Friends of Lions Head and Signal Hill

17/09/2025

Rise Of Crime around Lion's Head Mountain and Table Mountain Concerns

If you have been affected by crime whilst hiking Lion’s Head or Table Mountain in 2025, please get a hold of us in Direct Message.

We are putting together an investigative article covering how SANParks - Table Mountain National Park has been handling things and how they are responsible for the death of the idea from the public to establish the Volunteer Safety Service to assist them in keeping the mountains safe.

Time to voice yourself and let the truth have it's day out in the sun.

13/07/2025

02/05/2025

No Cash? No Problem — Support Our Car Guards with StreetWallet & Help Empower Their Future

Next time you park at the Lion’s Head Trail, you might find yourself thinking: “I’d love to tip the car guard, but I don’t have cash on me.”

Now there’s a simple, safe, and secure solution:
Support them with a tap — via StreetWallet.

StreetWallet is a powerful South African platform that gives informal workers like our Lion’s Head car guards the ability to receive instant digital tips and support — even if the giver doesn’t carry cash.

Here’s how it works:

Ask Morgan or Paul (our trusted car guards) to show you their StreetWallet badge.

Scan their unique QR code with your phone.

Choose an amount to send — money goes directly to them in the form of redeemable vouchers they can use for essentials.

This system is safe, trackable, and empowers workers without the risks that come with carrying physical money.

Have a working smartphone you’re not using?
Here’s another way to make a huge difference.

For our car guards to benefit from platforms like StreetWallet, they need functioning smartphones that can:

Scan QR codes

Stay connected

Recharge easily

If you have an old or second-hand smartphone (plus charger) that’s still in working condition, please consider donating it to empower someone who is actively contributing to community safety.

DM Friends of Lion’s Head to coordinate a handover — we’ll make sure your donation goes directly to a car guard who needs it.

Let’s continue building a trail culture based on mutual respect, safety, and shared humanity.

Support with your heart. Give with your phone. Hike with pride.

02/05/2025

Benches Repaired, Graffiti Removed — Let’s Keep Lion’s Head Beautiful, Together

The next time you hike up Lion’s Head, you’ll notice something that might just lift your spirits — the trail benches have been repaired and the graffiti scrubbed clean, thanks to the hard work of SANPARKS Table Mountain National Park (TMNP).

It’s a welcome sight and a big step in restoring the dignity of one of Cape Town’s most beloved trails. But as we celebrate this small victory, we also feel the need to address a growing concern…

Will the vandalism return? Will the graffiti come back?

There’s a deeper question here:
Why deface something that belongs to all of us?
The mountain does not belong to one group. It belongs to everyone — present and future generations alike. Defacing benches and signs is not art, it’s not expression, and it’s not harmless. It’s damage — to shared beauty, to collective pride, and to the work done by those who protect our trails.

Yes, SANPARKS TMNP carries the official mandate to maintain and preserve this land —
But they cannot do it alone.

We all have a responsibility — a kind of unspoken conservation contract — to care for what we love.
Nature needs people. And people need nature.
That’s the balance we’re called to uphold.

If you want to create art or tag your name, there are dozens of places in the city with legal walls and spaces set aside for exactly that. But a hiking trail bench is not your canvas.

And here’s the truth:
It’s not “being a Karen” to stand up for what’s right.
It’s not weird or wrong to respectfully call out bad behaviour on the trails. In fact, it’s what good citizens do.

If you see someone tagging or damaging the trail, say something.

Speak up (respectfully).

Report it to SANPARKS.

Set the tone for others.

Let’s keep these benches — and this trail — in top shape. Not just for us, but for the next person who climbs the mountain in search of peace, reflection, or joy.

Because one act of protection can inspire another.

Together, let’s protect the peace of the mountain. One bench at a time.

02/05/2025

Hiking Lion’s Head? Show Respect to the People Who Protect Your Car.

We’re heartbroken to say this… but it needs to be said.

There have been multiple reports — and we’ve seen it ourselves — of verbal abuse, mockery, and blatant disrespect directed at the car guards who look after your vehicles at the Lion’s Head Trail parking area.

Morgan and Paul, our regular car guards, are not just “watchers of cars.” They’ve helped prevent muggings, assisted in catching criminals, and create a safe space for all of us to hike, run, and enjoy nature without fear.

They also help maximise limited parking space so more of us can enjoy the trail without chaos.

And yet… some people — mostly locals — have been swearing at them, mocking them, and even parking inconsiderately on purpose just to make a point.

Let’s be clear:

Gratuity is NOT mandatory.

But decency and respect are.

If you want to tip but don’t have cash, both Morgan and Paul have Street Wallet QR codes connected to Standard Bank — your support gets converted into helpful vouchers for them.

We’re all here because we love the mountain. Let’s not break the spirits of those who keep it safe.

Friends of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill will take this seriously — and we won’t hesitate to escalate if the abuse continues.

Choose kindness. Respect each other. Protect the guardians.

10/04/2025

𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥.

Are You Being Led Safely?

Why Booking a Registered Guide in Table Mountain National Park Could Save More Than Just Your Hike

Whether you're a visitor chasing views or a local seeking fresh air and perspective, make sure the person guiding you knows more than just the way — make sure they’re legally qualified to do so.

With its sweeping coastal views, rich biodiversity, and dramatic terrain, Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) is a world-class hiking destination. Whether you're visiting for the first time or exploring it as a local, the guidance of an experienced mountain professional can elevate your experience and ensure your safety. However, with the rise of unregistered guiding, it's increasingly important to understand why hiring a **legally registered mountain guide** is more than just a formality — it's a matter of responsibility, professionalism, and care.

🕵️ How to Recognise a Registered Guide

In South Africa, a mountain guide operating professionally is required by law to:
- Hold a valid Guide ID card issued by the Department of Tourism.

- Be certified within their specific scope of qualification, such as Adventure Guiding.
- Maintain a valid First Aid certificate, updated every three years.

These credentials signal that the guide has undergone thorough training and assessment. As a guest, it is entirely acceptable to ask: “May I see your official guide card?”

Professional guides welcome these questions and understand their importance.

⚠️ Understanding the Risks of Unregistered Guiding
Choosing an unregistered guide may come with a lower price tag, but it can introduce significant risks:

- Lack of formal safety training or emergency preparedness
- No insurance coverage in the event of injury
- Uncertainty around trail knowledge and environmental understanding

- No connection to a regulatory body or code of ethics

Beyond personal safety, unregulated guiding can inadvertently contribute to overcrowding, environmental damage, and the undervaluing of a profession built on trust and expertise.

Perhaps most concerning of all, if an accident or fatality occurs during an illegally guided hike, it can have devastating consequences for South Africa’s tourism reputation. Media coverage of such incidents can erode public trust in the safety of guided hikes, harm the image of responsible local operators, and discourage future travel. For professional, qualified guides who uphold standards and invest in training, the damage caused by a single unqualified guide can take years to undo.

💬 “Why Pay for a Guide When the Trails Are Free?”

It’s a fair question — and the answer lies in the difference between walking a trail and understanding the trail.

A qualified mountain guide doesn’t just lead the way — they:

- Assess trail and weather conditions in real-time

- Know the safest and most scenic routes

- Provide emergency support and carry essential first aid

- Share the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the area

- Manage group safety and pace to match ability levels

While access to nature may be free, professional guidance adds a level of safety, depth, and peace of mind that self-navigation simply can’t guarantee. It’s an investment in experience, not just direction.

-🏢 What It Takes to Become a Certified Mountain Guide

Registered guides commit to a structured and credible process. Their path includes:

- Completing a CATHSSETA-accredited training programme
- Submitting a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating real-world experience
- Meeting legal and compliance checks
- Keeping First Aid and tourism registrations current

Whether a guide is leading a sunrise hike or a multi-day trail, any form of payment in exchange for a hike qualifies as professional guiding, and must comply with national regulations.

✉️ Professional Accountability Within the Guiding Community

Mountain guiding is not only about individual achievement — it’s also about contributing to a standard of excellence that benefits the whole community. For this reason, certified guides are encouraged to:

- Report instances of unregistered guiding** to SANParks or the Department of Tourism

- Participate in local guiding associations and support peer accountability

- Share knowledge and mentor upcoming professionals

Upholding these standards ensures safer trails and preserves the integrity of guiding as a profession.

🚨 What Guests and Guides Can Do

Whether you're booking a hike or already working in the industry, here are a few simple actions you can take:

- Ask for a guide's credentials before booking

- Support services that prioritise professional integrity

- Use official tourism platforms or verified referrals when choosing an experience

- Encourage awareness within your network

The beauty of Table Mountain deserves guides who respect the terrain, the guests, and the legacy of safe, responsible exploration. By choosing a qualified guide, you are supporting not just your own safety — but the future of guided adventure in South Africa.

📢 How to Report Illegal Guiding

If you suspect someone is guiding illegally in Table Mountain National Park or anywhere in South Africa, you have the right to report it. Doing so helps protect guests, the environment, and the reputation of qualified professionals.

To report suspected illegal guiding:

- Western Cape Tourist Guide Registrar

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 0860 142 142 (option 3)

- National Department of Tourism

📧 [email protected]
☎️ 0860 868 747

Include as many details as possible — names, operator details, date, location, and vehicle registration numbers if applicable. You may remain anonymous, but thorough information supports better follow-up.

One email or call can make a difference. Let’s keep our trails professional, safe, and respected.

Hike informed. Hike safe. Hike with professionals.

09/04/2025

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐝

Every step you take off-trail may feel like a moment of adventure—a personal path carved through nature’s beauty—but what’s left behind is far from beautiful.

After reading a poem by trail user Steve Chadwick, we’re reminded of the irony in how some hikers claim to love nature and the mountains around us, yet behave in ways that contradict that love.

Photos of landscapes and vistas from all angles of Table Mountain National Park flood social media. They’re visually stunning—but the practices people resort to for those perfect shots are often problematic. Going far off-trail, accessing closed routes, and disregarding SANParks’ guidelines not only undermine conservation efforts, but also raise questions about personal integrity.

Cue the defensiveness from those who get called out—not because they disagree, but because they know, deep down, they wouldn’t say their actions out loud without sounding like hypocrites… or worse, entitled.

Some excuse their behaviour with lines like, “SANParks isn’t doing anything about it,” or “Nobody’s been fined, so it’s okay.”

But by that logic, should we all start breaking rules, damaging nature, or risking lives—just because we haven’t faced consequences yet?

Many hikers, trail runners, and content creators unintentionally damage the very mountain they say they cherish. By veering off the official Lion’s Head trail—even for a 'shortcut' or a 'cooler reel'—they contribute to erosion, habitat destruction, and long-term environmental harm.

What Happens When You Go Off-Trail?

1. Erosion Escalates

Those unofficial “shortcuts” break down the soil structure.
When it rains, water doesn’t gently absorb—it carves deep dongas (erosion gullies) into the mountainside.
What begins as a single footprint becomes a trench.

2. Fynbos Gets Crushed

Lion’s Head is home to endangered and delicate fynbos—a floral kingdom found nowhere else on Earth.
These plants don’t recover quickly. One off-trail step can destroy years of growth.
Trampled vegetation leads to biodiversity loss and paves the way for invasive species.

3. Permanent Scars Form

Mountains carry scars like memories.
Your shortcut stays long after you’ve descended and posted that photo.
These “social trails” grow over time, misleading future hikers and forming a dangerous spiderweb of unofficial paths.

4. Tourists Follow Your Example

When influencers or adventurers post off-trail photos or videos, they unintentionally encourage copycat behaviour.
Visitors unfamiliar with the terrain think it’s acceptable—and the impact multiplies.

5. Safety Risks Increase

Unofficial routes often lack grip and stability.
They expose hikers to loose rocks, steep drops, and avoidable injuries.
In emergencies, rescue teams are delayed or misdirected when people aren’t on official routes.

Do It Right. Respect the Trail.

As Steve Chadwick’s poem so poignantly reminds us:

“Please please use trails as their makers intended
For that least damaged… is much sooner mended.”

The official trails up Lion’s Head and Signal Hill were designed for a reason: to protect both you and the mountain. They offer breathtaking views, a fair challenge, and a sustainable path to the summit.

If you truly love this mountain—prove it. Stay on the trail.

Don’t create or share content that normalises off-trail behaviour. Influence wisely.

And remember we do not do the right thing because SANPARKS said so or because there is a fine or punishment if you don't.

We do the right thing because of integrity. Because it's considerate and a net positive for everyone.

Let’s leave behind footsteps, not scars.

18/12/2024

Friends of Lions Head and Signal Hill needs more people to get involved. One man cannot do it all alone. Hoping City of Cape Town and the people of Cape Town step up and help continue the conservation efforts and neighborhood watch work that is do desperately needed around Lion's Head Mountain and Signal Hill.

Drop us a Direct Message if you have the passion and want to give back to your community on the trails.

18/11/2024

Looking for someone to design a simple 3 page website for Friends of Lions Head and Signal Hill

Please contact us if you know of someone or are that someone 🦁😊

11/11/2024

Greetings dearest Cape Tonians,

Contrary to popular belief, the Chairperson or committee members of Friends of Lions Head and Signal Hill have not changed or stepped down as yet.

There are still preparations for the handing over of titles. If you'd like to step up and help, contact us directly here via Direct Messenger.

We have noticed that there are certain agencies that find the need to meet without consulting the members who have been instated and protected under a Constitution.

If you want to help, do it the legal way, not the cloak and dagger way 😉

Thank you!

23/09/2024

We Need New Guardians

If you believe you can be a guardian or if you know of someone who has the passion to be a guardian of our mountains, please share with them.

Summer is upon us and we are looking for new heroes to step up and help Lion's Head and Signal Hill stay safe of crime, the trails maintained, the alien vegetation cleared and to help educate the youth about how to protect our heritage and support conservation.

If you are someone who wants to get off the sidelines, and get onto the pitch and help fight the good fight.

Final committee members will be confirmed 15 October 2024.

It really doesn't take up much of your time.

The mountains are calling for help...

Who will be there for them?