Lion's Head with Detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave - (Table Mountain National Park/ Cape Town)

Lion's Head! Named as such by the Dutch in the 17th century because the mountain resembles a Lion or Sphinx with signal hill being the body. It's an iconic trail and very likely the most walked day hike/trail in South Africa. This trail follows the standard route up Lions head but allows for an interesting detour to see the Veranda and Wally's Cave. This is a good variation if you wish to do something out of the ordinary and especially if you have done the Lions head hike many times before. The trail starts and ends at the parking area on Signal Hill Road. There is limited parking available and one might have to parallel park up to a few hundred meters down the road but it's an easy walk to the start, be on the lookout for speeding traffic on this section. Uber can pick up and drop off here but don't make sure yours is all set up and working first. When starting, after the information board the trail ascends some initial stairs and follows a Westerly direction on a jeep track. Soon after following this track one will see a few benches and a paragliding launch site. Shortly after this the trail narrows to a somewhat wide walking track. The route then winds around Lion's Head above Seapoint and then steepens on the Eastern side before reaching the first metal ladder. NB!! this is the split for the detour to the Veranda and Wally's Cave. The signpost on the left of the ladder warns as a "dangerous" route and no entry (I'll elaborate more on this shortly) you can continue up the ladder to complete the standard route up and down Lions head if you choose. If however you decide to take the detour you will follow the old route up Lions head from the 70's and 80's. The path is faint and somewhat eroded but not at all dangerous for experienced hikers except for the section right at the Veranda, this is the only exception. You continue along this path until you find the old bench. Here you have a choice, follow the path straight which leads to the Veranda, this is a steep climbing wall on the western face of Lions head, it is also directly above Wally's cave. The cliff and the view is quite the sight from here unfortunately the waypoint with the pictures I had took didn't save. NB!! If you wish to proceed directly to Wally's cave and skip the Veranda then after the bench you will have to look for a faint path that is Lower down. There is a Cairn marking here and onward from this point there are a few safe ways to get down to the lower path (about 5 to 10 meters lower than the bench path). Once you find this lower path it's an easy one to follow around the bottom of the rock line. Once you turn the corner Wally's cave will be directly above you and easily visible. Then it's an easy climb up some rocks to the Cave Entrance. The cave is a great sight but please take care of loose rocks and think carefully about walking onto the thin ledge to replicate the somewhat famous Instagram photo. This spot is tight and the fall from that ledge can be well over a story or more. The view from the cave entrance is more than spectacular enough. Just a disclaimer here there are a few other caves on Lion's Head but that is a story for another trail on some other day. After you have enjoyed some solitude it is straight back past the bench again and then back to the ladder to proceed to the summit. Once you reach the bottom of the chains you have the option to take this shortcut. It's an easy scramble up the holds but if you prefer you can take the longer route up which doesn't require climbing (we did this route on the way down for a change but going down the chains route is also an option). Thereafter it's straightforward along the edge to the top. Once you arrive at the top its 360 degree views and a ton of tourists taking photos (this does depend on the season, day of the week etc) but you can find quieter days or times of day if an escape is what you are after. Once done at the summit soaking up the views it's back down the same route you took to get up with the option of bypassing the chains. I always take an alternative route down if possible to make a hike more interesting but this is entirely up to you. When starting and ending the hike we were welcomed by the sight of rangers keeping an eye out and making sure the area was safe. The crowds that climb lions head daily, annoying as they can be at times also help with safety in numbers so that, to some extent makes this trail safer than some other trails in Cape Town. That being said be cautious and don't take unnecessary risks esp after dark and on and around Signal Hill road when leaving or arriving at your vehicle. Naturally don't leave any items of value visible in your car. As for the tourists and trail runners be careful whilst most are curtious and will move off, wait or be considerate in finding a way for both parties to pass, there are some that push and don't care. This can and has been lethal in the past so keep your concentration and take the passive approach if you happen to cross path with one of these type of individuals. That bei g said Lions head remains a fantastic hike and even if someone only has a handful of days in Cape Town this should be on your itinerary. The near 360 sea and city views as well as table mountain dominating the sky to the South is always a sight to behold no matter how many times you have seen it. Bottom line is do this hike!