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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Lion's Head
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 011 within 5 kms
Eastern Food Bazaar
696
1 kmR • Quick Bites • Indian • Fast food
La Boheme
990
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
The Rockwell Dinner Theatre
490
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Vegetarian Friendly
The Shop
118
1.2 kmRR - RRR • Steakhouse • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Green & Vegan
23
0.8 kmRR - RRR • Contemporary • Fusion • Healthy
Bo Kaap Kombuis
260
0.9 kmRR - RRR • African • Malaysian • Vegetarian Friendly
Giovanni's
501
1.3 kmRR - RRR • Speciality Food Market • Italian • Cafe
Osteria Tarantino
430
1.3 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Neapolitan • Campania
Ninety One - Indian Restaurant
121
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Indian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Posticino
801
1.1 kmRR - RRR • Italian • Pizza • Mediterranean
Attractions
133 within 5 kms
Signal Hill
3 856
8.8 mMountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Noon Day Gun
191
0.7 kmPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
14 186
2.4 kmMarinas • Piers & Boardwalks
Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
16 950
3.4 kmTrams
Table Mountain
18 346
4.5 kmMountains
Lindt Chocolate Studio - Silo District, V&A Waterfront
216
2.2 kmOther Food & Drink
Bo-kaap
2 639
1.2 kmNeighbourhoods
South African Jewish Museum
677
1.9 kmSpeciality Museums
Nobel Square
456
1.3 kmMonuments & Statues
Mojo Market
205
1.6 kmFlea & Street Markets
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
4 308 reviews
Excellent
3 294
Very good
883
Average
120
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Tripp S
Charlottesville, VA72 contributions
Hard hike with areas of climbing with chins and hand holds...
Jul 2021
Not for the weak, but the views at the top are amazing and the experience is worth the climb. This is not an easy quick walk, but involves some rock scramble and some effort.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BERNARD S
3 contributions
Must do to believe
Apr 2021
Words can not suitably describe the constantly changing landscape as it reveals itself to you as you put one foot in front of the other. Took me 3 x longer than average time to walk it since I was consumed with oohing and aahing almost at every step. If you happen to have a drone camera, it would allow for images that will leave your friends gasping at the images, for all the right reasons.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aden T
Ontario, Canada6 contributions
Windy but beautiful scenery
Jan 2021
Our day at lions head were quite a windy experience. Very beautiful views but weather can be set down on a cold windy day. Good comfortable shoes and a warm jacket should be on the prepared list. We trained to come here before hand as we heard it can be quite steep. Not sure at all as we never made it to the top as the wind made it almost impossible.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maimoon A
7 contributions
Nice Hike with Friends
Dec 2020 • Friends
Cape Town is amazing place to enjoy the scenery and go for a good hike. Every year when I go down to Cape Town it’s a must, no need for guides really. Drive up to lions head early morning and enjoy the hike up, simple for beginners and beautiful scenery as you walk around lion head to go to the top.
Also nice place for a beautiful sunset over the water 👌🏼
Also nice place for a beautiful sunset over the water 👌🏼
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ecsonza
Cape Town, South Africa1 475 contributions
Lions Head Lower Loop Hike
Apr 2021 • Friends
Lions Head lower loop is a great hike for the hiker who doesn't enjoy heights.
You can sy this huge from both directions, but anti-clockwise is better. It is also used by trail runners and a lot of dogs. Best to go early morning for a cooler hike.
The trails do get very busy and parking is, a, mission. We started our hike where the Vida E, coffee Caffe cart is stationed. There is a bit of shade and parts of the path is pretty rocky with some loose sand so wear good walking shoes. Stunning views of Sea point and Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. On a clear day you can see the cable car going up Table Mountain. There are some benches for you to rest and take on the beautiful views. You should be moderatly fit to do this hike. Walking back to to the car park is pretty steep.
You can sy this huge from both directions, but anti-clockwise is better. It is also used by trail runners and a lot of dogs. Best to go early morning for a cooler hike.
The trails do get very busy and parking is, a, mission. We started our hike where the Vida E, coffee Caffe cart is stationed. There is a bit of shade and parts of the path is pretty rocky with some loose sand so wear good walking shoes. Stunning views of Sea point and Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. On a clear day you can see the cable car going up Table Mountain. There are some benches for you to rest and take on the beautiful views. You should be moderatly fit to do this hike. Walking back to to the car park is pretty steep.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nazlie D
Cape Town Central, South Africa269 contributions
Lower Loop Hike
Mar 2021 • Friends
We were 3 ladies that did this 5 kilometer hike around the lower loop of LionsHead.
This route can be done in both directions, but anti-clockwise is better. It is also used by trail runners and a lot of dogs.
Parking is almost impossible and it is better to take an Uber to be dropped off or if you are patient to wait a few moments in front of the start (Vida Caffe cart) for an available space.
If you park anywhere else, please exercise caution as there are a lot of chancers on the readjust waiting for a chance to snatch stuff.
The hike itself is safe as the traffic is constant and a lot.
The start is right next to the coffee cart and for a while the path is uncovered. Once you get past the fork, and start descending into the road next to Highlevel road, it has a lot of shade. A lot of vantage points for photography and stunning views of Sea point and Camps bay.
The distance is a good workout and can be done by people of any fitness level. Also child friend although this morning , I didn’t see any kids.
This route can be done in both directions, but anti-clockwise is better. It is also used by trail runners and a lot of dogs.
Parking is almost impossible and it is better to take an Uber to be dropped off or if you are patient to wait a few moments in front of the start (Vida Caffe cart) for an available space.
If you park anywhere else, please exercise caution as there are a lot of chancers on the readjust waiting for a chance to snatch stuff.
The hike itself is safe as the traffic is constant and a lot.
The start is right next to the coffee cart and for a while the path is uncovered. Once you get past the fork, and start descending into the road next to Highlevel road, it has a lot of shade. A lot of vantage points for photography and stunning views of Sea point and Camps bay.
The distance is a good workout and can be done by people of any fitness level. Also child friend although this morning , I didn’t see any kids.
Written 29 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Soehail Braakman
London, UK642 contributions
A whole climbe/take drinks
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.
Tahir S
Johannesburg, South Africa101 contributions
Good hike
Mar 2021 • Couples
Great hike. Great views. Very difficult towards the top but definitely worth going to the peak. Highly recommend
Written 26 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
peter5k
Linlithgow, UK105 contributions
A good hike
Mar 2021
Amazing views all around, a superb hike around and up the mountain. It’s roughly 2.5k to the top and do take plenty of water and wear proper hiking gear as this is not an easy stroll, the final 30 minutes are not for the faint hearted and you are never more than 3/4 feet from a life ending drop. Really enjoyed it and was very happy to get to the top and spend time looking all around the amazing landscape and table mountain.
Written 20 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ericvzyl
Vredendal, South Africa249 contributions
A must do
Mar 2021
Looking for a quick and fun hiking trip with friends or your partner? Lion’s Head is definitely a must if hiking is your game.
Lion’s head will take you more or less 2.5 hours in total. Easy hike with a beautiful view and a nice Vida e Cafe waiting for you at the start (bottem). Make sure to arrive as early as possible to ensure parking, otherwise you will waist a long part of the day driving around and searching for a parking space.
Lion’s head will take you more or less 2.5 hours in total. Easy hike with a beautiful view and a nice Vida e Cafe waiting for you at the start (bottem). Make sure to arrive as early as possible to ensure parking, otherwise you will waist a long part of the day driving around and searching for a parking space.
Written 15 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 Africa382 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
4 contributions
is climbing with kids (5-7) advisable?
FS11F
Novo Hamburgo, RS1 917 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 Africa3 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, NY5 818 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
Abhishek Roy
Indore, India112 contributions
Hi there,
we are coming with 4 year old kid, can we still hike lions head ?
Candice21
Sandton, South Africa452 contributions
Hi there I saw many little ones on the hike - but it’s not easy and you would need to specially mindful of that. I would also be particular in the time you choose. It was really hot the day we went and the girls struggled towards the end.
I hiked Lions Head today, November 17, 2017, between 10:30am and 2:30pm. Some time around 1:00pm, I lost my camera. A black Canon Powershot. I discovered it when I was half way to the bottom and hiked back up hoping to find it. No luck. I spoke to everyone I saw on the way up and down letting them know I was looking for a camera. I left my information with the ranger’s as well. All of my travel photos for the past 3 months are on that camera, so it’s very special to me. If someone finds it, please get in touch! Thank you.
lox95
Cambridge, UK48 contributions
Sorry to hear that! Good luck!
