the dawn. Test sundown/dawn time in Cape City earlier than heading to Lion’s Head.
Full Moon is a highly regarded time for climbing up Lion’s Head. On clear nights tons of of individuals head to the highest to look at the total Moon and benefit from the views of the night time metropolis. Test Moon phases and discover the very best time to see the total moon.
Within the afternoon the sunshine will not be the very best for taking pictures however the views from the highest are nonetheless spectacular.
The best way to get to Lion’s Head?
By public transport
You need to use one among MyCity buses to get to Lion’s Head; routes 106 and 107 go there. Get off at Kloof Nec cease, it’s on the backside of Lion’s Head from there it’s about 600 m to the trailhead. To make use of MyCity buses you must purchase a MyConnect card, it prices ZAR 35/US$2 and may be bought at any MyCiTi station kiosk and cargo some cash on it. A mean journey inside the metropolis will price you lower than US$1.
Sadly, the Cape City Sightseeing bus doesn’t cease at Lion’s Head. The closest cease is Desk Mountain Cable Automotive station, which is about 2 km away from the Lion’s Head trailhead. Utilizing the hop-on-hop-off bus to discover Cape City continues to be an excellent possibility for you if you happen to’re not planning to hire a automotive. You may get a 1 or 2-day go and tour across the metropolis getting off at any attraction. With one go you get entry to four completely different routes. The two-day ticket consists of the sundown bus, the boat cruise, and a couple of strolling excursions as properly.
By automotive
Renting a automotive is one of the simplest ways to discover Cape City. In case you hire a small automotive it gained’t be costly particularly if you happen to’re a few folks sharing it. On weekdays in search of a parking spot within the metropolis middle may be a bit difficult although, and also you’ll should pay for it however not for parking on Lion’s Head these are free. In case you’re not a really assured driver (particularly contemplating that we drive on the left aspect of the highway) you may use Uber, many locals and vacationers use it each day together with us. It really works properly however typically in peak hours, you might need to attend for a experience.
With a tour
It may be the most suitable choice for solo vacationers particularly if you happen to select a climbing tour that features transportation. You get picked up and dropped off at your resort in Cape City, stroll with an skilled information that may present you the very best photograph spots on Lion’s Head, and benefit from the good firm.
The place to park the automotive?
Parking close to the trailhead may be tough, particularly in prime instances such because the sundown or Full Moon.
- The most effective and the closest possibility is Lion’s Head Hike Parking which is true the place the path begins.
- If there is no such thing as a area on the car parking zone, search for spots alongside Sign Hill Highway right here, and there you may see gravel sidewalks the place you may park.
- There’s “a secret spot” on Sign Hill Highway between Lion’s Head and Sign Hill, a proper flip to the gravel highway, about 2 km away from the trailhead.
- We regularly park our automotive at Kloof Nek Parking, it’s a devoted parking space simply on the correct from Lion’s Head on the best way to Desk Mountain. There are at all times locations accessible and it’s not far to stroll to the trailhead, about 700 m.
- There’s a parking spot on the highest of Sign Hill, which is about 2,6 km from the Lion’s Head hike trailhead. Sadly, this parking space is usually full.
Security ideas for climbing in Cape City
General it’s not harmful to hike Lion’s Head except you do it at night time time.
In summer season it will get scorching scorching there is no such thing as a shade alongside the path and no place to get water when you begin climbing. All the time carry sufficient water with you, at the very least 1L per individual, use solar safety, and put on a hat or a cap.
In case you hike throughout the day, you may select any route if you happen to hike after sundown hours, follow the principle gravel route up Lion’s Head.
Don’t go climbing at night time time except it’s the total moon night time when there can be lots of people on the mountain.
In case you go alone moderately use the principle hottest path. In case you’re not very snug with doing a sundown or dawn hike by yourself you may at all times be a part of a guided tour.
There are various superb long-distance climbing trails in South Africa that outside lovers will get pleasure from such because the Otter Path and the Amatola Path.
What to tackle the hike?
- A small backpack to place water, a digital camera, snacks, and many others.
- Trainers/sneakers, you don’t want climbing sneakers for Lion’s Head however strolling in flip-flops gained’t work both.
- Jacket/hoodie if coming for sundown/dawn it will get chilly and windy up there.
- Water bottle, ensure that to carry sufficient water with you there is no such thing as a place to get water alongside the hike.
- Cap, there is no such thing as a shade on the mountain if you happen to hike within the afternoon it will get very popular.
- Sun shades
- Sunscreen
- GoPro HERO9, video footage, and a few wide-angle panoramic pictures on this submit had been taken with our GoPro.
Locations to remain
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, chargeable for all our land adventures (climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a baby, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack moderately than to do a 10 000 km highway journey (truly any highway journey). Alya is a giant fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Each time we go away she desperately misses our canine Chile.
