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The Lion’s Head hike is without doubt one of the prime 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 degree. Mountaineering up the mountain might be difficult however the views from the highest are nicely definitely worth the effort. From Lion’s Head, you get a few of the finest views of the 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
Should you’re a solo traveler becoming a member of a guided group tour is likely to be a superb possibility particularly if you wish to do the Lion’s Head hike at sundown or dawn.
How tough is the Lion’s Head hike?
Lion’s Head is without doubt one of the most well-liked hikes in Cape City. It’s a average/tough route as a result of steep incline from the beginning. The issue will depend on the route you select and in your degree of health. Should you simply stroll across the mountain it’s not too tough. Some components of the path are fairly difficult. The final kilometer (the chain route) is probably the most tough half with climbing up over the rocks, steel ladders, and chains. For a match individual, it gained’t be an issue, however for those who’re not in fine condition, it is likely to be exhausting.
Should you just like the Lion’s Head hike you would possibly benefit from the Platteklip Gorge path or the tougher India Venster route, among the best Desk Mountain mountain climbing trails.
Should you’re fearful of heights I’d recommend doing a round route with out going to the highest of Lion’s Head. Climbing down is likely to be 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 charge. 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 primary path is 5,3 km/3,2 mi with a 400-meter ascent and a subsequent descent. Relying in your health degree it might 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 Street. The tip of the path is the highest of Lions Head Mountain.
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What’s the surroundings like?
Lion’s Head affords a few of the finest views of Cape City and the encircling 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 possibly can see just about your complete metropolis of Cape City and its environment. The primary 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 sights.
Lion’s Head hike – the primary routes
There are two mountain climbing routes to Lion’s Head each beginning on the parking spot on Sign Hill Street; the primary one (footpath) goes proper in 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 more difficult however shorter, it includes chains and ladders, and the opposite route (the advisable path) is longer with going up over the rocks. You may 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 images, watching the sundown, and so forth. The stroll would possibly take longer if there are various folks.
- Elevation achieve – 387 m
- Terrain – gravel street, wood stairs, rocks, ladders, and chains.
It’s the most well-liked Lion’s Head mountain climbing path and the advisable path to observe for solo hikers. It begins on the parking zone on Sign Hill Street. Most individuals use it to hike up and down. It’s a spiral route on 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 one of the 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 dust 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, huge rocks, ladders, chains
That is our favourite Lion’s Head mountain climbing route as you get to stroll up and down other ways and get the final 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 achieved clock or counterclockwise. We desire 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 one of the best views of Lion’s Head Peak, Sign Hill, and Sea Level. You may 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 neater different for individuals who don’t need to climb over the rocks or ladders all the best way to the highest. It’s an acceptable possibility for hikers with kids or canines. The route provides you a chance to watch Cape City and its environment, take pleasure in a pleasant stroll, and take some nice images 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 might be walked both manner clockwise or counterclockwise.
The Sign Hill hike
If climbing Lion’s Head Mountain isn’t too interesting for you there may be a neater different. You may 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 simple to entry by automotive. You may 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 mountain climbing path, you retain driving. There’s a parking spot on the highest of Sign Hill nevertheless it’s usually very full you may need to show round and park your automotive alongside the street. On the highest, you’ll discover a huge yellow body for taking images with Desk Mountain within the background, bathroom amenities, and a espresso truck.
Lion’s Head to Sign Hill hike
It’s attainable 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 once one other route previous Wally’s Cave nevertheless it’s at present closed attributable to present process terrain rehabilitation. Sadly, it’s not possible to entry Wally’s Cave.
Should you benefit from the outdoor and nature you would possibly take pleasure in mountain climbing at Cape Level Nationwide Park, there are a number of day trails that provide breathtaking views and alternatives to identify some animals.
You may mix mountain climbing 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 seashore 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 one of the best time for paragliding. It’s extremely advisable to e book paragliding prematurely.
When is one of the best time to hike Lion’s Head?
For me, the views from the highest of the mountain at sundown are probably the most spectacular. Lion’s Head is without doubt one of the finest sundown hikes in Cape City. You may see the solar slowly descending into the Atlantic Ocean portray the ocean and the coast with golden colour, one of the best gentle for images. Simply ensure that it’s not overcast or too cloudy earlier than you go. Watching the sundown from the highest of Lion’s Head is without doubt one of 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. It’s a must to be at the start line a few hours earlier than to discover a parking spot, make it to the highest (there may be often a queue on the rope and ladder a part of the climb), and discover a great place for taking images.
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. Then again in summer time you’ll need to stand 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 mountain climbing up Lion’s Head. On clear nights lots of of individuals head to the highest to watch the total Moon and benefit from the views of the evening metropolis. Test Moon phases and discover one of the best time to see the total moon.
Within the afternoon the sunshine isn’t one of the best for taking images and in summer time it will get extraordinarily scorching however the views from the highest are nonetheless spectacular.
Earlier than beginning the hike at all times test the climate forecast. If it’s very windy or wet it’s higher to postpone the hike.
The best way to get to the trailhead?
By public transport
You should use considered one of MyCity buses to get to Lion’s Head; routes 106 and 107 go there. Get off at Kloof Nek Street, 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 it’s a must to purchase a MyConnect card, which prices ZAR 35/US$2 and might be bought at any MyCiTi station kiosk and cargo some cash on it. A mean journey throughout 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 Automobile 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 superb possibility for you for those who’re not planning to lease a automotive. You may 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 contains the sundown bus, the boat cruise, and a couple of strolling excursions as nicely.
Driving
Renting a automotive is one of the best ways to discover Cape City. Should you lease a small automotive it gained’t be costly particularly for those who’re a few folks sharing it. Should you’re not a really assured driver (particularly contemplating that we drive on the left aspect of the street) you possibly can use Uber, many locals and vacationers use it day by day together with us. It really works nicely however generally in peak hours, you may need to attend for a trip.
With a tour
It is likely to be the best choice for solo vacationers particularly for those who select a mountain climbing 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 one of the best picture spots on Lion’s Head, and benefit from the good firm.
Lion’s Head parking zone
Parking close to the trailhead is likely to be tough, particularly in prime instances such because the sundown or for the Full Moon hike.
- One of the best and the closest possibility is Lion’s Head Hike Parking which is true the place the path begins.
- If there isn’t a area on the parking zone, search for spots alongside Sign Hill Street right here, and there you possibly can see gravel sidewalks the place you possibly can park.
- There’s “a secret spot” on Sign Hill Street 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 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 suggestions for mountain climbing Lion’s Head
Total it’s not harmful to hike Lion’s Head for those who take precautions.
In summer time it will get scorching scorching there isn’t a shade alongside the path and no place to get water when you begin mountain climbing. At all times carry sufficient water with you, a minimum of 1L per individual, use solar safety, and put on a hat or a cap.
For security causes for solo hikers, it’s suggested to observe the primary route on the gravel street.
In case you are a gaggle of individuals and hike throughout the day, you possibly can select any of the primary routes for those who hike after sundown hours, persist with the primary gravel route up Lion’s Head.
Don’t go mountain climbing at evening time except it’s a full moon evening when there will probably be lots of people on the mountain.
Should you go alone relatively use the primary hottest path. Should you’re not very snug with doing a sundown or dawn hike by yourself you possibly can at all times be part of a guided tour.
What to pack for the hike?
- A small backpack to place water, a digicam, snacks, and so forth.
- Trainers/sneakers, you don’t want mountain 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 isn’t a place to get water alongside the hike.
- Cap, there isn’t a 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 images on this put up had been taken with our GoPro.
Locations to remain
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The beautiful half of Stingy Nomads, answerable for all our land adventures (mountain climbing, climbing, strolling the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves strolling since she was a toddler, she prefers to stroll 1000 km with a backpack relatively 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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