Lion's Head Hike for Sunrise with Coffee/Tea or Sunset
Description
The trail up Lion's Head follows a scenic spiral path that wraps around the mountain, offering ever-changing views as you ascend. Along the way, the path becomes steeper and more rugged, requiring you to use your hands and feet to scramble over sections of rock. The route continues to the first ladder before crossing a narrow ledge equipped with a chain handrail. From here, you will reach a junction, leading up two rock sections via ladders to the crest of the southeast ridge. Near the summit, the final stretch involves a short scramble and one last ladder before reaching the 669-metre peak. From the top of Lion's Head, you'll be rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. As the light changes, you'll witness the city gradually come alive as its lights switch on at sunset, or watch them fade away at sunrise, creating an unforgettable panorama. A headlamp is provided whenever required. The descent follows the same route and takes around 60 minutes.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Lion’s Head hike has a steep screw top route circling the mountain and takes approximately two hours to complete. You’re getting views in all directions from the vista of the Atlantic coastline to the magnificent Table Mountain twelve Apostles. The trail being rocky in some sections using your hands to scramble over rocks maybe necessary. Rising up 669 meters Lion’s Head summit has a 360 degree view, with Table Mountain as its backdrop. Lion’s Head is situated in one of the smallest floral kingdoms in the world.
Weather permitting, you may be lucky enough to see colorful paragliders gracefully flying from Lion's Head and nearby Signal Hill, taking advantage of Cape Town's spectacular coastal scenery and favorable wind conditions. As paragliding is entirely weather dependent, sightings cannot be guaranteed but often add an unforgettable touch to your Lion's Head experience.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Choose your transportation options: Pick-up & drop-off. Drop-off only. No transport.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for travelers who suffer form vertigo or fear of height
- This hike may not be suitable for those who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery.
- Important to have a small camel-bag to be able to store your water bottle.
Reviews(7)
Our guide Patrick was on time, the pick-up was perfectly coordinated with the sunrise (but logically also very early ...) The tour itself is moderately demanding - a bit strenuous, a bit scrabbling and some (easy) ladders. Muscle soreness guarantee for untrained 😀 - but Patrick left us as much time as we needed and helped with hints and tips if necessary. The hike at night with headlamps, the view and nature were impressive. However, it can also quickly get full on the hill. Headlamps and coffee for the summit were available. At no point was it hectic, we had as much time as we wanted. The path is relatively clear and probably feasible on its own. I was grateful for our guide - in some places I would have been unsure and there is a certain risk of injury (stumbling etc). In addition, we received just the right amount of information all around. Patrick was a safe and pleasant guide - Thank you!
Hi Florian, Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! I’m really glad to hear that you enjoyed the Lion’s Head hike – from the magical start with headlamps to the sunrise at the summit with coffee. 😊 Yes, it’s definitely an early start, but as you mentioned, the views at the top make it all worthwhile. I also appreciate your comments about the trail difficulty – it’s great feedback for future guests to know what to expect. It was a real pleasure guiding you and sharing some tips along the way. I’m happy you felt safe, unhurried, and able to fully enjoy the experience.
This is a moderately difficult hike with some ladders and scrambling included. Patrick was a fantastic guide and incredibly knowledgeable. The views were breathtaking and it was well worth the effort.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m delighted you enjoyed the hike and found the challenge worthwhile. The ladders and scrambling definitely add some adventure, and I’m glad the breathtaking views made it all the more rewarding. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I’d be happy to welcome you back for another hike in Cape Town!
Our guide Patrick was wonderful. He hikes lions head or table rock Mountain several times weekly. Lions head is a very technical hike. On a difficulty scale of one being easy and 10 being hardest, I would rate this one a solid eight. You will definitely need hiking boots and need to be in good shape as there are a couple of ladders to climb up, steep rocks to traverse and a few narrow passages.
Thank you so much for your kind words and for sharing your experience! I’m glad you enjoyed the Lion’s Head hike—it’s definitely a technical and adventurous climb, and you did a fantastic job tackling the ladders, steep rocks, and narrow passages. I always enjoy guiding guests on this beautiful trail and showing off the incredible views of Cape Town. I really appreciate your feedback and hope to see you again for another adventure on Table Mountain or beyond!
A definite highlight of my time in Cape Town! Sunrise on Lions Head is magical (even with the early start!) Patrick is a fantastic guide - communicative, friendly, and also knows all the good photo spots :) Patrick goes the extra mile to ensure his guests have a great time. He is extremely knowledgeable and more than happy to share his expertise and South Africa recommendations during his adventure with you. Highly recommend!
Good day Fiona, Thank-you for having joined me on 2 hikes! I'm really glad you enjoyed the magical sunrise on Lion’s Head—it’s always worth the early start! It was a pleasure guiding you and sharing some of my favorite spots and tips along the way. I’m happy to hear the experience was a highlight of your time in Cape Town. Hope to see you back for another adventure soon! Thank-you Patrick
I had a beautiful experience doing the lions head sunrise hike. Patrick my guide was very professional and catered to my every need. He carried my jacket, brought tea and coffee for us to enjoy whilst watching the sunrise which was beautiful. Views amazing and guide was fantastic. Would highly recommend.
Dear Jacqui Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us! We're delighted to hear that you had such a beautiful and memorable time during the Lions Head sunrise hike. It’s fantastic to know that Patrick’s professionalism and attentiveness enhanced your adventure. We truly appreciate your kind words about him and the stunning views you enjoyed. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we are so glad we could help create such a special moment. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future! Thank-you
The hike was amazing! Patrick is such a nice guide, very talkative and knows a lot about the (history of the) country. The pick-up/drop-off was very convenient and the hike was no rush at all and there was plenty of time to enjoy the amazing view/take pictures. Since the hike also took place although it was only me, I highly recommend this activity for solo travelers. Thanks Patrick! :)
Michael was an amazing guide. Took the hike at my own rithm, explained everything nature, took pictures, encouraged me to keep pushing but always made me feel at ease. The views are breathtaking both at sunset and coming down at night. I truly recommend and will do it again!
