Take on one of Cape Town’s most beloved trails with a guided hike up Lion’s Head - a steady climb rewarded with sweeping views in every direction. Choose between a sunrise start, where the city awakens beneath you, or a later morning hike to enjoy the mountain in full light. At the summit, savour a selection of hot drinks and light snacks before making your way back down, refreshed and inspired by the view.
This is a hike that captures the spirit of Cape Town, short in distance, rich in beauty, and rewarding from start to finish.
Your guide will collect you and take you to the base of Lion’s Head, the distinctive peak that rises between Table Mountain and Signal Hill. Known for its signature spiral route, the trail encircles the mountain, offering ever-changing views of the city, ocean, and the Twelve Apostles range. Along the way, your guide will share stories about Lion’s Head’s layered history - from its use as a 17th-century lookout point to its current place in the city’s outdoor culture.
There are two options to reach the summit: a direct route that includes a short section of ladders and chains, or a slightly longer spiral path that involves light rock scrambling. Both require a moderate level of fitness and comfort with uneven terrain, and the hike is not recommended for young children.
For those joining the sunrise hike, the adventure begins before dawn, with headlights lighting the way as the city sleeps below. The steady climb through the dark makes the moment you reach the summit even more rewarding, just in time to watch the first light break over the Atlantic and Table Mountain. Alternatively, the later morning hike offers a gentler start, with the trail bathed in full sunlight and wide-open views all the way up. At the top, take a well-earned break with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate and light snacks as you soak in the 360° panorama of Cape Town.
This is a Cape Town classic. A hike that blends adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery in perfect balance.
Hike Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 670
Distance: 5.5km
+/- 05h00 or +/- 08h00
Pick-up from your accommodation
Morning
Ascend Lion’s Head and enjoy a hot beverage and light snacks on the summit
Mid-morning
Drop-off at your accommodation
✔️ Accommodation pick-up and drop-off in Cape Town
✔️ Expert local mountain guide
✔️ Hot drinks selection with light snacks on the summit
✔️ Water to keep you hydrated on the hike
✔️ Headlights
✔️ Luxury VW T6 Transporter with WiFi
❌ Guide gratuities
❌ Any other items not mentioned in inclusions
This is a private tour with just you and your group. Specify your Cape Town accommodation address at checkout. This tour will proceed in most weather conditions. Please ensure you wear appropriate gear. The tour may be cancelled with a full refund in the event of extreme weather conditions.