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The Lion’s Head hike is among the high issues to do in Cape City. Lion’s Head Mountain is part of the Desk Mountain Nationwide Park. Its peak is at 669 m above sea stage. Climbing up the mountain will be difficult however the views from the highest are nicely well worth the effort. From Lion’s Head, you get a number of the greatest views of town and its environment. Even for those who don’t climb all the best way to the highest you continue to get implausible views alongside the path.
Lion’s Head guided hikes and excursions
If you happen to’re a solo traveler becoming a member of a guided group tour is perhaps a very good choice particularly if you wish to do the Lion’s Head hike at sundown or dawn.
How troublesome is the Lion’s Head hike?
Lion’s Head is among the most standard hikes in Cape City. It’s a average/troublesome route as a result of steep incline from the beginning. The issue is determined by the route you select and in your stage of health. If you happen to simply stroll across the mountain it’s not too troublesome. Some elements of the path are fairly difficult. The final kilometer (the chain route) is essentially the most troublesome half with climbing up over the rocks, steel ladders, and chains. For a match particular person, it received’t be an issue, however for those who’re not in good condition, it is perhaps exhausting.
If you happen to just like the Lion’s Head hike you would possibly benefit from the Platteklip Gorge path or the more difficult India Venster route, the most effective Desk Mountain mountaineering trails.
If you happen to’re petrified of heights I’d recommend doing a round route with out going to the highest of Lion’s Head. Climbing down is perhaps a bit scary for you.
How a lot does it value?
The excellent news is that the Lion’s Head hike is free. There isn’t any entrance payment. Parking at Lion’s Head is free as nicely. Your solely expense is transportation to Lion’s Head and again.
How lengthy is the Lion’s Head hike?
The return hike up Lion’s Head on the principle path is 5,3 km/3,2 mi with a 400-meter ascent and a subsequent descent. Relying in your health stage it could actually take between 1h30min. and 2h.30min. to hike up and down Lion’s Head.
The place does the path begin?
The beginning of the path is on the Lion’s Head hike parking zone on Sign Hill Highway. The tip of the path is the highest of Lions Head Mountain.
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What’s the surroundings like?
Lion’s Head gives a number of the greatest views of Cape City and the encompassing space. It’s positively a must-include in your Cape City itinerary. On a transparent day from Lion’s Head summit and alongside the path, you may see just about your complete metropolis of 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 Seashore, seaport, and lots of different metropolis points of interest.
Lion’s Head hike – the principle routes
There are two mountaineering routes to Lion’s Head each beginning on the parking spot on Sign Hill Highway; the primary one (footpath) goes proper in the direction of Sign Hill, and the second (gravel street, the requirements route) goes left. Each routes merge 1 km earlier than the height. There’s one other cut up simply earlier than reaching the highest; one route is tougher however shorter, it includes chains and ladders, and the opposite route (the beneficial 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.
Lion’s Head path – the linear route
- Distance – 5,3 km return
- Strolling time – 1h30min. up and down, plus 30min.-1h. for taking pictures, watching the sundown, and so forth. The stroll would possibly take longer if there are a lot of folks.
- Elevation achieve – 387 m
- Terrain – gravel street, picket stairs, rocks, ladders, and chains.
It’s the most well-liked Lion’s Head mountaineering path and the beneficial path to observe for solo hikers. It begins on the parking zone on Sign Hill Highway. Most individuals use it to hike up and down. It’s a spiral route on a steep gravel path with a big 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 street continues up the steps and finishes with a rocky path and ladders. The primary half of the path is a steep ascent on a mud street. The second half includes a little bit of climbing no matter which route you select.
Lion’s Head path – the round route
- Distance – 6 km
- Strolling time – 2 hours up and down
- Elevation achieve – 400 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel street, large rocks, ladders, chains
That is our favourite Lion’s Head mountaineering route as you get to stroll up and down alternative ways and get the last word 360° panoramic views of Cape City and the Cape Peninsula. It’s an extended route. The path begins at Lion’s Head parking. It may be finished clock or counterclockwise. We want a counter-clock as a result of the gravel street is simpler to go down 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 manner 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 – 4 km
- Strolling time – 1 hour
- Elevation achieve – 280 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel street
It’s a better various for many who don’t wish to climb over the rocks or ladders all the best way to the highest. It’s an acceptable choice for hikers with youngsters or canine. The route offers you a chance to look at Cape City and its environment, take pleasure in 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 will be walked both manner clockwise or counterclockwise.
The Sign Hill hike
If climbing Lion’s Head Mountain isn’t too interesting for you there’s a better various. 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 may be very straightforward to entry by automotive. You possibly can drive all the best way to the perspective, with 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 manner as to Lion’s Head however as a substitute of parking your automotive on the head of the mountaineering path, you retain driving. There’s a parking spot on the highest of Sign Hill but it surely’s typically very full you may need to show round and park your automotive alongside the street. On the highest, you’ll discover a large yellow body for taking pictures with Desk Mountain within the background, bathroom amenities, and a espresso truck.
Lion’s Head to Sign Hill hike
It’s doable to hike from Lion’s Head to Sign Hill.
- Distance – 5,4 km return
- Strolling time – 1 hour
- Elevation achieve – 50 m
- Terrain – footpath
The best 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 manner spherical. Although you don’t go up the mountain you continue to get superb views of Cape City’s metropolis centre, Desk Mountain, Robben Island, Waterfront, Sea Level, and Lion’s Head.
There was one other route previous Wally’s Cave but it surely’s at the moment closed as a result of present process terrain rehabilitation. Sadly, it’s inconceivable to entry Wally’s Cave.
If you happen to benefit from the open air and nature you would possibly take pleasure in mountaineering 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 mountaineering with paragliding. Paragliding is feasible from each Lion’s Head and Sign Hill. It’s a implausible expertise to glide slowly above Cape City having fun with the gorgeous views and touchdown on the seaside at Sea Level. Don’t fear for those who 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 beneficial to guide paragliding upfront.
When is the very best time to hike Lion’s Head?
For me, the views from the highest of the mountain at sundown are essentially the most spectacular. Lion’s Head is among the greatest sundown hikes in Cape City. You possibly can see the solar slowly descending into the Atlantic Ocean portray the ocean and the coast with golden coloration, the very best mild for pictures. Simply be sure that it’s not overcast or too cloudy earlier than you go. Watching the sundown from the highest of Lion’s Head is among the most romantic issues 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. You must be at the place to begin a few hours earlier than to discover a parking spot, make it to the highest (there’s often 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 often fewer folks going up at dawn than at sundown. It’ll be sooner to get to the highest. However in summer season you’ll must stand up actually early to make it in time for the dawn. Verify sundown/dawn time in Cape City earlier than heading to Lion’s Head.
Full Moon is a extremely popular time for mountaineering up Lion’s Head. On clear nights a whole bunch of individuals head to the highest to look at the complete Moon and benefit from the views of the evening metropolis. Verify Moon phases and discover the very best time to see the complete moon.
Within the afternoon the sunshine isn’t the very best for taking pictures and in summer season it will get extraordinarily scorching however the views from the highest are nonetheless spectacular.
Earlier than beginning the hike all the time verify the climate forecast. If it’s very windy or wet it’s higher to postpone the hike.
Easy methods to get to the trailhead?
By public transport
You should utilize certainly one of MyCity buses to get to Lion’s Head; routes 106 and 107 go there. Get off at Kloof Nek Highway, 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, which prices ZAR 35/US$2 and will be bought at any MyCiTi station kiosk and cargo some cash on it. A median journey inside the metropolis will value 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 a very good choice for you for those who’re not planning to hire a automotive. You possibly can get a 1 or 2-day cross and tour across the metropolis getting off at any attraction. With one cross you get entry to 4 completely different routes. The two-day ticket consists of the sundown bus, the boat cruise, and a pair of strolling excursions as nicely.
Driving
Renting a automotive is the easiest way to discover Cape City. If you happen to hire a small automotive it received’t be costly particularly for those who’re a few folks sharing it. If you happen to’re not a really assured driver (particularly contemplating that we drive on the left facet of the street) you may use Uber, many locals and vacationers use it every single day together with us. It really works nicely however generally in peak hours, you may need to attend for a experience.
With a tour
It is perhaps the most suitable choice for solo vacationers particularly for those who select a mountaineering tour that features transportation. You get picked up and dropped off at your lodge in Cape City, stroll with an skilled information who can present you the very best photograph spots on Lion’s Head, and benefit from the good firm.
Lion’s Head parking zone
Parking close to the trailhead is perhaps difficult, particularly in prime occasions such because the sundown or for the Full Moon hike.
- The very best and the closest choice is Lion’s Head Hike Parking which is true the place the path begins.
- If there isn’t any house on the 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 street, about 2 km away from the trailhead.
- We frequently park our automotive at Kloof Nek Parking, it’s a devoted parking space simply on the proper from Lion’s Head on the best way to Desk Mountain. There are all the time locations out there 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 mountaineering Lion’s Head
General it’s not harmful to hike Lion’s Head for those who take precautions.
In summer season it will get scorching scorching there isn’t any shade alongside the path and no place to get water when you begin mountaineering. All the time convey sufficient water with you, no less than 1L per particular person, use solar safety, and put on a hat or a cap.
For security causes for solo hikers, it’s suggested to observe the principle route on the gravel street.
If you’re a bunch of individuals and hike throughout the day, you may select any of the principle routes for those who hike after sundown hours, keep on with the principle gravel route up Lion’s Head.
Don’t go mountaineering at evening time until it’s a full moon evening when there shall be lots of people on the mountain.
If you happen to go alone quite use the principle hottest path. If you happen to’re not very snug with doing a sundown or dawn hike by yourself you may all the time be a part of a guided tour.
What to pack for the hike?
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- A small backpack to place water, a digicam, snacks, and so forth.
- Trainers/sneakers, you don’t want mountaineering sneakers for Lion’s Head however strolling in flip-flops received’t work both.
- Jacket/hoodie if coming for sundown/dawn it will get chilly and windy up there.
- Water bottle, be sure that to convey sufficient water with you there isn’t any place to get water alongside the hike.
- Cap, there isn’t any shade on the mountain for those who hike within the afternoon it will get very popular.
- Sun shades
- Sunscreen
- GoPro HERO10, video footage, and a few wide-angle panoramic pictures on this put up have been taken with our GoPro.
Locations to remain
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The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, accountable for all our land adventures (mountaineering, 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 quite than to do a ten 000 km street journey (really any street 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.
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