Little Lion’s Head

This is a fairly short hike with great views of Hout Bay and Llandudno. There is a little bit of very easy scrambling at the very top; each of the scrambles taking you up only a meter or two at a time.

Getting there: drive up Suikerbossie from Hout Bay, turning into Mount Rhodes. Wave at the security guard on duty — you are going to rely on him in a moment to buzz you through the security gate. Follow the road up to the top of hill and park when you reach a dead-end.
Difficulty: easy trail with an obvious ascent

Buzz the intercom at the gate — the guard can see you on the CCTV, and will just buzz you through. Follow the tarred road around toward the bend until you reach the mast that you can see from the road. Stand with your back to the mast, and you will see the trail heading up the ridge to the summit. You can see the path on the left in the photo to the right.

Do NOT take either of the paths that lead off to the right above Llandudno — they look promising, but peter out completely after about half a kilometer, leaving you with wonderful views of Llandudno and the Atlantic Ocean — but nowhere to go!

And please be advised against walking through the veld like we did, as I came close to stepping on a rather large Puffadder which was lazing partly under some fynbos, and had to grab poor Cooper who was sniffing around nearby and airlift her down the slope to safety, scaring the daylights out of the rest of the party as I went by!

The last 100 meters or so requires some very easy scrambling. In fact, if you have been put off from doing any routes on the mountain as “scrambling” is mentioned, this would be a great way to see if it’s for you! Each little scramble is really easy, and at no stage are you at any great height.

Descend the way you came up.