It starts on the gravel road continues up the stairs and finishes with a rocky path and ladders. The last part involves a bit of climbing regardless of which route you choose. Families with children as well as highly inexperienced hikers with less than optimal fitness levels should stick to the spiral route . You should allow for three hours or more, especially if you want to take it easy and admire all the beautiful scenery and views along the way.
Your children will be too short to reach the aluminum steps on the rocks at the chain part and it is steep and can be quite unsafe then. Both routes then meet again for the final stretch to the top. The rocks here are rather large and as I am short I use my hands to help climb and lift myself here. If the child struggle I guess you can just lift them up and down if one of the patents go in front and one behind. It always seems to me the children are fine and the parents are the ones struggling � Just take note this section is more tricky than one thinks but definitely do-able.



If you’re in the city and craving a nature fix, then this small reserve on the lowest slopes of Table Mountain is your solution. You can walk your dogs or just go for a stroll in this forested area. Once you’ve walked up a bit, you’ll have a clear view of the mountain right ahead, and here you can choose to link up to a longer hike if you’re up for it. Skeleton Gorge is a scenic trek that's ideal in dry conditions. During the summer months, there is shade along the Afromontane forest nearly all the way up Skeleton Gorge.
The only downside is that you will have to get up very early. The hike itself is all about the views – right from the start and all the way up to the top, the trail boasts incredible views. So, the trail itself is already worth being part of everyone’s Cape Town itinerary. For those who have a fear of heights, it’s recommended to take the roundabout footpath to avoid the more intense sections of the trail. Towering over Cape Town and offering some very popular trails is one of Cape Town’s greatest icons – Lion’s Head. A hike up the mountain is an absolute must for visitors and locals alike, but there are a few things you need to know before you conquer the beast.

Always pack warm tops, a beany hat is a good idea as well. Despite these challenges, South Africa has a vibrant economy that is driven by a diverse range of industries, including mining, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. You'll pass through a variety of terrain, including chai and rocky scrambling, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of water.
Let me know when you’ve done Lions Head and how your experience was. I would also suggest an early morning hike on a morning with no wind. There are soooo many people hiking on the weekends that you will not feel unsafe. I do hope this post showed you some of our beautiful views and that you will give it a try when visiting. For a quick hike and relatively easy hike you get rewarded big time – not something you find to often on ‘shorter’ hikes. We went up for a sunset and watched the sky turn red and pink and eventually black with golden city lights filling the night.
It really is nothing to be scared of, but do take your time if you find this kind of thing challenging. Table Mountain might be the face of Cape Town, but Lion’s Head is the mane event! Cape Town is a city of unfathomable natural beauty; the best way to experience it is with a Lion’s Head Hike.

If you want a more immersive experience, you can opt for a guided hike up Lions Head. A professional guide will be able to point out interesting features along the way, as well as provide tips and tricks to make the most of your experience. One of the most popular is Platteklip Gorge, a pretty hike with a straight, steep ascent.
The hike takes only a couple of hours to complete and the scenery from on top of the mountain is nothing short of spectacular. To find the appropriate time it takes to hike Lion’s head, you will need to consider your fitness level as well as how many people are attending the hike, if in a group. See the many Cape Town attractions from above, with half a day of hiking.

You can read my detailed blog post here where I attempt to summarise everything I did in Cape Town. Situated along the West Coast in the little town of Mamre, this National Heritage Site has picnic spots, short trails and a 1.5-hour trail walk. The 254ha reserve has an abundance of vegetation and small animals such as caracals and various reptiles. You’ll need to hike up through the lower slopes of a fynbos-covered mountain near Kalk Bay before you reach the Spes Bona forest, but it’s worth the trek. A raised wooden walkway winds its way in among the old gnarled trees that are kept alive by the constant dripping of water running down the mossy cliff on the right.
Interesting overview highly rated, South Africa Vacations, Cape Town Car Hire and What Was Robben Island, Robben Island Tour � ... Latest complete video top searched, Cape Town Accommodation, Holiday Ideas and Do You Have to Pay to Hike Lion's Head ... It was during our recent visit to Cape Town that we had the pleasure of hiking Table Mountain’s striking neighbor plateau, Lion’s Head, with friends Piers and Nathanael . South Africa has a rich history that is both complex and often difficult, as it has experienced colonialism, apartheid, and ongoing social and economic challenges. South Africa has a population of over 59 million people and is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including Black Africans, Coloureds, Whites, and Asians.
In our overly busy and western world it isn’t always easy to find good friends or companions to hike with, even at last minute. You can constantly discover Cape Town Hotels in every inch of beautiful Cape Town within a heart beat lions head starting point to the touristy routes or to the least beaten path. Maybe you want a taste of a conventional fishing town where the food is unpretentious and sumptuous. Hike off to Paternoster where you can remain at thatched guesthouses.