Lion's Head

Mountain peak · Clifton

Lion's Head

Mountain peak · Clifton

Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa

Highlights

Challenging hike with 360-degree views of Cape Town and ocean

Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa Get directions

@travelleisure

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"A popular outdoor attraction offering a rewarding summit hike with panoramic city and coastal views, frequently recommended as a must-do activity for active visitors seeking striking vistas." - Paul Brady Paul Brady Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler, Skift, and The Huffington Post. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines

https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best-awards-2025-cities-world-11742764

View Postcard for Lion's Head

@afar

"The hike up Lion’s Head affords incredible views. Since the trail winds around the mountain, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see every side of Cape Town from above. When you start, the ever-stunning Table Mountain will be just to the left, but soon enough, you’ll be facing Robben Island in the distance, with all of Cape Town below. The Lion’s Head hiking trail is eight miles round-trip and takes about three to four hours to complete, depending on your pace. If you happen to be in town during the full moon, be sure to start hiking mid-afternoon and bring your headlamp and a picnic dinner. Along the way, you’ll meet many a local honoring their monthly tradition of hiking up, eating dinner during the sunset, and hiking back down in the moonlight glow."

The Best Things to Do in Cape Town

View Postcard for Lion's Head

@cntraveler

14 Best Things to Do in Cape Town

"The neighbor to the much more formidable Table Mountain, Lion's Head is no shrinking violet: The striking conical spire adds a distinctive quirk to Cape Town's skyline. While many like to hike both, Lion's Head is a much quicker and easier climb, and the trail wraps around on its way to the top, which means your view is constantly changing—just what you need to keep you energized when you start to feel winded. And best of all, Table Mountain makes up part of your view." - Sarah Khan

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-cape-town

View Postcard for Lion's Head

Parshva Mehta

Google

Great place for a medium skill level adventure. I was not sure if I would be able to climb up, but I managed. You don't need a ticket or any assistance. But make sure to have a good shoes. Rocks can be slippery. Would recommend to avoid if you are not comfortable with heights or climbing. The view on top is amazing.

Markus Pesch

Google

We climbed up on the Lions Head for the sunset. The climb took about an hour for inexperienced hikers. The climb includes ladders and anchors, but nothing you would need heavy equipment for. At the summit you can take excellent pictures and enjoy the panoramic view. Simply wonderful. For the sunset, however, it is advisable to go to the intermediate level. That way, you don't have to climb down the ladders after sunset if you take the side path. For the further descent, it is advisable to take a lamp with you or to save your cell phone battery so that you can use the flash light.

Yavnish Jaddoo

Google

Challenging hike but the views you get as a reward are incredible. The uber dropped us at the parking area at the start of the trail. There is a food truck to stock up on supplies if you did not come prepared. Some information which you may find helpful:- - No tickets required unless you booked a private guide/group tour. - There were people throughout the day hiking and we felt safe as a couple. - Trainers were fine for the hike. - Bring enough water/drinks for the hike. (around 3 hours round trip) - Bring snacks for energy throughout the hike but pack efficiently and light. - Map and route clearly labelled. - There is another paragliding spot along the route. - You do need to climb some ladders and rocks closer to the summit and some areas can be scary. Climbing back down is scarier and you do have to sit down and crawl slowly. There are no rangers and any rescuers will take time to reach. - Can get crowded at the summit depending on the time of the day. (sunrise/sunset). I advice to start climbing down and not get stuck behind a big group.

Twooceanssafaris

Google

Lions head is a great hike with stunning views from the bottom to the top. Be sure to walk up and hike with friends and bring water as it’s up up up from the beginning. At the top you will have 360 degrees of breathtaking views.

Anthony Chan

Google

Lovely hike, one of the most memorable because it is so unique with some short challenging sections so you are not too tired when you get to the top. Can get busy during midday so recommend hiking earlier. Here is some background: Lion’s Head is a prominent peak in Cape Town, South Africa, rising between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and is known for its distinctive shape and panoramic views. The views improve steadily, offering sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, Camps Bay, and the city below. Reaching the summit is rewarding, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Kyra Dragone

Google

Incredibly well maintained trail and amazing view on a clear day. Not for the faint of heart-I hike a lot and the first ⅔ seemed easy to me but the ladders and bouldering for the last ⅓ are no joke. Make sure you know what you’re getting into (I recommend reading full trail reports on AllTrails)

Hector Melendez

Google

Great views of Capetown, ocean and Table mt. Challenging hike for the novice, so take water, boots and be ready to climb. As an experienced hiker, it was a fun climb with some technical spots. I saw some young parents taking their toddlers on their backs! If it's wet, it can be down right dangerous. If you slip and fall, your day is ruined, perhaps lethal. Well worth the hike👍

Riley

Google

Stunning views!! The hike up was not too difficult and the scenery was spectacular. The terrain isn’t even that bad in the dark.