Lion's Head
Lion's Head, Cape Town Central: Address, Phone Number, Lion's Head Reviews: 4.5/5
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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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1Â 027 within 5 kms

Eastern Food Bazaar
702
1 kmR • Quick Bites • Indian • Fast food

La Boheme
1Â 010
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options

The Rockwell Dinner Theatre
488
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly

Giovanni's
508
1.3 kmRR - RRR • Speciality Food Market • Italian • Cafe

Green & Vegan
23
0.8 kmRR - RRR • Contemporary • Fusion • Healthy

Ninety One - Indian Restaurant
136
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Osteria Tarantino
451
1.3 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Neapolitan • Campania

Posticino
811
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean

Bo Kaap Kombuis
267
0.9 kmRR - RRR • African • Malaysian • Vegetarian Friendly

The Butcher Man
289
1.3 kmRR - RRR • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Attractions
191 within 10 kms

Signal Hill
3Â 867
8.8 mMountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
14Â 251
2.4 kmMarinas • Piers & Boardwalks

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
17Â 065
3.4 kmTrams

Greenpoint Park and Biodiversity Garden
690
1.2 kmParks

Noon Day Gun
193
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Table Mountain
18Â 363
4.5 kmMountains

South African Jewish Museum
679
1.9 kmSpeciality Museums

Bo-kaap
2Â 654
1.2 kmNeighbourhoods

Nobel Square
457
1.3 kmMonuments & Statues

Mojo Market
217
1.6 kmFlea & Street Markets
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4Â 318 reviews
Excellent
3Â 304
Very good
883
Average
120
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Tlatsi
Pretoria, South Africa2 contributions
Friends
Not your average hike. A lot of rock climbing but worth the challenge because you get spectacular views on the top and honestly throughout the hike
Written 1 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ashvparker
Cape Town, South Africa6 contributions
Of course Lion's head is free, other than the energy required to get up. However if you are looking for a hike, Lion's head is by far the easiest hike the gives the best of the Cape Town mountain views. Great to do for sunset and easy to get down under moonlight.
Written 19 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
michaelamitchell
Brackenfell, South Africa5 contributions
this is actually a review for December 2019
I went with a few others & as hard as the beginning part was, I really enjoyed it. has beautiful views & not that bad for someone who's afraid of heights hahaha
I went with a few others & as hard as the beginning part was, I really enjoyed it. has beautiful views & not that bad for someone who's afraid of heights hahaha
Written 10 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maria Campari
3 contributions
I loved every minute of this experience.
Such a lovely view, and we went on the perfect day when the sky was clear.
Such a lovely view, and we went on the perfect day when the sky was clear.
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rschwarzbraun
7 contributions
Get up earlier and enjoy existing hikes either around the Lions Head or up to the top. You geht different views to Cape Town, Camps Bay, Bantry Bay, The Table Mountain. A must do!
Written 4 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynda B
Northamptonshire, UK91 contributions
Walked from our hotel in Camps Bay to the trail and enjoyed the climb until I lost my nerve as we approached the last stage with chains and ladders. Having noted the average age of hikers we decided to enjoy the view and miss the summit. Energy and fitness were not the issue but nerves failed me.
The descent was more of a challenge than the ascent!
The descent was more of a challenge than the ascent!
Written 2 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Taylor. Ali
Cape Town, South Africa125 contributions
We turned up at 0700 hrs. and it was packed which makes sense for a Saturday. Far too many people for my liking. A single track with some very difficult parts especially for children under 13 and those not very fit and more mature in age. There are parts that require climbing metal ladders, rocks using chain rails and hand holds. You can walk around but it will take longer. Too many people wee trying to go up and down which can make it difficult, unpleasant and potentially dangerous. I will go again when there are less people to enjoy the experience but I do highly recommend it. Due to the wait at certain parts of the trail it took about an hour to go up and 40 mins to come down.
Written 24 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jon
Milwaukee, WI10 contributions
The hike to Lion's Head was outstanding especially after a hike to the top of Table Mountain the day before. This was truly a remarkable visit and recommend this as s hike for all.
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin K
Eindhoven, The Netherlands5 contributions
Friends
Nice view of Cape Town and the Atlantic coast. More or less somehow the free variant of Table mountain. Also it is less crowded compred to Table Mountain.
Written 6 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3Â 219 contributions
I took me two hours to get from Adderley station in downtown Cape Town, to the summit of Lion's Head. One hour to the saddle at Kloof Nek and another hour from there. It is a relatively short hike compared to Table mountain and much less exhausting. The views are as spectaculair.
Only the last part of this hike involves some scrambling over rocks, but there are ladders, chains and staples. I went last Wednesday afternoon. There were many people, but no line ups anywhere. The summit area is rather flat and spacious.
Instead of hiking up from the city center, take a MyCiti bus 106 or 107 to the saddle at Kloof Nek 1. Then follow the road towards Signal Hill. On your lefthand side you will see a trail going up. Alternatively by car drive to the parking lot on the same road and start from there. The latter option is best for people who are not very fit.
Only the last part of this hike involves some scrambling over rocks, but there are ladders, chains and staples. I went last Wednesday afternoon. There were many people, but no line ups anywhere. The summit area is rather flat and spacious.
Instead of hiking up from the city center, take a MyCiti bus 106 or 107 to the saddle at Kloof Nek 1. Then follow the road towards Signal Hill. On your lefthand side you will see a trail going up. Alternatively by car drive to the parking lot on the same road and start from there. The latter option is best for people who are not very fit.
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pennyep
West Alexandria, OH1 contribution
If short on time would you do this hike or the cable car to table mountain?
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3Â 219 contributions
I would do this hike, but it really depends on what kind of a person you are.
Mass tourism versus an individual experience to test your limts. Both are okay.
Yolande
Cape Town Central, South Africa1 contribution
Is it safe to walk alone?
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands3Â 219 contributions
Lion's Head in a relatively safe area of town. Moreover, there usually are many other hikers. So you won't be alone. You could either go by bus (to Kloof Nek and start from there) or take an Uber or Bolt to a parking lot from where the trail starts on the road to Signal Hill. Don't go or return after dark.
Is it free to hike at Lion's head without guided tour?
fredsnac
Kortrijk, Belgium69 contributions
sure
Is it safe to climb if there are winds ?
CliveV - The Galloping Glutton
Cape Town Central, South Africa413 contributions
Lions Head is not a hard climb but it is steep and can take a bit of time.
With normal winds its really not a problem and very safe, however occasionally you do get gusts above 50 kms/32 miles per hour and so I would suggest you look at the weather notices beforehand to make sure that the winds are ok and there is no mist.
Jan de Wit
5 contributions
is climbing with kids (5-7) advisable?
FS11F
Novo Hamburgo, RS2Â 048 contributions
I would not recommend that trail for kids below 10 years old, unless they have some experience in long distances and do not have fear of height.
Isa A
Cape Town Central, South Africa8 contributions
Can I drive to top of Lion's Head?
davlorbrad
Cape Town, South Africa100 contributions
No you cannot drive up Lion's Head but you drive up Signal Hill Road to the car park that accesses the Lion's Head Climb. Unless fit suggest you carry on past the Lion's Head car park to the top of Signal Hill from where you have scenic views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island and so much more
Sachin K
Plainview, NY5Â 842 contributions
Is there anything such as a closing time for Lion's head attraction ? How much totaltime does it take to go up, enjoy the views up there & then come down ?
Louise M
Liverpool, UK237 contributions
Lions head isn't an attraction it's a mountain you climb it any time, there's no lights etc & very dangerous so if you are not experienced be careful & take head lights. There is no shop or anything, table mountain is an attraction with a restaurant cable cars & gift shops
happytraveller8585
2 contributions
Hi,
We are travelling to Cape Town soon and would love to do this hike. Only thing is we won't have a phone while we're there to call a taxi/uber for our return.
Is it in an area that's possible to flag down a taxi? Would it be difficult to find a ride back if it wasn't prearranged?
Thanks for any help!
bneb0y
Brisbane, Australia80 contributions
We ordered an Uber and it was there in less than 5 minutes and half the price of a taxi
Frequently Asked Questions about Lion's Head
- We recommend booking Lion's Head tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 40 Lion's Head tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Lion's Head:
- Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunset Hike (From RÂ 1Â 743,40)
- Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local (From RÂ 564,22)
- Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike from Cape Town (From RÂ 957,73)
- Lion's Head Hike for Sunrise (From RÂ 1Â 557,73)
- Hike Lion's Head sunset (From RÂ 1Â 003,76)
- Hotels near Lion's Head:
- (0.76 km) Bluegum Hill Guest House and Apartments
- (0.75 km) Huijs Haerlem
- (0.89 km) Cheviot Place Guest House
- (0.95 km) Blackheath Lodge
- (0.92 km) AfricanHome Guesthouse
- Restaurants near Lion's Head:
- (1.33 km) Osteria Tarantino
- (1.28 km) Giovanni's
- (1.12 km) La Boheme
- (1.46 km) Miller's Thumb
- (1.32 km) SeaBreeze Fish & Shell
- Attractions near Lion's Head:
- (0.01 km) Skywings Paragliding
- (0.01 km) Signal Hill
- (0.01 km) Hi5 Paragliding
- (0.01 km) Icarus Tandem Paragliding Cape Town
- (0.01 km) Tom's Instructional Tandems