Cape Town has a sickening number of beautiful places to watch the sunset from, and topping the list is Lion’s Head. Yes, it’s popular and touristy. But damn is it pretty.
Watch now: a spectacular Cape Town timelapse
There’s a reason that whenever someone visits me in Cape Town, I drag them off to the foothills of Lion’s Head and turn a deaf ear to their complaints about how high it looks. Watching the sun setting over Camps Bay from the peak, and seeing nightfall blanket the city beneath you, does all the convincing needed.
Here’s my favourite thing to do in Cape Town, in photos.
The hike is quite doable for the average person, especially if you take it slow. It takes between 1-2 hours to reach the top, and is considerably shorter on the way down. Bring water and eat before you start the climb.
The trail curves around Lion’s Head, offering up panoramas of Camps Bay, Green Point and the City Bowl.
Here’s when it starts to become a clamber over rocks…
You’re bound to be passed by either tireless runners or happy dogs as you ascend. Chains and ladders help with the steeper climbs.
Looking up at the peak from the first level.
The last stretch before you reach the peak…
…to a welcome drink. And if you’re organised, a cheese and bread picnic spread. It’s tradition for first-time climbers to touch the marker on the pinnacle on Lion’s Head.
Watching the shadow of Lion’s Head falls over the city.
There’s a huge sense of satisfaction and inner peace when you reach the top.
You can watch the sunset either from the peak, or the level just beneath.
Overlooking Camps Bay for sunset.
Colours over the city just before nightfall.
Rock cairns, found on most trails, are sometimes left by hikers to mark the route.
Walking down in the cool evening. On moonlit nights your eyes will adjust, but bring a torch or cellphone just in case it gets too dark.
Also read: 21 different things to do in Cape Town
This article, Photoblog: hiking Lion’s Head at sunset, was originally posted on the Getaway Blog by Teagan Cunniffe.