Lions Head
Lions Head
Lion's Head is a prominent peak in Cape Town, located between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Renowned for its distinctive shape, it offers panoramic views of the city, Table Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. The hike to the summit is popular among locals and tourists, with a well-trodden trail that includes sections of scrambling and chains for assistance. At the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking sunrise and sunset vistas, making it a favorite spot for photographers. Lion's Head is also known for its monthly full moon hikes, attracting those eager to experience the city illuminated by moonlight.
There is a moderately strenuous hiking trail of about and hour and 50 minutes that spirals up around Lion's Head that gives a much better view of the city and also overlooks Camps Bay and Sea Point . The trail begins at a gravel parking lot located under a patch of bluegum trees near the beginning of Signal Hill Rd.
There is quite a steep rock that you need to climb to reach the top, you can get up this with the help of mountain chains. But for the less adventurous there is an alternative route which does take a bit longer. Loin's Head is a spectacular site during the full moon. Unfortunately a number of muggings have also been reported recently by hikers taking this trail also it isn't suitable for the elderly and young children.
5 interesting facts about Lion's Head in Cape Town:
1. Distinctive Shape: Lion's Head is named for its unique shape, which is said to resemble a crouching lion or a sphinx. It stands prominently between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, contributing to Cape Town's iconic skyline.
2. Popular Hiking Destination: The hike to the summit of Lion's Head is one of Cape Town's most popular trails. It offers a relatively easy ascent with spectacular 360-degree views of the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic Ocean.
3. Full Moon Hikes: One of the most popular times to hike Lion's Head is during the full moon. Hikers often start in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from the summit and then descend by the light of the full moon, enjoying the magical experience of night hiking.
4. Paragliding Launch Site: Lion's Head is a favored launch site for paragliders. On any given day, you can see colorful paragliders taking off from its slopes and gliding over the city and coastline, offering a thrilling aerial perspective.
5. Historic Significance: The slopes of Lion's Head are dotted with historic cannons from the 18th century, part of the Lion Battery. These were once used to signal the arrival of ships and to defend Cape Town from potential threats.
Accommodation Near Lions Head
7A Clifton Steps
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Clifton, Cape Town
0.9km from Lions HeadA beautifully appointed garden self-catering 2 bedroom apartment on Clifton Steps. Ideally situated - just a short taxi ride from Camps Bay to one side and to the other side, all that the Mother City has to offer. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Grande Kloof Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Cape Town
1.2km from Lions HeadThe Grande Kloof is a privately owned and operated accommodation establishment offering both Bed & Breakfast and Self Catering options in a great holiday location within the upmarket residential area of Fresnaye, on the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hastings Hall
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
1.6km from Lions HeadHastings Hall provides self catering apartment accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Surround yourself with the beauty of Table Mountain and Lion's Head, and put yourself in the perfect position to get to see everything that... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Barry Hall Apartments
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Fresnaye
1.6km from Lions HeadBarry Hall is located in the leafy suburb of Fresnaye on the Atlantic Seaboard. The 4 large apartments and garden cottage are offer free Wi-Fi as well as friendly daily service, weekdays leaves you free to enjoy Cape Town and all its beauty. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Liberty Lodge
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Cape Town
1.7km from Lions HeadLiberty Lodge provides guests with bed and breakfast accommodation in Tamboerskloof, Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Over the years, this classic Cape Town bed & breakfast has earned an enviable reputation for relaxed and genuine hospitality. Originally a V …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Riviera Suites
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Sea Point, Cape Town
1.8km from Lions HeadRiviera Suites is suitable for both family holidays and business stays and offers a variety of configurations, from compact two sleepers to the spacious eight-sleeper apartments. All the apartments feature full kitchens... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
5 Camp Street
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
2.1km from Lions Head5 Camp Street provides self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Ideally situated in the central, trendy and historic suburb of Gardens, on the lower slopes of Table Mountain. Within easy walking distance of Kloof Street... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mount Sierra
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Cape Town
2.2km from Lions HeadMount Sierra apartments offers self catering accommodation in Gardens, Cape Town City Bowl. Located in the heart of Cape Town it will delight you with its numerous award-winning restaurants, galleries, shops and tourist sites. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
3 On Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
Hotel / Boutique Hotel Accommodation in Camps Bay, Cape Town
2.5km from Lions Head3 on Camps Bay is a luxury 16 bedroom Guesthouse in the up-market and trendy Camps Bay, Cape Town. Located in a cul-de-sac overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, 3 On Camps Bay offers a quiet retreat where you can vacation in the utmost luxury and pamper. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Aview
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Camps Bay, Cape Town
2.7km from Lions HeadThis striking luxury villa offers unobstructed views of both the mountain & Camps Bay. It is close to the beach, restaurants, clubs, bars, Cape Town, V&A Waterfront, Golf courses & wine routes. The pool, Jacuzzi & gamesroom are big hits with guests! …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Tandem Paragliding (0.62km)
- The Roundhouse (0.93km)
- Pipe Track Walk (1.00km)
- Jan van Riebeeck Mountain Trail/Fun Run & Market Day (1.15km)
- Clifton Beaches (1.24km)
- Mojo Market (1.62km)
- Sea Point Pavilion and Swimming Pool (1.72km)
- Women's Day Swim (1.82km)
- Table Mountain Aerial Cableway (1.95km)
- Three Peaks Challenge (1.95km)
- Cape Bonsai Kai Show (2.16km)
- Mediclinic Cape Town (2.17km)
- Out The Box Festival (2.28km)
- Signal Hill (2.39km)
- Labia Theatre (2.40km)
- The South African HorrorFest (2.41km)
- Shnit - International Short Film Festival (2.43km)
- South African Museum and Planetarium (2.71km)
- Table Mountain Guided Hike (2.78km)
- Cape Town Holocaust Centre (2.82km)
