Lion’s Head is a great climb! 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. 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)21 706 8039 for further information. 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.