My High

Before I tell you about this hike to the top of Little Lion's Head in Hout Bay, South Africa, let me clarify. I'm a 35 yr old male of average build and average mountain hiking ability. This experience is possible and accessible to most. There is some rock climbing involved but the longest drop is only 5m. I thought the clarification was needed as the pure splendor of the mountains and the incredible views of stretching coastline below is a lot to take in. You might feel intimidated by the shere rock faces and massive drop-offs that you see in the pics. These serve merely to showcase the majestic surroundings and the well established path leads you easily to the summit.

The start of the hike is about 800m from my front door !!!! You can use the radio mast in Mount Rhodes as a marker. The path leading up the mountain starts there. The land that you would be on is either owned by Sentec or is protected nature reserve.

This time of year it's really green from the winter rains. Fynbos, Protea and many other indigenous flora are covering the lower slopes. What really interests me about this area is the change in air due to upwellings from the ocean. I'm not going to go into a geological explanation of what an "upwelling" is. Suffice to say that it is virgin air released in the deep ocean. Because we are on the coast overlooking the Atlantic ocean from about 600m above sea level, even the untrained notice something special about the air. It's crisp without being cold, fresh without smelling of anything, incredibly oxygen rich. The air here is constantly cleaned and refreshed from this source.

Brush against a plant and its aroma is nearly punjunt in it's perfection. Isolated and uncluttered from other city fumes or air pollutants. This is my high. I feel rejuvenated when breathing this air.

The mountain is covered in fynbos and impressive protea bushes. I look forward to updating the pics when they are in full flower. The lower slopes have some pine trees but not enough to really give cover. As with all mountain hikes it's important to take the weather into account. Too hot, you are in trouble. Too cold, you are in trouble. Get the picture ?

The climb... Well, there is really not much. There is a few short rock climbs before you reach the peak. They are comfortably spaced and do not hold much of a threat as none of the climbs are very high in themselves. My advise to those that get nervous at heights, is the normal : Focus on the task at hand and climb safely up each section. Don't look around at the view while you are clinging to the rock face but rather enjoy it while you take breaks at a comfortable stop off.

Pierre van Staden
E-mail me