Lion’s Head, one of Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, is much more than just a popular hiking destination. Its distinctive conical shape makes it a striking feature of the city’s skyline, nestled between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. But beyond the views and Instagram-worthy sunsets, Lion’s Head has a rich history filled with fascinating stories and lesser-known facts.

A Name Inspired by Royalty

Lion’s Head gets its name from Dutch settlers in the 17th century. They named a nearby hill Lion’s Rump, which was later renamed Signal Hill. From a distance, they thought that the two peaks resembled a lion lying on its stomach. Interestingly, before this, the Khoisan people called it Hura, meaning “mountain of the sea,” because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.

Military Use

Few people know that during the 18th and 19th centuries, Lion’s Head played a crucial role in Cape Town’s defence system. Signal Hill, adjacent to it, was used to send visual messages (using either flags or cannon fire) to warn of approaching ships. Today, you can still hear the Noon Gun firing, a tradition dating back to 1806, just try not to jump out of your skin when you hear it!

A Mining Past

During the 1800s, Lion’s Head was known for its quartz and copper mining operations. These mine shafts were not large or industrial but were instead small-scale operations aimed at extracting minerals for local use.

The Stone Pine Controversy

During the 1900s, the slopes were planted with stone pines to “beautify” the area, much to the dismay of conservationists. These non-native trees consume a large amount of water and compete with indigenous vegetation. Efforts to remove these pines and restore the natural landscape continue today.

The Moonlight Hikes

Lion’s Head is famous for its full moon hikes. While these feel like a modern-day tradition, they actually trace back decades, as locals celebrated the clear, starry nights by climbing the peak for a lunar-lit feast.