Hike Cape Town's Iconic Lion's Head

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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.

From
£75pp

Tour Highlights

Hot beverages
A freshly brewed coffee, tea or hot chocolate served on the summit.
Panoramic views
The kind of breathtaking views that stretch in every direction.
Expert guidance
Hike with a qualified guide who knows the route, and the hidden details that bring it all to life.
Local stories
A guided glimpse into Cape Town’s layered history.
Photo stop
A perfect pause for an unforgettable frame-it-later moment.

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

Itinerary

+/- 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

Includes

✔️ 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

Key information

What to bring
Appropriate hiking shoes
Backpack with a water bottle
Camera
Windbreaker or jacket
Sun Protection
What to know

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.

Always included
Cancellation
95% refund for cancellations made 72+ hours in advance.
Local tour guide
English
Pickup included
Pick up and return to your Cape Town accommodation.
Private group
Up to 7 guests per vehicle

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Tour Standards

Seamless by Design.
We take care of the details so you can enjoy the moment.

Cancellation
95% refund for cancellations made 72+ hours in advance.
Wifi on Board
All vehicles have wifi onboard so you can stay connected.
Local Access
Explore the Cape with expert local guides who know the winemaker, not just the wine list.
Pickup Included
Pick up and return to your Cape Town accommodation.
Private Group
Up to 7 guests per vehicle