A Hike up Lions Head at Full Moon
Description
Lion’s Head is a short but popular hike. Most of the walk is quite steep but still rather easy going. Most of the trail is paved or asphalt, but it does eventually turn into a dirt track. The road spirals up the side of the mountain until it becomes a single track so continue along this path as it winds its way upwards. If you don’t want to use the cable, there is an alternative route around it. This is also the route you will use to come down again after sunset – do not climb down the cable in the dark.
Highlights
Once on top, it offers 360 degree views of the Atlantic seaboard, the City and Table Mountain as well as Camps Bay and Sea Point.
Cape Spirit sums it up in a nutshell: “It is probably THE spot in Cape Town where you feel closest to Mother Earth: Table Mountain rises triumphant over Lions Head, the mighty ocean stretches as far as the eye can see and the eastern horizon is covered with mountains. As the sunset paints the sky orange, the moon rises slowly over the east. Everyone is watching… A beautiful experience”
Directions to Lions Head
Drive up Buitengracht road towards the mountain. It eventually becomes Kloof Nek Road. On the top of the hill (at the corner of Kloof Nek and Tafelberg Road) turn right into Signal Hill road. The beginning of the Lion’s Head Walk is on your left. There are usually a few cars parked there where hikers are preparing for the walk. When you have finished your hike, drive further along the road and find a spot to enjoy the magnificent view and maybe have a well deserved drink.
Start
The trail begins at a gravel parking lot located under a patch of blue gum trees near the beginning of Signal Hill Rd.
End
Same as the start
Duration
1 hour & 30 minutes one way so plan your departure time to return in time for sunset.
Rating
Moderately strenuous. The last section is very steep up one of the boulders and you need to use the chains attached to the rock face to climb up a section of boulders, which increases the difficulty of this walk. It’s nothing impossible though – families do it all the time. For the less adventurous there is an alterative route which does take a bit longer.
Features
If you have timed your holiday right, for an added wow factor, try to climb Lions head at full moon and get to the summit in time to watch it rise. It’s a beautiful event and becoming increasingly popular. At other times, it is just as spectacular to watch the sun set from the summit.
Take With
You will need the following:
- good walking shoes,
- insect repellent,
- refreshments and water,
- camera,
- binoculars
- torch for the walk down after sunset
Please Note
It has become quite a common tradition in Cape Town to hike up to the top at full moon. Do remember though that this is quite a memorable experience but it should really only be done in groups, and be led by someone with experience. It’s not ideal for children or the elderly.
Moon times
For detailed information regarding full moon times in Cape Town for the rest of the year, click here