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.
If you see clouds on lion’s head it rains
I really enjoyed ready this article 🙌. The article was very interesting in itself but the author did a good job of narrowing down the important parts and keeping it short and sweet!
Very interesting! Always something new to learn,a story behind behind things we see, but take for granted
Very interestin! Thank you.
Beautiful Cape Town with ironic Table mountain. Our signature and best known peaks.
Hura!! It really is a Sea Mountain. The Real Name.
Wow
Awesome information
Am just thrilled by the history surrounding now called Lion’s Head.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this very, very interesting, info
Very interresting. Please do post a story how Table Mountain got its table cloth. The devil and an ex pirate having had a smoking competition on devil’s hill. Their smoke rising and rising until it layed atop of table mountain. I am sure you wil find the legend somewhere.
Beautiful, absolutely intriguing history. Please post more Beautiful places.
Thank you for a lovely story. Very informative
Who organises these full moon hikes. I would like to do some
I am so privileged to view lions head, signal hill and table mountain each day. And have climbed them all.
Growing up in Cape Town, my friends and I often climbed Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. We used to visit Rhodes’ Memorial and the Blockhouse on the mountain. It was wonderful to just sit and relax, listening to the wind blowing through the pine trees. Part of my youth and memories that I hold so dear.
One of the MOST AMAZING, EXCITING AND OUSTANDING MOMENTS WHEN YOU REACHED THE TOP and you are looking down as far as the eye can see. Blue waters…..Camps Bay, Sea Point and Macnifisent Cape Town. I’ve claimed Lions Head a few times AND EVERY TIME IM EXCITED, AND VERY BLESSED TO SEE GODS CREATION.
I disagree that Signal Hill would be the lion’s “rump”. Looking at the top part of Lion’s Head, the rocky part just look like a male lion that is lying on its stomach. I may be wrong, but that is where I imagine the name derived from.