Lion's Head
Lion's Head
Cape Town's most iconic summit. A moderate loop with chain-and-ladder sections near the top and views over the whole peninsula.
Distance
5km round trip
Duration
3–3.5 hours
Elevation gain
350m
Difficulty
Moderate
About this hike
Lion's Head is the hike most visitors picture when they think of Cape Town. It's a round trip, not a there-and-back, spiraling up around the peak with the city, Table Mountain, and the Atlantic all opening up as you climb.
The last stretch has a few chain and ladder sections to reach the summit. Nothing technical, but sturdy shoes help and it's not ideal if you're not comfortable with heights.
It's popular for sunrise and full moon hikes in particular, both of which need an early or late departure timed to the sky, not the clock.
Route notes
- Chains and short ladder sections near the summit
- Best all-round view of the city bowl and Atlantic Seaboard
- Busiest trail of the three, especially at sunrise
R1 150 / person
Max 10 per group. Private and solo hikes on request.
Cancellation policy
- 24 hours or more before your hike: 90% refund
- Inside 24 hours of your hike: no refund
Elevation profile
Illustrated profile, not a surveyed map. 350m gain over 5km round trip
Hike by time of day
Sunrise
On the summit for first light. Departure time set to match sunrise on your date.
Sunset
Timed to catch the summit as the sun goes down.
Full moon
Available on and around full moon dates only.
Standard day hike
A regular daytime hike, departure flexible within the day.