The Lion’s Head hike is one of Cape Town’s most iconic hikes, spiraling around the mountain to a summit of 669 meters above sea level. The route delivers uninterrupted 360 degree views throughout, taking in the city, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Atlantic Seaboard along the way.
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 3 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Single rocky track, stone steps, ladders, scrambling sections
Route Description
The Lion's Head hike starts on a jeep track before narrowing into a rocky single path and stone steps, with an elevation gain of around 400 meters to the summit. The Lion's Head trail becomes progressively steeper toward the top, and although relatively easy to navigate overall, it is a physically demanding hike, and a good fitness level is required. Along the way, staples and chains assist hikers over one particularly steep rock face. This section involves exposure, and hikers with a fear of heights may prefer to avoid it. A short detour allows hikers to use ladders instead.
The route passes through varieties of Table Mountain's unique fynbos and striking rock formations, from large Cape granite boulders on the lower slopes to sandstone cliffs higher up. Lion's Head is also home to the rare silver tree, found nowhere else in the world outside the Table Mountain range, along with the dassie, a small mammal often spotted along the trail.
At the summit, panoramic 360 degree views open up across the City of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Atlantic Seaboard, making Lion's Head one of the most rewarding hikes in Cape Town. Lion's Head is especially popular as a sunrise hike, with hikers gathering at the top to watch the city wake up below, bathed in early morning light.
This is one of Cape Town's most popular hikes among locals and visitors alike, and can get crowded on weekends and during school holidays in summer. An early start is recommended to beat both the crowds and the heat.
Hike Itinerary
Start: 06h30 – 07h30
- Meet your guide at the meeting point
- Hike brief
- Hike up Lions Head
- Enjoy the views from the summit
- Hike down Lions Head
Finish: 3 hours later
Highlights
- Spiral route around the mountain, offering constantly changing 360 degree views.
- Panoramic views over the City of Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, and the Atlantic Seaboard.
- Home to the rare silver tree, found nowhere else in the world outside the Table Mountain range.
- Staples, chains, and ladders add a sense of adventure along the steeper sections.
- One of Cape Town’s most popular sunrise hikes.
Meeting and Parking
- Meet at the Lion’s Head trail start point on Signal Hill Road.
- There is a parking area opposite the start point, as well as parking along the road.
Weather
- At times, Lion’s Head hikes can be affected by Cape Town’s weather, so we keep a close eye on forecasts ahead of every hike.
- If weather conditions require us to cancel a hike, we’ll either reschedule you for another available date or issue a full refund, depending on your preference.
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Group Hike
Open for anyone to join, group sizes stay small, but vary from day to day. We try to match hikers with similar fitness levels, though this isn’t always achievable, so fitness levels within a group can vary at times.
| Price | $ 109per person |
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Private Hike
On private hikes you will have a more personalized experience with you own hiking guide. On private hikes you can set your own pace.
| Price | $ 137per person |
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