One of the best hikes you can do in Cape Town is the Lion's Head Hike, which will take you up one of the most prominent mountain peaks here, standing at 669 meters above sea level. It offers an unmatched view of Table Mountain set against the stunning coastline and the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s an easy hike that anyone can do, as long as you're equipped with the right information. That’s why I decided to write this hiking guide. You’ll find everything you need to know about hiking the Lion's Head trail here, from where to start to safety concerns and more. So, without further ado, here’s a complete travel guide to Lion's Head!
- Lion's Head Hiking Itinerary Map
- Hiking Lion's Head: My Itinerary and Experience
- Where to Stay in Cape Town?
- When to Hike Lion's Head?
- How to Get to the Lion's Head Hike?
- How Long Does it Take to Hike the Lion's Head?
- How Difficult is it to Hike the Lion's Head?
- Is Hiking Lion's Head Safe?
- What to Pack for the Lion's Head Hike?
- Further Reading for South Africa
Lion's Head Hiking Itinerary Map
Hiking Lion's Head: My Itinerary and Experience
From Cape Town to the Trail's Head
To start the Lion's Head hike, you first need to get to the trailhead. There are several trails leading to Lion's Head, some starting right from the city, but for safety, I recommend starting from this parking lot. You can easily hail a taxi via Uber or Bolt from anywhere in the city to reach it.
This is the shortest and arguably the safest route to the top of Lion's Head. You’ll encounter plenty of people along the trail from sunrise to sunset, which is ideal for solo hikers like myself who enjoy hiking alone but don’t want to take unnecessary risks, especially with all the camera gear I carry. You can also go with an organized tour for sunrise if you are unsure of doing it on your own.
Like much of Table Mountain, there are many criss-crossing hiking trails that can take you almost anywhere on the mountain. That said, for your own safety, avoid hiking from other trails' heads, especially the ones that start from the city. I have heard many reports of robberies happening along these remote trails, so please stick to the well-trodden path I recommended!
- 91 Loop Boutique Hostel (Budget)
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- Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local (3 hours)
- Hiking Lion's Head for Sunrise or Sunset (4 hours)
If you’re renting a car, you can drive to and park at the parking lot. However, since it's a popular hike, it's best to arrive as early as possible, as parking spaces are limited. When I was there at 8 AM, much of the lot was already full, and most people had to park along the road, which isn’t ideal.
From the Trail's Head to Lion's Head Summit
At the trailhead, you’ll find a map of the hike right next to the trail. From there, you can follow the path as it steadily climbs along the side of Lion's Head Peak. Be sure to bring a bottle of water, a jacket, and a good pair of hiking shoes before you begin. Once you start the hike, there are no stops, cafes, or places to refill your water bottle along the way.
The hike winds around the side of the peak as it climbs, and the further you go, the narrower the trail becomes. At around the 30-minute mark, you'll be hiking along stacks of stones as you hug the cliffsides, which can get pretty unsettling especially when it's windy. Thankfully, they've installed a chain to help you stay stable in case of strong wind.
After about 10 minutes, you'll reach your first vertical stair climb, which means you're getting close to the summit. The stairs are in excellent condition, firmly embedded into the mountain, so you shouldn’t have any trouble climbing them. Just avoid looking back or down if you're afraid of heights! 😂
There are about 2 to 3 sections of stairs, each in short bursts, so take your time as you climb. Also, make sure to let the hiker in front of you finish going up before you begin to avoid unnecessary risks. This is the bottleneck of the trail, so be patient as you wait your turn. Use this time to rest, catch your breath, and stay hydrated before continuing!
Once you've reached the top, you will be rewarded with a 360° view of Cape Town and Table Mountain, and I believe this is one of the most photogenic spots you can find in Cape Town. From up there, you will get to see Table Mountain in its entirety with no obstruction, as well as the beautiful coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. You also get to see Cape Town from above and witness how expansive the city really is.
The view completely blew me away, and I spent nearly two hours taking photos up there, as you can see in the photos throughout this travel guide 😉. There are many viewpoints up there, so be sure to spend some time and explore thoroughly. Once you are satisfied, you can start heading down the same trail.
From the Lion's Head Summit Back to the Cape Town
When heading down, make sure to take the same route back. Otherwise, you might end up on the other side of the mountain or, worse, find yourself on a remote trail that seems to go on forever. While you may encounter other hikers coming from different trails, relying on them and simply following them isn’t the best strategy, as they probably began their hike at a different trail head as there are many trails that lead to Lion's Head.
I'm speaking from experience here. I got completely lost when hiking down because I ascended in cloudy conditions, with much of the trail covered in fog. When I descended, the weather had cleared, and it felt like a completely different hike, which led me to take the wrong turn. I also followed other hikers, thinking they came from the same trailhead, but that wasn’t the case.
Thankfully, I realized my mistake before going any further along the remote trail. I knew something was off when I spotted the coastline on the other side, which I recognized wasn’t where I wanted to go. As I continued, I hoped the trail would loop back to where I started, but it didn’t.
As the trail continued toward Table Mountain, I realized I was heading in the wrong direction. So, I decided to improvise and took a shortcut through the field, which eventually led me back to where I started, though about 600 meters off course. Still, I was back on track, and I managed to hail a taxi to get back to the City Bowl where I was staying, without problems.
Don't make the same mistake I did, be sure to keep track of the twists and turns so you don’t get lost while hiking down. You should be able to complete the entire trail in about 90 minutes, excluding rest stops. It’s definitely a half-day event, so make sure to allocate enough time for it.
Where to Stay in Cape Town?
When to Hike Lion's Head?
The best time to hike Lion's Head Peak is during the shoulder and peak seasons, between April and November. This period offers milder temperatures ranging from 23 to 28°C, making it ideal for the hike. While this time of year sees more tourists, something I usually advise against for other destinations, it's actually a benefit for this hike.
Being around more people on the trail significantly reduces the risk of robbery, which is a big problem here in Cape Town, especially on remote trails. This hike is extremely popular, so you will find plenty of hikers hitting the trails from sunrise to sunset. You should have no problem hiking the trail during this period.
Speaking of sunrise and sunset, if you're a photographer looking for the best light for the incredible views, I highly recommend hiking at sunrise. The weather is typically calmer and less windy in the morning compared to the evening when the wind often picks up. Cape Town can get extremely windy at times!
Start the hike about an hour before sunrise, and you'll still see plenty of people on the trail, especially during the recommended period, so there should be no issue. You can also go with an organized tour for sunrise if you are unsure of doing it on your own.
Also, make sure to check the weather before heading out. If it's cloudy and the peak is shrouded, you won’t see much from the top. I hiked up when it was cloudy, hoping to be above the clouds, but the peak is too low for that. I ended up waiting about two hours for the sky to clear, so definitely check the forecast before your hike!
How to Get to the Lion's Head Hike?
To reach the Lion's Head hike, you'll need to make your way to Cape Town, where the peak is located. There are several ways to get there, depending on your starting point:
From the US: Traveling from the U.S. to Cape Town typically involves at least one stopover, often in European or Middle Eastern cities. Airlines such as United Airlines and Delta Air Lines offer flights from various U.S. cities, including New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta, to Cape Town. The flight can take anywhere from 14 to 20 hours. You can browse Skyscanner or Expedia to find deals on flights.
From Europe: Cape Town is well-connected to several European cities, offering both direct and connecting flights. Airlines such as British Airways, KLM, and Turkish Airlines operate flights from major European hubs like London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. A direct flight from Europe should take about 11 hours.
From Asia: You can reach Cape Town through connecting flights, often transiting through Middle Eastern or African hubs. Airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways operate flights from cities like Singapore and Doha to Cape Town. The flight duration varies, typically ranging from 15 to 20 hours.
Once you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, you can hail a cab via taxi-hailing apps like Bolt or Uber, to take you to your accommodation in the city center. Bolt is a bit more affordable and as reliable as other options, and it is the app I used to get around Cape Town the most.
At Cape Town airport, there is a designated pick-up zone for taxi-hailing apps, known as the E-hailing pick-up area, located inside Parkade 1. As you exit the central terminal, head right and follow the yellow signs to Parkade 1. You’ll eventually see a sign for the pick-up zone, just follow it, and you'll get there in no time. Once you arrive, there are benches where you can sit while waiting for your taxi. Easy peasy!
The price of a taxi from the airport to the city typically ranges from 85 to 130 ZAR (4.6 to 7 USD), depending on where you're staying in the city center and the traffic conditions. For example, it should take about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the City Bowl during non-rush hours. Traffic can get quite heavy during peak rush hours, so be sure to plan ahead if you're arriving between 8 and 9 AM or 5 and 7 PM.
To get to the Lion's Head hike from anywhere in Cape Town, you can use Uber or Bolt to get to this parking lot, where the hike begins. This is the shortest route to the top of the peak and arguably the safest, as you'll encounter plenty of people along the trails from sunrise to sunset. You can also go with an organized tour for sunrise if you are unsure of doing it on your own.
Like much of Table Mountain, there are many criss-crossing hiking trails that can take you almost anywhere on the mountain. That said, for your own safety, avoid hiking from other trails' heads, especially the ones that start from the city. I have heard many reports of robberies happening along these remote trails, so please stick to the well-trodden path!
How Long Does it Take to Hike the Lion's Head?
The Lion's Head hike typically takes about 90 minutes round trip at a moderate pace without breaks, starting from the parking lot to the summit and back. It took me about an hour to hike up to the top and 30 minutes to descend.
How Difficult is it to Hike the Lion's Head?
I'd say the Lion's Head hike is easy to moderately challenging. There are a few steep sections that require you to ascend vertical stairs, but the stairs are sturdy and come in short bursts, so if you are tired, you can rest between climbs.
Aside from these steep sections, which are mostly concentrated near the summit, much of the trail consists of a moderately inclined path and is manageable for most people, even if you're not in great shape. Take it slow, and you'll eventually reach the summit since it's only about an hour-long hike.
Is Hiking Lion's Head Safe?
Safety is a significant concern, not just for this hike but in Cape Town in general, and for good reason. There have been numerous reports of tourists being robbed, particularly on remote and quiet hiking trails. It's a real shame, as the city and Table Mountain offer such beautiful places to explore.
It has gotten so bad that even my local friend warned me about it, she was robbed herself when she was working in the Woodstock area, and she recommended that I find other people to hike with for safety. Otherwise, choose a hike that gets a lot of foot traffic and stick to other hikers.
Thankfully, Lion's Head is a popular trail with plenty of people hiking from sunrise to sunset, making it safer for solo hikers like myself. Just be sure to start from this parking lot rather than trails beginning directly from the city, as there have been reports of robberies on those routes, not just targeting solo travelers but even groups of hikers. Starting from the parking lot is safer, as the trail leads straight up to Lion's Head, with plenty of hikers along the way.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that there are many crisscrossing trails around Table Mountain, making it extremely easy to get lost. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience, I hiked down the wrong path during this hike, which almost led me to the other side of the mountain! Thankfully, I realized it in time and backtracked to the correct trail.
Make sure to remember your route and hike back the same way. Sadly, even today, tourists occasionally lose their lives up there after getting lost, and rescue teams aren't always able to reach them in time. All in all, trust your instincts. If you’re unsure about your safety, don’t take the risk. Nothing is worth putting your life in danger.
What to Pack for the Lion's Head Hike?
- Snacks: In case you get hungry during the hike, especially if you start early in the morning, be sure to stock up on some trail snacks! Biltong, a type of South African beef jerky (or any game meat like springbok), makes for a great snack on the trail!
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: For this hike, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must as you will be climbing steep trails and vertical stairs. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, be sure to wear a breathable shirt for the hike.
- Shorts: It's gonna be a long hike so be sure to wear a breathable short for it. For women, a legging is excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: To prepare for unpredictable weather in the mountains, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for this so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: Be sure to pack a water bottle that holds at least 1 liter for this hike. The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great option, whether you're in the city or on hiking trails. It's lightweight and keeps your water cold or warm for over 12 hours, definitely a game-changer.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for South Africa
If you are looking for more articles about South Africa, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- Looking for a complete Cape Town itinerary? Check out: 4 Days in Cape Town: A Backpacking Itinerary.
- Cape Town is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. If you're visiting South Africa, missing out on Cape Town would be a real shame. Check out this comprehensive travel guide: Discover Cape Town: 14 Incredible Things to Do and See.
- Thinking of visiting Blyde River Canyon? You absolutely should! Here's what my experience was like: Visiting Blyde River Canyon, South Africa.
- Kruger National Park was my first-ever safari experience, and I was hooked! Here's how my adventure unfolded: 4 Days Exploring Kruger National Park with Viva Safaris.
- Curious about what biking around a township in Jo'Burg is like? Check out: Exploring Soweto on a Bike.
- To see all articles about South Africa, be sure to check out our South Africa travel guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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