Bucket List #61 Climb Lions Head / #62 Climb Table Mountain

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My sister and I embarked on an incredible 16-day vacation in Cape Town and we planned to fill our calendar with non-stop adventures! With the exception of a handful of things on our list, we got through a bunch of experiences that many Capetonian people have mentioned they didn’t even know about, despite living in Cape Town their whole lives! We had adventures in the mountains, the ocean and the forests of The Cape and I think we’ve barely touched on the possibilities that are still there for us to explore.

The last time I attempted Lionshead mountain, was a couple years back when I was still suffering from severe colon spasms and only managed to go about three-quarters of the way before I was crippled with pain. I remember that day like it was yesterday because it was a full-moon hike and I really wanted to watch the moon from the top of the mountain and with us rushing to the top, there was very little time to do the actual hike.

This time around, we pulled some friends together, met up at 06:30 and headed up the mountain. I think the company you’re with on a hike makes a massive difference in the enjoyment levels because it also set’s the pace. Having to stop every now and again, take in the view and snap some photos makes it worthwhile, may even be more worthwhile than to summit!

Hikes in Cape Town is completely different to hikes in and around Joburg. From the massive incline difference to the kilometres being covered to the natural beauty that each place holds. Both are incredibly beautiful but so different in comparison. The idea of heading to lunch in the forest or on the beach after a morning hike also makes your soul dance a little!

We were also treated to a mini Table Mountain hike a few days into our vacation. We started at Kloof Corner (Klooknek) and headed up the side of Table Mountain. Once we reached the top, we could clearly see the little cable carts dangling in the crack in the mountainside, and we definitely want to make a day of finally going for a cable-cart ride. The perfect view of Lionshead from Table Mountain was astonishing! And the perfect white sand, blue water beaches of Camps Bay, a great view of the 12 Apostles and Signal Hill, were all in view as well.

Table Mountain is the wonder that everyone speaks of when visiting Cape Town, and it truly is a majestic sight. But all that we’ve seen from the top of Table Mountain was pretty magical in its own right.

We may not be the fastest or the fittest hikers out there, and we might even look a little like death by the time we get to the top of these mountains, but there is such a sense of accomplishment to have been able to explore the beauty that is Mother Nature. Whenever I am out in nature I look, in awe, at the greatness of God to have created these incredible sights and sites… for us.

And with the good sights, also comes the bad…seeing the fires on Table Mountain, destroy and disrupt so much in its path as a, now, fellow Capetonian is even harder than when afar. But seeing the community open their homes and their hearts to those affected has (and excuse the pun) warmed my heart in an unexplainable way. One day we are told about the dangers and negativity in the city and the next we are reminded about the care and positivity of the city. It makes us realize that everything in life has a balance. We need both the good and the bad.

I feel truly grateful being here and having the opportunities to explore and experience the city has been so incredible.