Hike Cape Town's Iconic Lion's Head
Take on Cape Town's most iconic trail with a guided hike up Lion's Head, a steady climb rewarded with sweeping views in every direction. Choose an early start to watch the sunrise over the city, or a later morning start to take in the views in full light. At the summit, enjoy hot drinks and light snacks before making your way back down, refreshed and inspired.
Tour Highlights
Sunrise Hike
+/- 05h00
Pick-up from your accommodation.
Morning
Climb by headlamp to reach the summit for first light and enjoy hot drinks, snacks and views from the summit
Mid-Morning
Drop-off at your accommodation
Morning Hike
08h00
Pick-up from your accommodation
Mid-Morning
Climb by headlamp to reach the summit for first light and enjoy hot drinks, snacks and views from the summit
Late Morning
Drop-off at your accommodation
Note: Sunrise pick-up times shift with the seasons to align with first light.
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 meters
Distance: 5.5km
✓ 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 the inclusions
What to bring
- Camera
- Appropriate hiking attire and shoes
- A windbreaker or warm jacket
- Sun protection
Important to Note
- This is a private tour with just you and your group.
- Specify your Cape Town accommodation address at checkout.
- This tour operates in most weather conditions.
Always Included
- 100% refund for cancellations made 72+ hours in advance.
- Local, English-speaking host.
- Pick-up from and drop-off at your Cape Town accommodation.
- Up to 7 guests per vehicle.
Experiences change; our standards don’t.
Fair Cancellation
- Full refund if you cancel more than 72 hours in advance.
Private, always
Your group only, so the day is yours to shape.
Weather Flexibility
Cape Town's weather can turn quickly, but we always have another option ready.
Licensed and insured
- Fully licensed and comprehensively insured.
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