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Sunset

Golden Hour at Lion's Head

Start with a late snack, catch the last light from the summit, and descend as the city lights turn on.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 120 min

Timeline

  1. 18:45

    Biesmiellah

    Grab a bite at Biesmiellah. It is one of the oldest restaurants in the area, known for its Malay kitchen. Note that no alcoholic drinks are available.

  2. 19:21

    Lion's Head

    Walk up to Lion's Head. The summit offers a dramatic backdrop to the city. The walk is steep but short enough to reach the top before the sun dips below the horizon.

  3. 20:00

    Lion's Head

    Watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light fades quickly, but the view of the city and the bay remains striking as twilight sets in.

  4. 20:45

    Company's Garden

    End the evening with a stroll through the Company's Garden. This historic public park in the CBD is the oldest in South Africa and offers a peaceful place to decompress after the hike.

Local tip

The walk down from Lion's Head can be tricky in the dark. Ensure you have a flashlight or headlamp. The Company's Garden is well-lit and safe for an evening walk.

Check before you go

  • Biesmiellah serves food until late, but verify opening hours for your specific date.
  • Lion's Head is accessible 24/7, but lighting on the trails is minimal. Bring your own light source.
  • The Company's Garden is open daily, but closing times vary by season.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Cape Town (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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