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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • eker135
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom93 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    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
  • TravelingFamilyTrip
    Chicago, Illinois209 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great moderately difficult hike with great views.
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 2 November 2023
  • Tour63909705662
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonder not.
    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!❤️
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled on business
    Written 5 November 2023
  • SAGraham
    Johannesburg, South Africa71 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hike not a walk
    It is important to know that this is not a gentle walk it is a hike. It is just over 5.5kms round trip and takes about 3 hours. The walk is mainly in the sun so going early makes sense. The first path is an uphill on a jeep track. That then becomes a trail with steps created to make it easier to navigate. The last section involves climbing over and up rocks. While it isn’t too difficult it does require a fair amount of effort. Also there are sections that have steep declines next to the path that may be nerve wracking for people scared of heights. There are two different paths you can take to the top. The one involves ladders and chains. The recommended route still has two ladders you must climb but there aren’t any chains so it is easier. The views from the top are incredible and well worth the effort. Because this is a hike make sure you dress appropriately and have good shoes to wear and a hat. Also ensure you carry sufficient water. Finally Cape Town weather changes quickly so ensure you have something warm and something to keep you dry When you start the hike take a picture of the Emergancy numbers in case something goes wrong.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 December 2023
  • Amanda B
    Nashville, Tennessee1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing hike, not kid friendly though!
    Beautiful hike, but fearsome trail. Saw a lot of families struggling at the top and think it’s important for hikers to know this is not a kid friendly trail! Lots of cliffs and narrow pass throughs
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 26 December 2023
  • Pioneer742615
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not one to miss!
    Me and my partner visited CPT and booked this trip not knowing much about hiking… what can I say. It was absolutely fantastic. Our tour guide Kurt was extremely knowledgeable and kept us safe the entire way up the mountain. Breathing taking views we will never forget. One of our favourite memories of our trip here and high recommend to anyone thinking of doing this hike to go with Kurt! Great for older families, couples and single travellers who want to push themselves out their comfort zone. Thank you once again Kurt for this experience!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 February 2024
  • Jenny1985
    53 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Hike with incredible views!
    Go early before it gets too hot! You need a decent level of fitness as there’s quite a bit of scrambling. Even the longer route has 2 ladders the 2nd of which I found quite scary! If you have a fear of height you may find it a challenge. I came back the ladder/staple route which was much shorter/easier once you get past the ladders. Take plenty water!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 22 March 2024
  • Beautiful Journeys679
    Johannesburg, South Africa58 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lion’s Head 360 Degree view over CT & Ocean
    What an incredible hike with the most phenomenal 360 degree views over Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. Def not for the faint hearted or those who have a fear of heights. 3 of us set off on this challenging hike and only two of us reached the peak. Took about 2.5 - 3hours. I enjoyed the more daring trail with ladders (option of easy or difficult) Def a must do activity!
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 April 2024
  • N S
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stunning!
    Highly recommend hiking up here for sunrise, the views were absolutely incredible, you can literally watch the sun rise over Cape Town, you will want to take loads of photos. Do not need to go with a guided tour - totally unecessary. There were a few other people hiking up but to be honest it's a bit impossible to get lost. Would definitely recommend taking lots of water (probably 2 litres per person) as the way down was extremely hot. Way up is obviously pitch black so take a head torch or use your phone torch. Would not recommend if you are scared of heights, there are steep drops.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 May 2024
  • Jenny C
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Highly recommend this Birds Eye View of Cape Town with an excellent guide
    What a great active way to spend a few hours walking up this iconic part of Cape Town. I had a great guide, Cody, who was personable and easy to converse with on our hike. He told me lots of interesting things about Cape Town. The hike is not a walk in the park, but totally doable. Cody was experienced for this hike. The scenery and views are amazing, even as the clouds came and went. I would highly recommend this hike to experience Cape Town from more than one advantage point; not only a birds eye view but also hearing from a Cape Towner! Just do it!
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 23 July 2024
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David C
Cape Town Central, South Africa15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
It was a cool summers evening hike. The walk is easy to moderate. Lions Head also part of signal hill, has spectactular views of the Mother City ( aka Cape Town), the CBD, the Atlantic Ocean, Seapoint and Campsbay as well as the Indian Ocean in the distance. The walk was refreshing and pathways was very safe and also clean ( thnx to National parks and the hikers for keeping it that way). Fauna and flora was as beautiful as always. And the sunset was awesome over the Atlantic Ocean... A great hike around Lions Head, great views of Cape Town and surrounds. Table Mountain, one of the Seven Wonders of the world was spectacular in the background of our walk up to Lions Head.
Written 27 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.

LeVasc
Santiago, Chile168 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
We loved the hiking. Beautiful walk in front of one of the wonders of the world. The height makes ir perfect so you exercise and avoid the mist (which table mountain doesnt) so you can see both the city and table mountain. Is very safe, actually you can see lots of people running to the to as part of their regular routines. Amazing!
Written 7 February 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.

Traveling One
Greenville, SC857 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
We started the hike 2 hours before sunset and I will say that’s the perfect time to hike. The first part of the hike was shaded and the second part got quiet hot in the direct sun. Fortunately later in day the sun is not as strong.. so it didn’t bother us too much.

The hike itself was easy until you get towards the top of which is required scrambling among rocks. I would definitely wear proper hiking shoes! We took the “long” route on the way up and the shorter route on the way down that involved chains/ladders. No lie I was terrified going down but felt accomplished doing it! Hindsight, it wasn’t that bad. But if you’re inexperienced it can be frightening.

We went during a weekday but it was a full moon and it was PACKED. Very very busy. We went down right after sunset and people were coming up like crazy. It made the way down very long. I would definitely avoid hiking this during a full moon or leave right after sunset like we did. There was a huge bottleneck and you have to make a point to bypass the slow hikers or you’ll be waiting forever to get down. We took headlamps for the hike down and are glad we did! Despite a full moon it was cloudy so it was difficult to see

Overall we enjoyed this hike and recommend it!
Written 26 October 2021
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.

Eric D
United Kingdom469 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
I think the hike to the top of Lion's head should be top of the list of things to do for anyone visiting Cape Town. You can park your car at the start of the hike, and there is also a little cafe available to buy water or coffee prior to starting the climb. Initially the path is steep but well maintained. The 2nd half is a much smaller path, sometimes on dirt or on rocks. You will later have a choice between the "recommended" path, and a more difficult one. We picked the easy one and it allowed us to climb at a nice and steady pace. A few ladders on the way but nothing crazy. Took us about 1h30 to climb to the top, taking quite a few breaks on the way. You will have great views and many picture opportunities on the way. I would advise to try and climb when the sky is clear to enjoy the views at the maximum. The weather can change rapidly, but there are a few webcams in the area where you can see what the could layer is doing on the south side, and combined with the normal weather forecast can help you find the best moment to make the climb.
Written 21 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.

freeXspirit
New York City, NY437 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • Family
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!
Written 27 March 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.

Stepanka B
Cape Town Central, South Africa29 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Friends
This very popular hike is a must by lots of local and tourist while visiting CT.
Locals love it for a full moon hike, early sunrise or even sunset.

On this hike you will recognize very easily tourist and local hikers. We as locals cleaning up and collecting rubish!!
,, we say what you bring to the mountain take home from the mountains,,

If you reading this and you are planning of hiking Lions Head please DO NOT underestimate mountains.

This is not easy hike. Even is quite short there are ladders, staples and chains. Lots of tourists is injured day after day just because they are not prepared!! You always must have
* proper shoes ( so many wearing sandals, flip flops!!
* suitable clothing ( sport wear)
* lots of water
* sun hat
* sun screen
* snack

Enjoy the most beautiful views, keep safe and clean after you. Thank you :)
Written 8 March 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.

Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands5 732 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021
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.
Written 13 November 2021
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.

Chrisjoman
6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
The hike itself was a little demanding and it's def. not for everyone as at some parts you literally need to climb. However, it's totally doable and in the end you'll be rewarded with incredible views of table mountain + the city. I think you can even call it an alternative to table mountain as it's free, you don't have to wait in line for 2+ hours and you also breathtaking views.
Written 19 February 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.

Allen H
Little Rock, AR293 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020 • Couples
Let me start out by saying calling this a “hike” is misleading 😂. Be prepared to pull, grab, climb and perform balancing acts. Also, contrary to many reviews, the beginning is no “easy”. I consider myself to be in pretty good shape but walking up that dirt incline had my heart rate up. More advice...don’t be concerned with timing yourself. Stop and admire the beauty as you corkscrew your way up the mountain. I chose the “easy” option rather than the whips and chains route 😂. If that was the easy route, I’d hate to see the other option. But once you reach the top.....OMG!!!!!! Best views ever and there will be some furry friends there to congratulate you. DO NOT leave Cape Town without going up Lion’s Head!
Written 22 March 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.

Soehail Ali
Bristol, UK661 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021
Great hike even for beginners. I love the fact that you can choose between the more advanced (with the ladders/high runs) or to go around the mountain which is perfect. I think that you must do this when you are in CPT especially because of the great views! Just before sunset it’s the best, but please be careful and take someone with you (for security on route) and four hikers is the best number but since this is so popular I think its good. No drink facilities/toilets on the hike so be prepared and prep!
Written 28 March 2021
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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