5.0 (1.7 k) · Cape Town · By The Cape Town Local Free cancellation
Embark on an unforgettable hike up Lion's Head, Cape Town's most photogenic peak. Choose between a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or a magical sunrise illuminating the Hottentots Holland mountains. Capture stunning photo opportunities before your descent.
During a sunset hike, we will descend in the dark, guided by provided flashlights. For a sunrise hike, the initial part of the trek may also be in the dark, with flashlights supplied.
While considered less challenging than Table Mountain, this hike features steep, rocky, and narrow sections from the midway point. You'll encounter a thrilling part where steel handles and chains are used to ascend two approximately 3-meter pitches. It's quite an adventure!
This hike is a cherished local tradition, especially during full moons and on clear, windless nights or mornings. Witness the dazzling city lights below and the spectacular beauty of the moon and stars in the night sky.
✕ Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)✕ Bottled water✕ SnacksActivity Schedule
3 h 30
We will be hiking up Lions Head, Cape Town's most Instragram'able hike. We plan to either catch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or sunrise from the Hottentots Holland mountains. We enjoy some amazing photo opportunities before our descent. During a sunset hike, we descend in the dark using our flashlights (provided). During a sunrise hike, we may hike the first part in the dark using our flashlights (provided).
This hike has been an age old tradition for locals especially during the full moon and on clear/windless nights/mornings where the lights of the city below dazzle and the moon and stars show off its beauty in the night sky.
Meet your professional mountain guide at the start or choose a convenient pickup from your accommodation. After a quick brief your will begin your ascent.
Move at a steady pace, hiking, scrambling, and climbing along a steep trail as you make your way to the summit, 669 meters above sea level.
Lion's Head Table Mountain Lion's Head Cape Town Central Signal Hill Camp's Bay Beach Clifton Beaches
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
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).
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).
Please send exact pick-up address after booking.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Public transportation options are available nearby Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Wear a descent pair of walking/hiking shoes You need to have a good 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 Should be relatively comfortable with heights Not recommended for travelers who are severely afraid of heights Sunrise Hike - No Transport Standard guided hike from designated start point where guests will meet. Private Hike - Sunrise/Sunset Private Hike: Exclusive guide. No other guests on the tour. Transport included (within 5 mile radius) Water & Snacks Customizable: Sunrise or Sunset. We can customize your hike to your specific needs Pickup included Sunrise Hike - Pick-up/Dropoff Pick-up/Drop-off Pickup included Sunset Hike - No Transport Sunset Hike Sunset Hike - Pick-up/Drop-off Guided Hike - Pick-up/Drop-off: Standard guided hike with pick-up/drop-off included (in and around city centre or close by) Pickup included Wear sturdy hiking shoes. Bring water and snacks. Dress in layers appropriate for the weather. Be prepared for heights and some scrambling. Ensure you have a good level of fitness. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 105071P4
Activity offered by The Cape Town Local via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Adventurous travelers Photography enthusiasts Nature lovers Fitness enthusiasts Ages 8 and up Iconic Lion's Head hike Spectacular sunrise or sunset views Challenging yet rewarding climb Unique photo opportunities Local tradition experience Professional mountain guide
Population 3,776,313 (2021)
Elevation 5 m
Currency rand
Driving on the left
Power plugs C, D, N · 230 V
Emergency number 112 Average temperatures 20° Jan 20° Feb 19° Mar 18° Apr 16° May 15° Jun 14° Jul 14° Aug 15° Sept 16° Oct 17° Nov 19° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the difficulty level of the Lion's Head hike? + The hike is considered easier than Table Mountain but involves steep, rocky, and narrow terrain with sections requiring the use of chains and handles.
What should I bring for the hike? + Headlamps/flashlights are provided. It is recommended to wear descent walking/hiking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. While water and snacks are not included, they are recommended.
Is transportation included? + Transportation is included in some packages (Private Hike and Sunset/Sunrise Hike with Pick-up/Drop-off) within a 5-mile radius. For other options, you will meet at the designated start point or arrange your own transport.
What happens if the weather is bad? + The activity operates in most weather conditions, but if canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
What is the minimum age for this hike? + The minimum age for participants is 8 years old, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Sunset Hike up Lion’s Head
Voyage60870361162, October 2026
We had the most incredible hike up Lion’s Head with Mbuyie! The experience was not only breathtaking but also so informative, as Mbuyie shared his knowledge and passion for the area along the way. The highlight was being shown his secret spot to watch the sunset — such a special and unforgettable way to end the hike.
From start to finish, we felt so well taken care of and in the best hands. Mbuyie went above and beyond to make the experience personal and memorable, and by the end, he felt more like a close friend than a guide. We couldn’t recommend him more highly and would absolutely love to hike with him again on our next visit to Cape Town. Thank you, Mbuyie, for such a wonderful experience!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Heaven’s gates
isaacmP2120PE, October 2026
This is right up there with the best experiences I’ve been through yet. Mbuyie is my hero for his amazing fire and energy. Can’t wait to do this again
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Great hike and sunset
V1552BFlg, October 2026
Kurt was an amazing guide and told us also a lot of african history. Was very interesting! We felt very secure with him, also when I was scared of the hight. Thanks for this great experience!
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Amazing Hike
Z3889EGkathrynt, October 2026
Kurt was a fantastic tour guide. He is clearly very experienced and knows the area well. He also shared great stories and insight into life in and around Cape Town. I strongly recommend booking with him
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Sunset hike Lions head
263laneshaw, October 2026
Kurt was absolutely amazing! He made our Lion’s Head hike an unforgettable experience. His personality is unique, his energy is incredible, and the way he shared fascinating stories about Cape Town’s history and culture made the entire hike so much more meaningful.
What I appreciated most was how attentive he was to everyone’s safety and comfort. He made sure nobody felt left behind, kept the hike comfortable, and made the whole experience enjoyable from beginning to end. He also took us to some incredible spots with breathtaking views and captured some really beautiful pictures of us along the way.
Kurt is more than just a tour guide; he genuinely cares about the people he takes on his tours and makes sure they leave with wonderful memories. His passion, kindness, knowledge, and great sense of adventure truly stand out.
Thank you, Kurt, for such an incredible experience! You made our Lion’s Head adventure special, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better guide. You’re one of a kind, and I absolutely loved the experience with you. If you’re visiting Cape Town and thinking about hiking Lion’s Head, I wholeheartedly recommend Kurt. You won’t regret it! ❤️
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