Lion's Head

Lion’s Head is one of my all-time favorite trails in Cape Town. I run up and down every second day, and it never gets old. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking. You get to see Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the city from every angle. The trail is well-maintained, safe during busy hours, and perfect for both hiking and running. Whether you go for sunrise or sunset, it’s pure magic every time. Highly recommended for anyone who loves fitness, nature, and incredible views.

At last I can tick reaching the summit off my bucket list. Be reasonably fit and not fearful of heights and this can be a memorable hike. The views are gorgeous from the first 100 meters and just get better from there. Beautiful flora and passing lots of friendly faces. A must when visiting beautiful Cape Town.

We did a guided sunrise-tour early in the morning, starting from the "Lion's Head Hiking Trail" spot. Although we had to wake up quite early and start the hike in the darkness, it was definately worth it. The hike itself is quite exhausting, also at this time of the day, but technically not that difficult. You of course have some areas wher you need to klimb a bit over some rocks or use of ladders, but thats no mi deal at all (at least for us). Nevertheless, i would definately reccomend to do a guided tour, not only for safety reason, also for the good explanations and to have someone experienced with you in case. Parking was at the start point, already quite full but we parked at the side of the road.

Lion’s Head is a total adventure. The climb is thrilling without being overwhelming, and the views keep getting better the higher you go. From the top, you get an incredible perspective of Cape Town stretching out below, with the ocean sparkling in the distance. Every step feels like an adventure, and reaching the summit is an experience you’ll never forget. Definitely one of those experiences that makes you want to come back.

The hike is amazing! The view is even better! It is 1.5 hour to go up and 45 minutes to go down. Go early so you don’t have traffic going up or down. The climbing is easy, but you have to be careful. I really would recommend this to everyone! During my visit (Sunday morning 6:30) I felt very safe too.

Quick Takeaways 🚶‍♂️ Starting point: Began from Sea Point Geological Memorial — even reaching the trailhead is a workout! 🅿️ Accessibility: The mountain can be reached easily on foot or by car, with signs for both the summit and parking areas. 👣 Trail quality: Clear and well-marked, but uneven underfoot — sturdy shoes or boots are essential. 🌀 Ascent: Zig-zag paths at first, then steeper climbs with ladders and chains near the top. ⚠️ Hazards: Narrow paths, sheer drops, loose footing, and congestion on ladders — take care and be patient. 🌄 Views: Breathtaking panoramas from the summit — especially rewarding if you climb early to avoid crowds. ⏱️ Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes round trip from Sea Point via the summit and down to Signal Hill. 🧭 Tips: Start early, bring water, snacks, a waterproof jacket, and a warm top — weather changes quickly at higher altitude. 💯 Overall: A challenging but unforgettable experience — a must-do Cape Town hike for anyone reasonably fit. 📝 Full Review Climbing Lion’s Head Mountain was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I’m very glad I did it. I began my hike at the Sea Point Geological Memorial, and even the walk to the start of the official trail was a workout in itself — mostly on roads, but finishing with a steep climb up some moderately maintained stairs before reaching the end of the road surrounded by trees and dirt tracks. From there, a sign clearly marks the direction to the summit of Lion’s Head, and another points to the nearest car park, showing how accessible the mountain is both on foot and by vehicle. Once on the footpath to the summit, the route is very clear but uneven underfoot, so sturdy hiking boots or supportive trainers are essential. The trail zigzags steadily upward for the first section, and before long, you’re already higher than the paragliders circling the mountain. As you continue, the gradient steepens and the climb becomes more technical — still manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, but sections are narrow, exposed, and include a bit of scrambling. There are sheer drops in places and the potential for slips, especially if the rock is damp, so it’s important to take care — there’s nothing soft to break a fall. Roughly two-thirds of the way up, you’ll encounter stainless steel ladders and chains designed to assist your ascent. These sections can become bottlenecks as people move up and down at different speeds. In fact, the biggest hazard on this hike isn’t the mountain — it’s other people. Many climbers are so focused on their own progress that they don’t notice others, leading to near collisions that could have serious consequences. Eventually, you’ll reach the summit, where you’re rewarded with spectacular 360° views over Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic coastline. It’s often busy at the top, but if you go early in the morning, you can enjoy a quieter experience. Be aware that there are no safety barriers — you can easily walk right to the edge, so tread carefully. The descent is, in my opinion, more challenging than the ascent, as you’re negotiating all the same obstacles but from the opposite direction, with tired legs and less stability. Although I didn’t time the climb precisely, from my start at Sea Point to the summit and then down to Signal Hill took around 2 hours and 50 minutes in total. My advice: • 🕕 Start early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. • 🌤️ Choose a clear, calm day — conditions can change quickly near the top. • 👟 Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. • 💧 Bring water, snacks, and layers — including a waterproof jacket and warm top, as it can get windy and cool near the summit. Overall, Lion’s Head is a moderately challenging but truly rewarding hike — one of Cape Town’s must-do experiences. The views, the sense of achievement, and the sheer beauty of the setting make every step worthwhile.

Great hike. It took about 3 hours in total. While there are ladders along the way, this is not the most beginner friendly hike. You’ll need the use of both of your hands, so using a backpack or something to keep your hands free will be most helpful. Views were absolutely worth it.

Beautiful hike, Every turn is a scenic view, Don't miss this hike if you are visiting Cape town.