Lion's Head (Cape Town)

Lion's Head is a mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Lion's Head peaks at 669 metres (2,195 ft) above sea level. The peak forms part of a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town and is part of the Table Mountain National Park.

Surrounding

The suburbs of the city surround the peak and Signal Hill on almost all sides, but strict management by city authorities has kept development of housing off the higher ground. The area is significant to the Cape Malay community, who historically lived in the Bo-Kaap quarter close to Lion's Head.

There are a number of historic graves and shrines (kramats) of Malay leaders on the lower slopes and on Signal Hill.

History

In the 17th century the peak was known as Leeuwen Kop (Lion's Head) by the Dutch, and Signal Hill was known as Leeuwen Staart (Lion's Tail), as the shape resembles a crouching lion or a sphinx. The English in the 17th Century called the peak Sugar Loaf.

Activities

Lion's Head is known for spectacular views over both the city and the Atlantic Seaboard, and the hour-long walk to the top is particularly popular during full moon. Its slopes are also a popular launching point for paragliders. Sunrise hikes offer a unique perspective over Cape Town

Geology, flora and fauna

The upper part of the peak consists of flat-lying Table Mountain sandstone and the lower slopes are formed by the Cape Granite and the Malmesbury formation, which are older Precambrian rocks.

Lion's Head is covered in fynbos (indigenous Cape vegetation), with an unusually rich biodiversity that supports a variety of small animals. Three main vegetation types can be found in this relatively small area. All three of them are endemic to the city of Cape Town and can be found nowhere else. Most of Lion's Head is covered in endangered Granite Fynbos, which fades into Peninsula Shale Renosterveld (critically endangered) on the lower slopes towards Signal Hill in the north. Right on the summit of Lion's Head however, is a tiny patch of endangered Sandstone Fynbos, a different ecosystem that is also found nearby on the top of Table Mountain.

See also

References

External links

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Fathima Dada
28 December 2015
One of the best hikes or walks in the world, and I've been around some! For crowd avoidance and amazing peace park at the shrine and walk from there. Unmissable!
Vikram Rajagopalan
26 December 2016
The views are amazing. Pack lots of water for a hot day, and the hike is a little more strenuous than you think. Coming down takes energy too!
Dens
9 February 2015
Hey tourist! I 1000% recommend hiking Lion's Head! The view is amazing & it'll only take you 2-3 hrs (vs. all day for Table Mtn). Don't fear the "harder path". ps: Bonus pts if it's your honeymoon!
Nikos B
21 September 2019
Whatever you do make sure you have reached the peak by sunset. Then it gets TOO dark and dangerous to hike down! It takes approx 90mins to reach the peak from the side coffee shop
CapeTownMagazine.com
16 February 2011
Go up an hour before sunset and take some snacks and a bottle of Backsberg tread lightly. See the sun set over the ocean and turn 180 and see the lights go on in town. Priceless. Take a small torch.
Morgan Irwin
22 June 2013
Be weary of going up Lions Head for the full moon if you like to hike quickly. There are often a lot more people hiking than you would expect. This does make it quite festive though.
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Map
0.6km from Unnamed Road, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Get directions
Wed 6:00 AM–10:00 AM
Thu 6:00 AM–7:00 AM
Fri 6:00 AM–7:00 AM
Sat 7:00 AM–8:00 PM
Sun 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Mon 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

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