The Lion's Head


The mountains of Cape Town occupy a special place in the symbols of South Africa. What is worth only the unique rock Lion's Head, the image of which you will certainly see on numerous local souvenirs. Although it is inferior to Table Mountain in height, it enjoys no less popularity among tourists.

The History of the Rock of the Lion's Head

There are many legends about the origin of the name. According to one of them in the 17th century. English navigators called the mountain a simple name Sugar Loaf, that is, "Sugar Loaf". However, another, Dutch version of the name - Leeuwen Kop, took root, which literally means "The Head of the Lion". It is noteworthy that along with the Signal Hill he forms a figure remotely resembling this predator, squatting.

Sightseeing today

An unusual rock with a height of 670 m is a part of the National Park Tayble Mountain and is accessible to tourists at any time of the year. Cape Townans are incredibly proud of it, because it was in this area that they found the oldest evidence of the primitive man's residence. The age of the samples found here is up to 60,000 years.

Also on the rock Lion's Head you can see a well-preserved cross, carved by the famous Portuguese Antonio de Saldanja right in the rock. The admiral and the great explorer left his mark on the first ascent of the mountain.

Majestic panoramas of Cape Town attract tourists here even at night. On the full moon from the mountain, you can see the city of stunning beauty. Fans of the exotic flora will like a rare bush called finbosh. This plant grows here in abundance and is also a kind of visiting card of the area. The area is also very popular with paragliders.

How to get there?

The Rock Lion's Head rises between Signal Hill and Table Mountain , near the center of Cape Town . You can use public transport (several stops south of the center, go out at the turn to the rock) or taxi services. The beginning of the path is guarded by a cute lion, the road itself to the rock is winding, moderately steep. In some places, the path resembles a scattering of stones, so be sure to take care of comfortable shoes. For the convenience of visitors, stairs are installed on the most steep places.