Lion's Head Hike

Lion's Head is the pointed peak that rises between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and on a clear morning half of Cape Town seems to be climbing it. The hike is free, starts a few minutes' drive from the city centre, and delivers one of the greatest views in the world for an effort that most reasonably fit people can manage. The trail begins on Signal Hill Road, just above Kloof Nek, where you leave the car and pass a boom onto a broad gravel track. From there the path spirals clockwise around the mountain, climbing steadily through fynbos and over rock, so that the view changes as you go: first the City Bowl and Table Mountain, then the Atlantic seaboard with Clifton, Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles, then Sea Point, Robben Island and the harbour. The summit of Lion's Head stands at 669 metres, and the round trip takes most people between two and three hours, including time on top. Near the top there is a choice. The more direct route uses steel staples, a ladder and chains fixed into the rock to scramble up a short, steep section; it is exposed but well protected and causes no difficulty for people with a head for heights. The alternative route around the other side avoids the chains and joins the final scramble to the summit, which is rocky but straightforward. The summit itself is a small, uneven rocky platform with drop-offs on several sides, so take care, especially in wind. The hike is busiest at sunrise and sunset, and on the evenings around the full moon, when hundreds of people climb to watch the sun set over the Atlantic and the moon rise over the city, then descend by headlamp.

Safety and practicalities: Lion's Head is part of Table Mountain National Park, and while the main route is busy and well used, it deserves respect. Wear proper shoes with grip, carry water, sunscreen and a windproof layer, and bring a headlamp if there is any chance of finishing in the dark. The path is exposed to sun and there is little shade. Wind can make the upper section unpleasant and the chains dangerous, so turn back if it is blowing hard. Do not hike alone, especially early or late in the day; go with friends or a guide, keep valuables to a minimum and stay on the main route. Wally's Cave, an off-trail spot popular on social media, is closed to the public and is not a sanctioned path. Parking along Signal Hill Road fills early on fine weekends and at sunset, so arrive early or take a ride-hailing car.

For a gentler outing, the Lion's Head loop circles the lower slopes on a wide, easy path of about five kilometres with lovely views, and Signal Hill, at the end of the road, offers sunset views from your car. Paragliders launch from Signal Hill on suitable days and float down to the Sea Point promenade, a sight in itself. Guided sunrise and sunset hikes are offered by several operators and are a good option for solo travellers or anyone nervous about the chains.

Who it suits: anyone reasonably fit and comfortable on rocky ground. Teenagers love it; younger children can manage the lower slopes and, with care and close supervision, the route avoiding the chains. Couples come for sunset. If the cableway is closed by wind, Lion's Head may be calmer, but check conditions. For a big day, combine it with a swim at Clifton or Camps Bay afterwards.