My favorite view in the world

It’s completely dark outside, when my alarm goes off. I wonder if I’m the only one in the house that's awake by now, or if everybody else has gone back to sleep. I get dressed, take all of my stuff, and go sit in the kitchen. I prepare my coffee, and sit for a moment in peace and silence. Why does it have to be so hard to get up? It always is right.. One by one people start joining me for coffee. I’m surprised to see that not one person has chosen to stay in bed. But there is a reason we are all willing to wake up that early. We are going to hike Lions head, in Cape Town, for sunrise. 

This is my favorite viewpoint in the entire world. Are there better views than this in the world? Most likely. I have probably seen better views myself. However I have a personal connection to Lions head. It was my first sunrise hike I ever did in my life. The very first one. I still remember the feeling I had, when standing on top. It was just complete awe. Looking around, seeing the incredible views to either side. There is something about this city. Somehow it feels like home. At least a home away from home. I love this place. And I guess that plays in as well. I have had so many incredible experiences in this city. Met so many amazing people, and had incredible food. Of course, that all affects me, when saying this is my favorite view in the world. 

Getting to Lions Head is fairly easy. You can catch an uber from anywhere in the mothercity, and tell the driver to take you to Lions Head. You will be dropped off at the start of the trail, and from there you have to start hiking upwards. You can do the hike in around an hour, I would say, and at times, it’s rather strenuous. However once you get to the top, you will be rewarded with an absolutely incredible view of Table mountain, the city beneath you, and all of Cape Town's stunning beaches as well as the twelve apostles. 

As you start your hike, make sure that you bring some coffee, and a few snacks you can have on top. Just remember to take everything down with you. At the top, just sit down, relax and take it all in. For many people this is a once in a lifetime experience. I have been lucky enough to do the hike more times than I remember, and I’m absolutely certain that I haven’t even done it for the last time.

For me, it’s not just about the view. It’s the entire experience. Seeing the awe in peoples faces when they arrive at the top and marvel at the view. It’s about supporting each other on the way to the top, having a laugh, taking breaks together and finally having a coffee on top, when one of the best views in the world.
It’s completely calm, and as the city beneath you starts waking up, you will see how the city transforms. 

I’m by no means saying that this is the best viewpoint in the entire world. But it is my favorite, and probably always will be.