If there is one “rite of passage” that separates a Cape Town visitor from a true local, it isn’t eating a gatsby or braaiing in the wind—it’s standing on the granite crown of Lion’s Head at midnight, surrounded by a thousand other people howling at the moon.
There is something primal about it. While the rest of the world is settling in for Netflix and a glass of wine, half of Cape Town is lacing up their boots, grabbing a headlamp, and heading toward Signal Hill Road.
The Full Moon hike on Lion’s Head has become a social phenomenon. It’s a glittering, vertical cocktail party where the city lights of the City Bowl meet the silver reflection of the Atlantic. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone who considers a flight of stairs a workout, navigating this peak under the stars is an experience that stays with you. Here is the definitive guide to navigating the chaos, the climb, and the sheer magic of this lunar tradition.
The Big Event: The March 3rd Lunar Eclipse
While every full moon offers a great excuse to climb, the upcoming calendar has gifted us a rare treat. The next major event occurs on Tuesday, March 3. This isn’t just a standard full moon; it coincides with a Total Lunar Eclipse.
Imagine standing on the summit as the moon rises, only to watch it slowly turn a deep, blood-red hue over the Hottentots Holland Mountains in the distance. This “Blood Moon” is expected to be one of the most photographed events of the season. If you’re planning your hike, this is the date to circle. Just be prepared—if the weather is clear, the trail will be busier than a Bree Street bar on a Friday night.
Upcoming Full Moon Dates:
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March 3: The “Worm Moon” (The big eclipse event).
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April 1: The “Pink Moon” (Perfect for a crisp autumn evening).
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May 1: The “Flower Moon” (Likely the last “warm” night hike before winter).
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May 31: A rare “Blue Moon” (The second full moon in a single calendar month).
The Ascent: Staples, Chains, and the Spiral Path
The beauty of Lion’s Head is its accessibility. You don’t need to be an elite athlete to reach the top, but you do need to respect the rock. The hike starts at the Lion’s Head Trailhead [[Google Maps Directions]], right next to the iconic red coffee truck that has become a permanent fixture for caffeine-starved hikers.
The Warm-Up (The Spiral)
The first half of the hike is a wide, gravel path that spirals around the base of the mountain. This is where you get your first taste of the 360-degree views. To your left, the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain loom like dark giants; to your right, the lights of Sea Point and Green Point twinkle like a spilled box of jewels.
This section is deceptive. It feels easy, but it’s a steady incline that will have you peeling off layers within fifteen minutes. As you circle the peak, you’ll see the city from every angle, eventually looking down on Robben Island as it sits quietly in the dark bay.
The Decision Point (Staples vs. Path)
As you reach the upper “shoulder” of the lion, the trail gets a bit more technical. You’ll reach a fork where you have to make a choice:
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The Staples and Chains: This is the “adventure” route. You’ll pull yourself up vertical rock faces using built-in metal handles and chains. In the dark, this can feel a bit daunting, but the hardware is well-maintained.
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The Alternative Path: If you’re not a fan of heights or you’re carrying a heavy picnic basket, take the path to the left. It’s steeper and involves more “stair-climbing” on rocks, but it avoids the vertical drops.
Key Takeaway: If you’re hiking for the full moon, the “Chains” route often develops a “traffic jam” as people navigate the technical bits in the dark. If you’re in a hurry to catch the moonrise, take the alternative path to the left.
The Summit Experience: Life Above the Clouds
Once you scramble up the final set of boulders, you emerge onto the flat, rocky summit. At 669 meters above sea level, the perspective is dizzying.
The summit etiquette is surprisingly communal. You’ll find groups huddling together with blankets, popping bottles of Cap Classique (responsibly, of course), and setting up tripods for long-exposure shots. There is an energy here that is hard to find anywhere else in the city. Total strangers will offer you a piece of biltong or help you find the best angle for your “moon-rise” photo.
The “Golden Window”
To get the full experience, you want to be on the summit 30 minutes before sunset. This allows you to watch the sun dip into the Atlantic Ocean to the west, while simultaneously watching the moon rise over the Boland Mountains to the east. The 15 minutes of “blue hour” in between is when the city lights truly begin to glow, creating a surreal, neon-rimmed landscape.
Safety First: Don’t Be a Search and Rescue Statistic
As much as we love the “party vibe” of the full moon, Lion’s Head is still a mountain. Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) responds to incidents on this peak more than almost any other in the Cape. Don’t let your night end with a helicopter ride.
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Lighting is Life: Even if there is a bright moon, the shadows on the south side of the mountain are pitch black. Bring a dedicated headlamp, not just your phone flashlight. You need your hands free for the climbing sections.
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The “Buddy System”: Never hike alone at night. While the trail is busy, it’s easy to take a wrong turn or slip on loose gravel. Stick with your group.
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Layer Up: The temperature on the summit is often 5-8°C colder than at the base, and the wind can be brutal. Even if it’s a sweltering day in the city, pack a windbreaker and a beanie.
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Parking Reality: The parking lot at the base fills up hours before sunset. You will likely end up parking a kilometer down the road. Build this extra walking time into your schedule so you don’t miss the moonrise.
Post-Hike: Where to Toast the Moon
Once you’ve safely descended (which, incidentally, is often harder on the knees than the climb up), you’re going to be buzzing with adrenaline and likely a bit hungry. Since the trailhead is so close to the city center, you have some of the world’s best bars and restaurants waiting for you at the bottom of the hill.
1. Dark Horse
Located on Kloof Street, Dark Horse is an eclectic bar with a rooftop terrace that offers a great view back up at the mountain you just conquered. Their small plates are perfect for a late-night refuel.
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The Order: Their arancini and a local craft gin & tonic.
2. Kloof Street House
Kloof Street House is a Cape Town institution. If you’ve finished your hike on the earlier side, their fairy-lit garden is the most atmospheric place in the city to discuss your summit photos.
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The Vibe: Victorian-chic with a bohemian twist.
3. The Power & The Glory
If you want something more low-key, join the creative crowd at The Power & The Glory. It’s the unofficial “finish line” for many hikers, located right on the corner of Kloof Nek and Burnside Road.
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The Order: A “Post-Hike” beer and a slice of their famous cheesecake.
Respect the Rock: The Full Moon Code
To keep the Full Moon hike a sustainable tradition, we all have to play by the rules. The mountain belongs to everyone, but the fynbos is fragile.
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Pack it in, Pack it out: This includes cigarette butts and orange peels. If you see trash left by someone else, be a legend and pick it up.
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Silence the Speakers: Most people are there to enjoy the sound of the wind and the “vibes,” not your latest techno playlist. If you must have music, keep the volume low or use earbuds.
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Alcohol Safety: While a “summit toast” is a tradition, remember that you still have to navigate chains and ladders on the way down. Keep it moderate. Public drinking is technically prohibited in National Parks, so stay discreet.
Climbing Lion’s Head for the full moon is about more than just exercise; it’s about connection. It’s a moment where the entire city seems to breathe in unison, looking up at the same celestial body and down at the same glowing streets. It’s crowded, it’s sweaty, and it’s occasionally a bit chaotic—but when that moon clears the horizon and the whole mountain erupts in cheers, you’ll realize it’s the best show in town.