Cape Town Central Tours
Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike
5

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike

By The Cape Town Local
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 8-65, max of 15 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024

  • Fruit
  • Snacks
  • Headlamps/flashlights
What's not included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
  • Bottled water


Start:Traveller pickup offered.
  • Lion's Head Hiking Trail, Signal Hill Rd, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
    The start location on google maps is at 7 Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill. As you turn onto Signal Hill Road, the parking area is about 500m up the road. There is a white mobile coffee caravan opposite the trail head (most times in the afternoon).
Pickup details
  • Please send exact pick-up address after booking.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 105071P4

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
    • Wear a descent pair of walking/hiking shoes
    • You need to have a basic level of fitness
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Minimum age is 8 years
    • Not recommended for participants with heart or other serious medical conditions
    • Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 105071P4

    From
    R 1 310,32
    per adult (price varies by group size)
    Select date and travellers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • The Cape Town Local
      501
      South Africa
      Joined in May 2019
    • Meander49470616385
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      10/10 Experience
      Tauriq & his team are wonderful. I’d hiked Lions head with them before and was really excited to do the Table Mountain trek. I’d booked on a day that was rainy and overcast and they were super considerate advising me to push my hike to later in the week when I’d have better visibility. The mountain guides were super considerate and accommodating making sure to go at a pace that was comfortable for our group, assisting those who needed it on the more technical spots, and taking our photos at the super photogenic areas. They also shared lots of facts on the flora and fauna of the reserve which I really appreciated as a nature lover! All round a 10/10 experience!
      Written 5 October 2024
    • naomisL3714JB
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A experience to never forget.
      This hike is one of the most amazing hikes I have ever done. The entire way you had a fantastic view and the friendliness of the guide made the trip complete. In total we did the hike in three hours, but it was worth it. Thank you very much Codi for this amazing experience! :)
      Written 27 September 2024
    • OhItsTroy
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fantastic experience all round
      Fantastic hike with Codi. So supportive, knowledgeable and great fun. Highly recommend! Challenging hike but very enjoyable
      Written 26 September 2024
    • Brandon W
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Absolutely the BEST Guide and Adventurous Hike
      Absolutely phenomenal experience. One we will never forget. Codi was incredibly astute and could sense immediately if any of us needed help up the mountain. It was a very strenuous hike with some very technical parts for which Codi was an absolute master. We cannot recommend this guide enough. Such an unforgettable day with some of the most incredible views we’ve ever seen in our life. When we return we’ll definitely be trying Lions Head or the twelve apostles. Thank you for the best experience!!
      Written 26 September 2024
    • 712birgitc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Adventure climb
      Codi was a very patient and knowledgable guide - could not have done it without him! He encouraged us up every step of the climb!
      Written 14 September 2024
    • RobertK8189
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Must Do Hike
      What an incredible hike to the top of Table Mountain. Our guide Idrees helped us through the most challenging aspects of the climb and we felt comfortable the whole time on a strenuous hike that we could not have completed by ourselves. This is a great way to experience the incredible views with the added benefit of an experienced guide who will share some Cape Town history with you.
      Written 7 September 2024
    • Passport20100115034
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Do it again in a heartbeat
      Idress is a fantastic guide; knowledgeable, caring, competent, and friendly. I always felt safe, and he added a lot to a wonderful experience on Table Mountain.
      Written 7 September 2024
    • txsoccerref
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Best views ever!!!
      Great hike with amazing views. Idrees was a great guide and told us all about the plants and wildlife. It was so windy the cable car wasn’t running so we hiked down also. We took the India Vestner route and it was challenging. It will get your heart rate up if you’re not used to this level of cardio, but it wasn’t really difficult in a technical sense. Well worth it for the views and going down is easier and faster.
      Written 7 September 2024
    • Trip18952068982
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Exceptional hike
      The experience was truly amazing. We had Codi as our guide, and he was exceptional. He took the time to ensure we understood the surroundings and the various plants, providing insightful information throughout the hike. This not only made the experience more enjoyable but also educational. I loved it so much that I’m already looking forward to doing it again in the future.
      Written 8 August 2024
    • 13marthab
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing and challenging hike. Highlight of our trip to South Africa
      We went with Miles on this hike in March 2024, but wanted to leave a review as we can’t stop talking about it! It was a great hike, challenging, with some scrambling and problem solving along the way. Miles was lovely, very knowledgeable and happy to go at a challenging pace as we wanted to push ourselves. If you like hiking and getting out of your comfort zone this is definitely for you! You need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy and definitely not be scared of heights. This hike was a highlight of our trip to south Africa and it was great to do with Miles as he made us feel safe and obviously was very experienced. We were extremely lucky to have booked the group tour but were the only people to book that day. Miles said that we were one of the quickest groups up there, around 2.5 hours! Finally he took some amazing pictures of us and is a very talented photographer as well, what a bonus.
      Written 3 July 2024
    • Mike J
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Table top cable car.
      First, all of the employees were very friendly. The ride up is very smooth. The views are amazing! Restaurant, shop, and lots of walking /hiking trails. A must do in Capetown.
      Written 23 June 2024
    • allenn545
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Conquering Table Town
      This was one of the most spectacular adventures and hikes that we have ever been on. The views from every point on the hike was truly amazing, and it was an accomplishment to reach the top. Cody is an outstanding guide and he made every bit of the experience fun and enjoyable - from his preparation text the night before, punctuality in picking us up at the hotel, ensuring we were doing fine the whole way through, encouraging and helping us up during the tough technical parts, describing the fauna and flora as we ascended, to the amazing pictures and videos he surprised us with at the end. Ask for Cody if you ever decide to take on this adventure. It feels good to say "we climbed Table Mountain" - one of the wonders of the world!
      Written 20 June 2024
    • paoyxxx
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      In good hands
      Was a bit hesistant to hike Table Mountain due to safety (from muggings but also heard the trail is quite intense) so decided to get a tour guide. Codi was patient, attentive and a great guide who went at a good pace and showed us a route which was very doable. There were sufficient rest stops and it was an all round great experience! If I can do it, anyone can as I'm not the most active and fit. You'll be in good hands with Codi!
      Written 17 June 2024
    • S4289FBbryanl
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hiking made fun!
      Epic experience hiking up Table Mountain with our guide Codi via a lesser known trail. The vibe was amazing with our small group and Codi was caring and accommodating to all. We had a nice morning tea and he also took some great pics for us. His knowledge of the National Park and Cape Town in general is also fantastic and was willing to share it all. Basically a great guy who allowed us to have a great time climbing up a great mountain!
      Written 17 June 2024
    • B1785QAamyc
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      A rewarding challenge we’ll never forget
      Codi was a superstar guide, very supportive and encouraging. We couldn’t have done it without him. A lot of effort but well worth it. Not for the faint hearted or those afraid of heights. We’re fit but inexperienced, the climb took us closer to 4 hours, so suggest to allow 5 hours total for the experience.
      Written 15 June 2024
    See all 501 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles382 reviews
    Excellent
    378
    Very good
    1
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    2
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    These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
    This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

    Becca
    Caerphilly, UK23 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great experience and absolutely agree with the other reviews it's not to be missed.

    Tariq was very accommodating with the weather and let us change the date from a sunset hike to a sunrise hike because of the weather forecast.

    I wouldn't consider the incline/walk itself to be difficult/challenging. But there are parts where you need to pull yourself up on some rocks. This is where having a guide became especially helpful because Tariq guided us on the best way to approach it and assisted those of us who needed an extra hand.

    The views were well worth the hike and we really enjoyed the history lesson from Tariq on Robben Island/Nelson Mandela, slavery, how Islam came to South Africa and District 6.

    The price does seem on the steep side, but having done the walk, we were very grateful to have done it with a very friendly group and to have a guide to share the expert knowledge. So I would say its worth doing.

    Thanks Tariq!
    Written 10 September 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Chirvan P
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2019 • Friends
    Firstly just wanted to say thank you to thecapetownlocal Tauriq , who was an amazing guide on our sunrise morning while I Lion's Head. Tauriq made us feel comfortable and his knowledge of the mountains is amazing. We kept at a easy pace once on top he took us to good lookout spot where we could see the beautiful city and beaches. It was truly magical up there and so breathtaking. I always wanted to see the view from here. What an amazing place and truelly awesome guide. Thank you for showing us this beautiful place and being an excellent guide. Ps a must do hike when in Cape Town
    Written 15 January 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Nicole
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2022 • Solo
    To sum it up, I can guarantee without question that booking any experience with Tauriq will be well worth your time. Don’t bother looking any further :)

    I tend to book different experiences whenever I travel which is a few times a year and Tauriq has been the best tour guide I’ve ever met. He’s incredibly knowledgable about Cape Town and shares the information in a way that’s captivating and not boring at all. Beyond being a good storyteller he has an innate ability to make you feel at ease while hiking, which can be important for the more arduous hikes. He meets everyone where they are and never makes anyone feel rushed. He seems to understand how comfortable the group is and how to best guide them without asking.

    Given he’s grown up on the mountains of Cape Town and seems to know them almost personally and better than most, there’s no one more I would trust to lead me on a hike.

    Hope this review has convinced you and you also experience a wonderful part of Cape Town!!
    Written 28 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jason Kanahele
    Honolulu, HI48 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The views were amazing, our tour guide Tariq did a good job of explaining about Cape Town at break intervals throughout the duration of the hike. Tour operator name is the Cape Town Local. We had a good hiking group that got along well. Please do bring a jacket because the wind can pick up quite a bit at sunset time. I would highly recommend couples, families, and solo people for this hike.
    Written 29 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    venessa m
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2022 • Solo
    I did the sunrise tour with tauriq. The hike had an easy to moderate trail. Tauriq is a very good guide, he made everyone feel comfortable and safe with the hike, our pace was good, he is very knowledgeable with the area. We saw a porcupine and a spider along the way. All in all a very fascinating and a must hike when you're in Cape Town. And I definitely recommend Tauriq to guide you, he is well experienced hiker and loves what he do.
    Written 4 December 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Callie U
    San Diego, CA10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic hike with an amazing sunset. I highly recommend Tauriq was an amazing guide for this beautiful yet challenging hike. The sunset was spectacular as were the views of the city at night on the hike back down.
    Written 20 November 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    David
    Los Angeles, CA7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Couples
    My wife and I cannot recommend this guided hike enough! It was easily the best part of our entire honeymoon. Tariq was so kind and helped us through the difficult parts of the hike. We went for sunset and it was the most beautiful scene - a 360 view of all of Cape Town as the clouds turned pink with the sun setting. My wife was quite nervous to climb up the ladders and Tariq helped her every step of the way. More importantly, Tariq gave some of his own personal experiences growing up in Cape Town that is crucial to hear on any trip to Cape Town. Overall - cannot recommend ENOUGH.

    This is a moderately difficult hike to get to the top! Definitely wear hiking boots or shoes with good grip.
    Written 31 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Colette W
    7 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend! Tauriq is an experienced and enthusiastic guide. He has hiked this area thousands of times! He had the sunset timing perfectly down, knowing how long it would take our group to get up and then to a perfect viewing spot. He even brought homemade snacks! I have hiked and climbed mountains all over the world and this guy is as strong and as any guide I have met, but also super nice, generous and friendly.
    Written 20 February 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Suzanne B
    27 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Oct 2023 • Solo
    I’ve spent many years hiking, and I have NEVER met a more patient, kind, and mindful guide than Tauriq.

    The majority of our group was inexperienced and it was impressive watching him juggle everyone’s feelings, needs, and skill level to ensure that a safe and enjoyable time was had by all. Tauriq was timely, he gladly took pictures, carried people’s belongings, provided extra encouragement, and shared so much about Cape Town’s history and landscapes, as well as personalized stories of growing up in the area.

    The hike was iconic, the views were unreal, and he topped things off with homemade cookies made by his wife (thanks Suzanne). I mean, who doesn’t want a cookie at the top?!?!

    I’d hike with Tauriq again and again! Amazing guide, amazing hike!!
    Written 11 October 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Cezar U
    52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2024 • Couples
    Lion's Head is another must-see attraction in Cape Town, offering an incredible hiking experience and panoramic views that rival those of Table Mountain. The mountain, which rises to 669 meters above sea level, is located between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, providing spectacular views of Cape Town, the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding mountains.

    The trail
    The trail to the top of Lion's Head is one of the most popular in Cape Town, suitable for experienced hikers and beginners alike.

    Duration and Difficulty: The hike to the summit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is considered moderate in terms of difficulty, with some steep sections and rock stairs that require a little more effort.

    Route: The trail starts out gentle and gradually becomes steeper. Halfway there is a section with crampons and chains to help with the climb. Those who prefer can opt for an alternative path that avoids these obstacles.

    Starting Point: The trail starting point is easily accessible by car or taxi, with parking available at the base.

    On the top
    Upon reaching the summit of Lion's Head, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views:

    Panoramic View: From the top, you have a 360-degree panoramic view that includes Table Mountain, Signal Hill, the city of Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean.
    Night Views: The trail is also popular for night walks, especially during the full moon, when the illuminated city offers a spectacle of its own.
    Sunset
    Lion's Head is a prime spot to watch the sunset:

    Vibrant Colors: The sunset seen from Lion's Head is spectacular, with the sky painted in vibrant shades of orange, pink and red.
    Atmosphere: The atmosphere at the top during sunset is tranquil and magical, making it an ideal time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
    Tips for the Visit
    Proper Equipment: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking. Bring a jacket, especially if you plan to stay for the sunset, as it can get cold quickly.
    Water and Snacks: Bring enough water and some snacks for the trail as there are no stores or water sources along the way.
    Safety: Walk in a group, especially if you are going on the trail at night. Tell someone about your plans and expected return time.
    Time: Start the trail early if you want to avoid the midday heat or crowds. For sunset, start the hike with enough time to reach the top before the sun sets.
    Conclusion
    The hike to the top of Lion's Head offers a memorable experience, with stunning views and a sense of achievement upon reaching the summit. Whether for a morning walk, a sunset adventure or an evening hike under the full moon, Lion's Head is a must-see destination in Cape Town.
    Google
    Written 21 May 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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