Lion's Head is a mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Lion's Head peaks at above sea level. The peak forms part of a dramatic backdrop to the city of Cape Town and is part of the Table Mountain National Park.

thumb|Lion's Head veiwed from Oudekraal Beach

thumb|300px|Lion's Head from [[Cape Town CBD]]

Surrounding

thumb|left|Lion's Head viewed from [[Signal Hill (Cape Town)|Signal Hill]]

thumb|left|Lion's Head and [[Signal Hill (Cape Town)|Signal Hill from the Summit of Table Mountain, with Robben Island (top, middle) in Table Bay]]

The suburbs of the city surround the peak and Signal Hill on almost all sides, but strict management by city authorities has kept development of housing off the higher ground. The area is significant to the Cape Malay community, who historically lived in the Bo-Kaap quarter close to Lion's Head.

There are a number of historic graves and shrines (kramats) of Malay leaders on the lower slopes and on Signal Hill.

History

In the 17th century the peak was known as Leeuwen Kop (Lion's Head) by the Dutch, and Signal Hill was known as Leeuwen Staart (Lion's Tail), as the shape resembles a crouching lion or a sphinx. The English in the 17th century called the peak Sugar Loaf.

In 1897 gold was discovered on Lion's Head. A company was floated and a shaft sunk to a depth of more than 30 metres. However, the grade was too low, and the mine closed in the following year. Subsequently, the shaft was filled in and a small depression is all that remains today.

Activities

Lion's Head is known for its views of both the city and the Atlantic Seaboard, and the hour-long walk to the top is particularly popular during a full moon.

See also

References

  • Table Mountain National Park official site