Lion's Head
Lion's Head
4.5
About
Lion's Head in Cape Town is a peak situated at 669 meters above sea level. The hike up Lions Head takes approximately 90 minutes at a moderate pace. Lions Head trail is steep but do-able, while the 5.5km trail packs a punch (Both ways). The views from Lions head are amazing. Take a look around you and see the beauty. Lions Head hike is the preferred route for mountain enthusiasts, the easiest of the routes in Cape Town.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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  • Anne
    Oslo, Norway15 contributions
    Panoramic views and amazing nature, even though so close to the city!
    Beautiful hike, would recommend staring early in the morning. Less people and cooler climate. Bring head torch, water, snack. Amazing to see sunrise and view! Breathtaking. Also sunset makes a beautiful hike. You can easily arrange for a guide to join you, using app "get your guide." Not to expensive and also a good opportunity of you are not comfortable doing hiking on your own. A must if you are in Cape Town and enjoy nature, views and walks. Several routes will take you to the top, so having a guide will make it easier finding best paths. Enjoy!
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 5 January 2023
  • freeXspirit
    New York City, New York184 contributions
    Stunning views, 2-3 hour hike. Must-do when in Cape Town!
    We had a free morning in Cape Town so we decided to do the Lions Head hike. So much better than Table Mountain! Not an easy hike, the last 30 minutes going up are tough as you’re climbing rocks and stairs while holding on to metal chains. The views are simply stunning all through the trek. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. I would recommend doing this early morning so you’re not baked in the sun. Not recommended doing it on a cloudy day coz your views of the city will probably not be as good from the top. I spoke with several folks who had done the sunrise/sunset hikes, not sure how they do it coz it would be tricky coming down the top in the dark where you have to watch every step. Maybe it’s doable with a headlamp. Either way, this is a phenomenal activity when in Cape Town, something for the entire family!
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 27 March 2023
  • Steve
    London, United Kingdom941 contributions
    Excellent Hike
    Amazing views from this hike up lions head. Once you find the car park and the starting point you can’t really go wrong. It does get busy and many people will pass you in both directions but it’s worth taking your time to take in the 360 degree views.
    Visited February 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 8 April 2023
  • vaucouleur
    Oslo, Norway12 contributions
    Recommended trip in Cape Town
    Fantastic mountain for people with average to good ability. Note that the path is fairly easy for the first few parts, but you will hit points that require climbing up ladders and steep paths. A very rewarding experience. We walked up in 55 minutes, with stops for photos. Awesome trip. Recommend strongly if you are willing to do a short steep hike.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 July 2023
  • Carmen Santiago
    Mountain View, California164 contributions
    Tough climb at the top, spectacular views!
    If you run marathons, this is an easy hike. For all other humans, it can get streneous. As you get closer to the top it is really tough with your knees taking the brunt of the large rocks. You will also climb four very steep ladders, right against the cliff's face which can feel scary. The hike is full of spectacular 360 degree views of Cape Town. Table mountain looms in most views, you'll see Para gliders jumping off both mountains framing your pictures. In July when we are visiting, the mountainside is covered in yellow flowers. We had a bit of rain, and we're treated to double rainbows pretty much the whole time.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 July 2023
  • Dedgar2014
    Darien, Connecticut130 contributions
    Counter clockwise Hike at Lion's Head
    We did the counter clockwise hike so that we would hike all the way around Lion's Head. We started out as a group of six. As we got closer to the top my daughter and I turned around. The top part of the climb consists of very steep ladders against the cliff face. The group of four that went to the top consisted of three marathoners and one in very good shape. All said the last part of the climb was challenging mentally and physically and very rewarding. Highly recommend Hike even if you do not make it all the way to the top. All views were beautiful.
    Visited July 2023
    Written 26 July 2023
  • Diane B
    Barrington, Illinois17 contributions
    Take the ladders. The alternative was scary
    We recently climbed Lion's Head. I sent my family ahead since I wanted to take my time and not feel pressured. I am a 60 year old woman and consider myself agile. I would not recommend going alone for risk of injuries etc. My biggest concern was when there was a sign that said you can take the ladders or go this other way (recommended route). I chose to skip the two ladders even though I was not afraid. I did this because I was alone and it wasn't very crowded at all so I thought I should take the "preferred" route. I assumed it would be easier. I must have lost the path because it seemded to dead end and I had to climb very steep rocks. No one was in site and I felt lost and started to panic. Fortunately I found the path and a nice family sat with me as I tried to gain my composer. I was terrified. I should have taken the ladders and recommend the ladders for sure. The hike itself was steep with big bolders. The beginning is deceiving since it is just a gravel like path. That's why I send my family ahead. Don't do it alone and take the ladders when there is an option!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 August 2023
  • Kardoesie
    Johannesburg, South Africa4,098 contributions
    Lovely @ Lion's Head
    Besides the main climb up Lion’s Head, there are several other paths on the lower slopes that offer rewarding views and slightly easier walks for those that wants to walk more and climb less. Irrespective of the chosen route: Watch the weather. Take a warm jacket and water. Note that it takes as long up as it takes to climb down. Go with a friend. Stick to the paths. Leave your valuables at home, not in your car. Give right of way to the climbers going up. Smile and greet others. ideal for outdoor enthusiasts!
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 8 September 2023
  • Jodes64
    Binfield, United Kingdom16 contributions
    Sunset!
    We took the opportunity to hike Lions Head on a clear afternoon/evening for sunset. The hike up gives great views of Table Mountain and we saw a beautiful sunset over Camps Bay. However, please be careful doing this hike at sunset as it get dark quickly…
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 11 September 2023
  • eker135
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom84 contributions
    Out of this world views!
    Out of this world views. Make sure to take plenty of water on a warm day and have decent walking shoes or boots with grip on them. The path gets narrow as you go up and includes ladders. If you're not good with heights or used to hill walking I would recommend avoiding it. But if you make it to the top it is well worth it! The views are absolutely stunning. A must do for keen hikers!
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Rebekah F
25 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
I am not a hiker by any means and have some small problems with my knees, but I'm so glad I did this climb. I feel the plus points could also be someone's down points - it's around 1hr 20 if you chose the end path that takes more of a scrambling/ladder route (yes ladders 2000ft in the air), this for me was a bonus as I find just walking up hill monotonous and climbing really fun - however for someone else this could be quite scary.

The route starts with a 20 minute walk up a gravelly hill, 20 minutes up make shift steps and then it builds into fairly big boulders which become steep enough for metal stair ladders for around 20 minutes (some of this can be avoided if you turn left after the first ladder and walk around and up) and a final bit of scrambling to reach the top for around 20 minutes.

Towards the top it gets fairly sandy, I did this in flat running trainers and I was convinced they wouldn't be good enough, but I was fine. I'd highly recommend using your bottom and arms to get back down the initial bit as we saw one person slip!

The views, watching paragliders and feeling epic about yourself are totally worth it if you're a bit of a beginner!
Written 23 November 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.

Tour63909705662
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Business
Amazing, brilliant atmosphere with an appeal that seize never to be erased in one's mind. Nature's best outdoors exploring. All you have to do is to take a short left to this wonder. That's not all, it's I. Capetown and there is more to feed your eyes and cherish!❤️
Written 6 November 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.

TravelingFamilyTrip
Chicago, IL209 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We did a sunrise hike up Lion's Head and had a great time. The hike is a little more difficult than we guessed. It wasn't terrible but our legs were feeling it afterwards. The ladders & all were actually easier than making your way up the boulders nearer the top. You are rewarded with stunning views of the city, ocean shore, and Table Mountain.

Be aware of your timing if you want to see the sunrise. We got there later than planned, but it worked out as we saw the sunrise at the beginning of our hike rather than the summit. But if we'd left a little later, we'd have totally missed out on the sunrise as you're walking on the back (shady, west) side of the peak for a while.

You are advised to hike in groups due to recent robberies on the trail. We didn't have any problems but saw some news articles just after our hike. But other than that, you don't need to have a guide, it's a pretty straightforward trail and Uber to & from the trailhead was easy.
Written 2 November 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.

the_globetrotters
Norwich, UK319 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The hike is not too bad and there are sections requiring a little scramble but the views are amazing. Make sure you stop to take the views in.
Also keep your valuables hidden and cameras tucked away. A lot of crime happens on this mountain but it can be avoided with some common sense and ensuring you stay alert and travel in groups. Check the weather forecast and if visiting check certain Facebook pages to see if there are any security issues
Written 26 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.

eker135
Aberdeen, UK84 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Out of this world views. Make sure to take plenty of water on a warm day and have decent walking shoes or boots with grip on them. The path gets narrow as you go up and includes ladders. If you're not good with heights or used to hill walking I would recommend avoiding it. But if you make it to the top it is well worth it! The views are absolutely stunning. A must do for keen hikers!
Written 19 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.

Pearl D
London, UK5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
The place for sundowners. A great hike up. Bubbles and picnic a top. Well worth the effort. Highly recommended
Written 15 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.

Calanthe
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Awesome panorama with great but sometimes somewhat challenging small climbing passages. But be careful ‼️

My boyfriend and me wanted to climb up the Lion Head early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise. Halfway up we were robbed by two men armed with knives. Luckily nothing happened to us, but of course all our valuables were taken from us. The police officer told us that two more couples were robbed this morning at the Lions Head. Therefore, it is absolutely recommended to make the ascent in the dark only in a larger group.
Written 3 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.

Jodes64
Binfield, UK16 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We took the opportunity to hike Lions Head on a clear afternoon/evening for sunset. The hike up gives great views of Table Mountain and we saw a beautiful sunset over Camps Bay. However, please be careful doing this hike at sunset as it get dark quickly…
Written 11 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.

Kardoesie
Johannesburg, South Africa4 098 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Besides the main climb up Lion’s Head, there are several other paths on the lower slopes that offer rewarding views and slightly easier walks for those that wants to walk more and climb less.
Irrespective of the chosen route: Watch the weather. Take a warm jacket and water. Note that it takes as long up as it takes to climb down. Go with a friend. Stick to the paths. Leave your valuables at home, not in your car. Give right of way to the climbers going up. Smile and greet others.
ideal for outdoor enthusiasts!
Written 8 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.

Diane B
Barrington, IL17 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We recently climbed Lion's Head. I sent my family ahead since I wanted to take my time and not feel pressured. I am a 60 year old woman and consider myself agile. I would not recommend going alone for risk of injuries etc. My biggest concern was when there was a sign that said you can take the ladders or go this other way (recommended route). I chose to skip the two ladders even though I was not afraid. I did this because I was alone and it wasn't very crowded at all so I thought I should take the "preferred" route. I assumed it would be easier. I must have lost the path because it seemded to dead end and I had to climb very steep rocks. No one was in site and I felt lost and started to panic. Fortunately I found the path and a nice family sat with me as I tried to gain my composer. I was terrified. I should have taken the ladders and recommend the ladders for sure. The hike itself was steep with big bolders. The beginning is deceiving since it is just a gravel like path. That's why I send my family ahead. Don't do it alone and take the ladders when there is an option!
Written 18 August 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.

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LION'S HEAD: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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