Hiking up to the top of Lion’s Head doesn’t take too long. The path winds all the way around the mountain giving you awesome views of the City Bowl, Table Mountain, right around to Camps Bay.   Getting to the top is fairly easy, although there are some parts where climbing metal ladders that are secured to rocks is necessary. There is also an option to ‘rock climb’ a small section using chains that are bolted to the rocks (although there are paths around this part for the less adventurous!)

Once we got up, we were surprised by how many people had already reached the top and were settling in for sundowners.

We managed to find a great spot, over looking Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Our timing was perfect; we had about half an hour or so before sunset to get comfortable, bring out the snacks and drinks. The mood was very festive with lots of people talking and laughing and having a great time.

The sunset was of course stunning from all the way up there. There were lots of photographers making the most of the stunning scenery, gorgeous views and perfect weather.

After sun down, we moved over to the other side of Lion’s Head (facing the city bowl) to witness the real reason for being there – the rising of the full moon. It was spectacular! Just after 9pm a great big orange moon rose slowly over Cape Town – bringing with it a lot of werewolf-like howling from the top of the mountain! (Details on the next full moon can be found here)

We stayed up there for another hour or so watching the city light up and enjoying the night views before deciding to make our way down.

A suggestion: while descending on a night with a full moon is easily bright enough to do without a torch; it is still advisable to bring one. As the path winds away from the moonlight it can get a bit tricky. Although most people, who had not brought torches, just descended with those who had and no one seemed to have any problems.

One thing which I did not foresee was the traffic jam. On the mountain! So many people were on the mountain that when it came time to leave, we were literally in a traffic jam trying to get down. We managed to get to our car at about 11.15pm so in the end it took us about as long (if not a little longer) to get down than it did to ascend!

Even if you don’t want to try this as a night hike, it is still a lovely hike to do at any time of day. Cape Town itself has so many popular hiking trails to be enjoyed. Please take a look at my Top 10 tips for hiking in the Cape Peninsula before you decide to venture out.

(Images: Jolene Bertoldi and Gavin Thompson. All rights reserved)