Lion’s Head
Lion's Head. Photo courtesy Phillip Friederich
Lion’s Head forms part of the Table Mountain range and provides a scenic backdrop to the City of Cape Town. It falls within the Table Mountain National Park and rises to a height of 669m (2195ft) above sea level.
During the 17th century Dutch settlers first named the peak Leeuwen Kop (Lion’s Head). Its counterpart, Signal Hill, was referred to as Leeuwen Staart (Lion’s Tail), as the two mountains and the space between them is reminiscent of a crouching feline.
Lion’s Head is best known for its stunning views of the Mother City and Table Bay on one side, and the Atlantic shoreline on the other, which makes the hour-long walk to the top really worth the effort. Add a little mystery to the walk by tackling it during full moon and be rewarded with a glittering view of Cape Town by night.
Photographers should set aside the first clear day of their visit to Cape Town to walk to the top of Lion’s Head, as it provides a great location to orientate oneself and from which to photograph the famous Robben Island prison, where South Africa’s former president, Nelson Mandela, was held captive for 19 years.
Due to its height above the city and the ideal wind conditions that prevail around it, Lion’s Head is a great spot to go paragliding, hang-gliding or microlighting. Cape Town offers a number of sites for these activities, including Lion’s Head. Call +27 (0)21 487 6800 for further information.
Geographically speaking, the “table top” of Table Mountain is of sandstone origin, while its slopes are composed of granite. This underlying composition supports the growth of natural fynbos vegetation which, in turn, provides a home for a host of small animals. Many millions of years ago, Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head would all have been joined together, but due to erosion are now separate.
The three-hour walk to the top of Lion’s Head is quite a challenge, and not suited to the unfit, elderly or very young. The route starts at Signal Hill Road, at the base of Forestry Road and spirals around the head to a section with chains. These have been put in place to assist climbers over a steep, rocky section. Although there is an alternate route that bypasses the chains, the ascent is still steep and not to be taken lightly.
- Phone: +27 (0) 21 487 6800
- Email: info@capetown.travel
- Website: http://www.capetown.travel/
Ratanga Junction
Picture this ... You’re strapped into your seat, hanging under the track of a looping roller coaster that’s hurtling down a twisting track at about 100km/h. Screams fill the air, and you’re not sure you’ll live to savour the memories ... If that sounds like fun to you, then Ratanga Junction’s the place you need to be!
Lion’s Head
Lion’s Head forms part of the Table Mountain range and provides a scenic backdrop to the City of Cape Town.
Great rides
Feel the kiss of the salty wind astraddle a classic car or motorcycle, while taking in the magnificence of Cape Town’s mountain and ocean scenery.
Cycling and mountain biking
The varied topography of Cape Town, from its soaring mountains to long, flat beaches, forested slopes and challenging mountain passes, presents the keen cyclist with an array of routes to choose from.
Paragliding
It has long been a human dream to soar like a bird on lofty thermals – and paragliding comes pretty close. There couldn’t be a better place to experience the thrill of paragliding than high above the beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, and the Twelve Apostles.
Reviews
Be the first to review this provider.
Add your review
