Cape Town is a city spoilt for choice. There are so many places to visit, activities to do and sights to see - irrespective of the notoriously temperamental weather.

If we talk about experiencing nature and outdoors in the city, most people will immediately think of Table Mountain. But what about neighbouring Lion’s Head and Signal Hill?

These two gems have just as much to offer. Whether you are a tourist or a "born and bred" Capetonian, you could easily spend a day from sunrise to sunset having a great time in Cape Town.

Capetonians are madly inlove with their city, read on below and you may just understand why.

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Cape Town is known for being a laid back city, with few businesses opening before 8am. If you are an early riser, you can take advantage of this as the sun can rise as early as 5:30 in summer giving you plenty of time to enjoy Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.

Before heading out, be sure to check Windguru for an accurate weather forecast.

Active Early Birds

One of the most incredible experiences you can have in Cape Town, is watching the sunrise. There are arguably many places to see this, but if you are a get-up-and-go type of person, none of them can beat the view from the peak of Lion’s Head.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to stay a little closer to the ground, there are plenty of trails to run and spots to have your morning cuppa.

Sunrise Hike Up Lion's Head

This hike is popular in summer with locals and tourists alike.

Starting early is highly advisable, it should take a relatively fit person about 1,5 hours to make it to the top (expect a 2 to 3 hour round trip if it’s not busy).

As you get closer to the top, the path splits into two. For the aspiring rock-climbers, there is a route which involves climbing chains but for those who trust their feet more than their upper body, a relatively safer path is accessible via a well marked walkway.

If you are a frequent Lion’s Head hiker, you could also try something different and check out Wally’s Cave. A well-kept secret, we won’t spoil the fun by telling you how to get there…

Don’t forget to pack a flask of coffee and a breakfast snack as you will likely end up spending some time admiring the view from the top. From here you can enjoy the 360-degree view which includes Camps bay, Clifton, Bloubergstrand, the city bowl and best of all: Table Mountain.

Trail Run on Signal Hill

If heights and some mild exposure aren’t really your thing, but you still want to get an active start to your day, you might want to try a trail run. An early start lets you beat the heat, and gives you some bragging rights for your morning productivity levels.

There are many trails around the lower slopes of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill that will give you a full view of the city. You can also venture across the road to Table Mountain where trails such as the Pipe Track or even the main access road, Tafelberg Road, provide a lovely extension to your run.

Here you get the chance to embrace the unique and indigenous fynbos. For more ideas on running trails in Cape Town, visit Map My Run.

Less Adventurous Early Bird

If you like to wake up early and enjoy the peace and stillness before the craziness of the day hits, there are quite a few "peaceful" options on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill which caters to everyone.

Sunrise from the Lower Paths of Lions's Head

Grab a snack and coffee from your favourite coffee spot and take a gentle stroll to one of the benches on the lower slopes of Lion’s Head.

If you are looking for a good takeaway coffee, the steampunk-themed store Truth Coffee was voted the best coffee shop in the world. With coffee in hand, you can sit and watch the sunrise over Cape Town without getting too hot and sweaty.

If you are a dog-lover you can say hello to the passing furry friends. For couples, this is a lovely romantic idea way to kick off your day.

After sunrise, you might want to fill your day up with other thrill seeking activities.

Again, Lion’s head and Signal Hill will not disappoint in this area, sporting activities such as paragliding and spots to enjoy a lazy day for those wanting to enjoy life in the true Cape Town fashion.

Lion’s Head And Signal Hill For The Thrill Seekers

If you live life for the next big adventure and have a bucket list full of hair-raising activities, this one is for you.

Paragliding is an increasingly popular past time in Cape Town. You climb up to the lower slopes of Lion’s Head or Signal Hill and take the leap of faith off the side (tandem if you are a newbie).

There are several companies in Cape Town that offer tandem paragliding adventures from R1150 for about an hour-long flight, including an instructor and gear.

Try Cape Town Tandem Paragliding and check out their instructional video. If you want to take it to the next level and learn for yourself, try Fly Cape Town Paragliding.

Cape Town Tandem Paragliding

• Price:
  • From R1150
• Contact Number: 076 892 2283
• Address: Signal Hill Rd, Cape Town
• More Info: Cape Town Tandem Paragliding

Fly Cape Town Paragliding

• Price:
  • From R1150
• Contact Number: 082 851 7119
• Address: 26 Virginia Avenue, Vredehoek
• More Info: Fly Cape Town Paragliding

Not to rain on the parade but the weather in Cape Town can be very unpredictable. For most activities on Lion’s Head and Signal Hill, this weather is fine, as the Scottish saying goes “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing”.

For paragliding, this could be a problem. Windguru Cape Town, which offers a three-day weather forecast as well as a longer-term forecast, offers an in-depth look at the weather, wind and precipitation.

If the information is a bit confusing, simply go down to the bottom table for an accurate and simpler 3-day forecast.

Signal Hill Cannon

If you get your thrills from guns, loud noises and historic battles, you should head over to the Noon Gun. The Noon Gun, which is a cannon, is fired at 12:00 noon everyday (except Sunday) to mark midday.

The cannon is originally from the Castle of Good Hope and used to be part of the regular artillery at the castle. It is now situated at the Lion Battery on Signal Hill, accessed via the Bo-Kaap — a Cape Malay suburb of Cape Town.

You can listen out for the boom, or if the wind is blowing in the wrong direction, look out for the white smoke which is a clear indicator. Or if this really tickles your fancy, there's always an option to get up close and personal to witness some of the firing yourself.

What About a More Relaxing Day in Cape Town?

If loud noises aren’t your thing and jumping off a mountain sounds utterly terrifying, you could always take a slower approach to your day.

Grab a group of friends and find a local spot to enjoy a lazy lunch or venture over to the Table Mountain Cable Car for the Cape Town view without the stress.

Lunch at a Cape Town Favourite

If you are a food lover, Cape Town offers plenty of delectable and interesting taste adventures.

If you'd like to stay high up and enjoy the view offered by the mountain, try out The Round House. They offer both fine dining and casual dining experiences on the grass lawns. Here you can enjoy a pizza or tapas.

• Operating Hours:
  • Tues-Sat, 12pm - 10:30pm
  • Sundays, 12pm - 6pm
• Contact Number: (021) 438 4347
• Address: Round House Road, Camps Bay
• More Info: The Roundhouse

If you are looking for a good burger to fill your stomach after your morning activities, try your hand at finding the hotly-contested, best burger in Cape Town. Head over to Zomato and search for a restaurant or cuisine that tickles your fancy. We recommend The Dogs Bollocks.

• Operating Hours:
  • Daily, 5pm - 10:30pm
• Contact Number: 082 885 5719
• Address: 6 Roodehek St, Gardens
• More Info: The Dog’s Bollocks.

Table Mountain Cableway

Okay, for those who want the view without huffing and puffing, Cape Town still has your back. The cable car will take you up in only 8 minutes from the bottom of Table Mountain to the top.

When you reach the top, you’ll find a newly opened Wi-Fi lounge, great coffee, a restaurant and paved walkways.

• Entrance Fee:
  • Adult Ticket: R255
  • Under 18: R125
• Operating Hours:
  • Daily, 8:30am - 8:30pm
• Contact Number: (021) 424 8181
• More Info: Table Mountain Cable Car

Tip: It runs from about 7am to sunset. In November to February, there is a half price sunset special where you only pay R127.50 for your ticket after 6pm.

There is also an opportunity for abseiling with Abseil Africa from the top cable station.

• Price:
  • Starting from R495 - R1450
• Contact Number: (021) 424 4760
• Address: 295 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
• More Info: Abseil Africa

African sunsets are unforgettable and we are lucky to have an enormous range of places to watch the fiery ball get swallowed by the sea every day.

Sunset on Lion’s Head

If you still haven’t made it up Lion’s Head, you really have no excuse. A lovely evening hike to destress and end with a stunning sunset. Sounds heavenly, right? Just add a picnic and a good bottle of wine. Perfect.

Full Moon on Lion's Head

Once a month, if you time it right, you get two for the price of one. You can watch the sunset and then stay for the moon rise.

Capetonians flock to Lion’s Head with their torches for this experience. Think Christmas lights, once a month, minus the irritating jingles.

Sunset Picnic at Signal Hill

Signal hill offers one of the best views of the sunset.

Park off, bring out the picnic, wine and have a romantic date for a fraction of a restaurant bill. Alternatively, bring the family and spend some quality time together in a beautiful setting.

Sundowners in Cape Town

Cape Town has a sundowner culture from colourful cocktails to craft beers and curated wine lists. Everyone loves to have a drink to celebrate the end of the day.

For a beach view of the sunset, try Shimmy Beach Club or Cafe Caprice.

Shimmy Beach Club

• Entrance Fee:
  • Free on non-event days
• Operating Hours:
  • Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm
  • Saturdays, 11am-4am
  • Sundays, 11am-2am
• Contact Number: 021 200 7778
• Address: 12 S Arm Road, V & A Waterfront
• More Info: Shimmy Beach Club
• Latest Events: Shimmy Vibescout Page

Cafe Caprice

• Entrance Fee:
  • No cover unless there is an event.
• Operating Hours:
  • Tue-Sat 9:30am - 2am
  • Sundays 9:30am - 12am
  • Mondays 12:30pm - 2am
• Contact Number: (021) 438 8315
• Address: 37 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
• More Info: Cafe Caprice
• Latest Events: Vibescout

Tjing Tjing

If you prefer something more alternative, try out some of the cosmopolitan's at this cocktail bar.

• Operating Hours:
  • Tues-Sat, 4pm - 2am
• Contact Number: (021) 422 4374
• Address: 165 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
• More Info: Tjing Tjing

Evening Trail Run

If you are looking for a more active way to watch the sun go down, you could join one of Cape Town’s trail running clubs for their weekly group trail runs from Signal Hill to Lions head.

After your busy day, you could keep the fun going and head to the city and experience the nightlife (see what is happening on Vibescout) or finish off your romantic date at one of the many hotels in Cape Town.

Hopefully now you understand why Capetonians are so in love with their city — the options are endless.

If you want to find the right gear, have a look at some these stores:

• Cape Union Mart
• Due South
• Outdoor Warehouse

Remember: if you are going to be hiking in the dark, don’t forget your torch, always carry a warm top in case the wind picks up, wear appropriate shoes (don’t be the person who hikes in their jewelled Aldo sandals), bring sunblock, and sufficient water.

For more information on the Table Mountain National Park, visit the SANParks website.