[ad_1]
The Lion’s Head hike is among the prime issues to do in Cape City. Mountain climbing up the mountain will be difficult however the views from the highest are effectively definitely worth the effort. From Lion’s Head, you get among the finest views of town and its environment. Even in case you don’t climb all the best way to the highest you continue to get incredible views alongside the path.
Lion’s Head guided hikes and excursions
When you’re a solo traveler becoming a member of a guided group tour may be a superb choice particularly if you wish to do Lion’s Head hike at sundown or dawn.
Is Lion’s Head a troublesome hike?
Lion’s Head is among the hottest hikes in Cape City. It’s a reasonable/troublesome route because of the steep incline from the beginning. The issue will depend on the route you select. When you simply stroll across the mountain it’s not too troublesome. When you climb to the highest some elements of the path are fairly difficult. The final kilometer is essentially the most difficult half with climbing up over the rocks or metallic ladders and chains. For a match particular person, it gained’t be an issue, however in case you’re not in fine condition, it may be exhausting.
When you’re frightened of heights I’d recommend doing a round route with out going to the highest of Lion’s Head. Climbing down may be a bit scary for you. Total the Lion’s Head hike is simpler than mountain climbing trails up Desk Mountain.
It’s extremely advisable to have journey insurance coverage once you go overseas particularly in case you’re planning on doing some journey and outside actions. At all times just be sure you’re coated in case of an damage, theft, or loss. It’s higher to decide on a dependable insurance coverage firm that has been on the worldwide marketplace for some time. We are able to advocate utilizing World Nomads. They specialise in journey insurance coverage and canopy lots of outside actions. Their coverage could be very versatile you should buy it on-line earlier than or throughout your journey. It will probably cowl the entire period of your journey or simply part of it. Get an prompt quote proper now!
How a lot does it value?
The excellent news is that the Lion’s Head hike is free. You don’t pay any admission charges. Parking at Lion’s Head is free as effectively. Your solely expense is transportation to Lion’s Head and again.
How lengthy does it take to climb Lion’s Head?
The return hike up Lion’s Head is 5,3 km/3,2 mi with a 400-meters ascent and a subsequent descent. Relying in your health degree it will possibly take between 1h30min. and 2h.30min. to hike up and down Lion’s Head.
What’s the surroundings like?
Lion’s Head is the most effective place in Cape City to come back for the panoramic views of town, it’s positively a should embrace in your Cape City itinerary. From the highest of the mountain and alongside the path, you’ll be able to see just about your complete Cape City and its environment. The principle 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 points of interest.
Lion’s Head hike – the usual route
There are two mountain climbing routes to Lion’s Head each beginning on the parking spot on Sign Hill Highway; the primary one (footpath) goes proper in direction of Sign Hill, and the second (gravel highway, 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 entails 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.
- Distance – 5,3 km return
- Strolling time – 1h30min. up and down, plus 30min.-1h. for taking images, watching the sundown, and many others. The stroll would possibly take longer if there are various folks.
- Whole ascent/descent – 387 m
- Terrain – gravel highway, wood stairs, rocks, ladders, and chains.
It’s the preferred Lion’s Head mountain climbing path. It begins on the parking spot on Sign Hill Highway is the primary route up the mountain. Most individuals use it to hike up and down. It’s a steep gravel path with a big incline proper from the beginning. The route goes across the mountain providing nice views of Cape City and the shoreline. This route has the most effective views of Desk Mountain, Twelve Apostles, and Camps Bay. It begins on the gravel highway continues up the steps and finishes with a rocky path and ladders. The final half entails a little bit of climbing no matter which route you select.
Lion’s Head hike – the round route
- Distance – 6 km
- Strolling time – 2 hours up and down
- Whole ascent/descent – 400 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel highway, 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 last word 360° panoramic views of Cape City and the Cape Peninsula. The path begins at Lion’s Head parking. It may be executed clock or counterclockwise. We choose a counter-clock as a result of the gravel highway is simpler for taking place 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 the most effective 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
- Whole ascent/descent – 280 m
- Terrain – footpath, gravel highway
It’s a neater different for many who don’t wish to climb over the rocks or ladders all the best way to the highest. It’s an appropriate choice for hikers with youngsters 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 will be walked both manner clockwise or counterclockwise.
Sign Hill, a neater different to the Lion’s Head hike
If strolling a steep uphill and climbing usually are not too interesting for you there’s 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 could be very straightforward to entry by automotive. You may drive all the best way to the perspective, 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 highway. 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.
It’s potential to hike from Lion’s Head to Sign Hill.
- Distance – 5,4 km return
- Strolling time – 1 hour
- Whole ascent/descent – 50 m
- Terrain – footpath
The simplest 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 unimaginable views of Cape City, Desk Mountain, Robben Island, Waterfront, Sea Level, and Lion’s Head.
There was one other route previous Wally’s Cave nevertheless it’s presently closed as a result of present process terrain rehabilitation. Sadly, it’s unattainable to entry Wally’s Cave.
When you benefit from the outside and nature you would possibly take pleasure in mountain climbing at Cape Level Nationwide Park, there are a number of day trails that supply 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 incredible expertise to glide slowly above Cape City having fun with the attractive views and touchdown on the seashore at Sea Level. Don’t fear in case you park your automotive at Lion’s Head the return switch is included. Sundown is once more the most effective time for paragliding. It’s extremely advisable to e book paragliding prematurely.
The most effective time to do the hike
For me, the views from Lion’s Head at sundown are essentially the most spectacular. You may see the solar slowly descending into the Atlantic Ocean portray the ocean and the coast with golden coloration, the most effective gentle for images. Simply be certain that it’s not overcast or too cloudy earlier than you go. Watching the sundown from the highest of Lin’s Head is among 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 preferred time to do the Lion’s Head hike. It’s important to be at the start line a few hours earlier than to discover a parking spot, make it to the highest (there’s normally 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 normally fewer folks going up at dawn than at sundown. It’ll be sooner to get to the highest. Alternatively in summer time you’ll must stand up actually early to make it in time for the dawn. Examine sundown/dawn time in Cape City earlier than heading to Lion’s Head.
Full Moon is a very talked-about time for mountain climbing up Lion’s Head. On clear nights a whole bunch of individuals head to the highest to watch the total Moon and benefit from the views of the evening metropolis. Examine Moon phases and discover the most effective time to see the total moon.
Within the afternoon the sunshine is just not the most effective for taking images however the views from the highest are nonetheless spectacular.
How you can get to Lion’s Head?
By public transport
You should use certainly one of MyCity buses to get to Lion’s Head; routes 106 and 107 go there. Get off at Kloof Nec cease, 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, it prices ZAR 35/US$2 and will be bought at any MyCiTi station kiosk and cargo some cash on it. A median 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 Automotive 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 choice for you in case you’re not planning to lease a automotive. You will 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 consists of the sundown bus, the boat cruise, and a pair of strolling excursions as effectively.
By automotive
Renting a automotive is one of the simplest ways to discover Cape City. When you lease a small automotive it gained’t be costly particularly in case you’re a few folks sharing it. On weekdays on the lookout for a parking spot within the metropolis heart may be a bit difficult although, and also you’ll must pay for it however not for parking on Lion’s Head these are free. When you’re not a really assured driver (particularly contemplating that we drive on the left facet of the highway) you’ll be able to use Uber, many locals and vacationers use it every single day together with us. It really works effectively however generally in peak hours, you may need to attend for a experience.
With a tour
It may be the most suitable choice for solo vacationers particularly in case you 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 that may present you the most effective photograph spots on Lion’s Head, and benefit from the good firm.
The place to park the automotive?
Parking close to the trailhead may be tough, particularly in prime instances such because the sundown or Full Moon.
- The most effective and the closest choice is Lion’s Head Hike Parking which is correct the place the path begins.
- If there isn’t a house on the parking zone, search for spots alongside Sign Hill Highway right here, and there you’ll be able to see gravel sidewalks the place you’ll be able to park.
- There’s “a secret spot” on Sign Hill Highway between Lion’s Head and Sign Hill, a proper flip to the gravel highway, about 2 km away from the trailhead.
- We regularly 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 all the time locations out there 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 commonly full.
Security suggestions for mountain climbing in Cape City
Total it’s not harmful to hike Lion’s Head until you do it at evening time.
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 deliver sufficient water with you, at the least 1L per particular person, use solar safety, and put on a hat or a cap.
When you hike in the course of the day, you’ll be able to select any route in case you hike after sundown hours, persist with the primary gravel route up Lion’s Head.
Don’t go mountain climbing at evening time until it’s the total moon evening when there will probably be lots of people on the mountain.
When you go alone fairly use the primary hottest path. When you’re not very snug with doing a sundown or dawn hike by yourself you’ll be able to all the time be part of a guided tour.
There are numerous superb long-distance mountain climbing trails in South Africa that outside lovers will take pleasure in such because the Otter Path and the Amatola Path.
What to tackle the hike?
- A small backpack to place water, a digicam, snacks, and many others.
- Trainers/sneakers, you don’t want mountain climbing footwear 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, be certain that to deliver sufficient water with you there isn’t a place to get water alongside the hike.
- Cap, there isn’t a shade on the mountain in case you hike within the afternoon it will get very popular.
- Sun shades
- Sunscreen
- GoPro HERO9, video footage, and a few wide-angle panoramic images on this publish had been taken with our GoPro.
Locations to remain
Please observe and like us:
The gorgeous half of Stingy Nomads, liable 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 fairly than to do a ten 000 km highway journey (truly any highway 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.
[ad_2]
Source link