HIKE THE LION

TAME THE LION FOR SUNRISE OR SUNSET

Discover a new perspective overlooking the city

Embark on a sunrise or sunset hike up Lions Head and

The views from Lion’s Head are absolutely spectacular. The route takes us on a full lap of the mountain overlooking Cape Town and the surrounding mountains and beaches. Take in views of the city bowl, Camps Bay, Sea Point, and Cape Town’s pristine Atlantic coastline.

START

Sunrise: 5:30 am (Summer) and 7:00 am (Winter)

Sunset: 5:00 pm (Summer) and 3:30 pm (Winter)

DURATION: 3 – 4 hour round trip

DISTANCE: 4.5km

DESCRIPTION

Our route starts on an easy hiking track and slowly winds its way around the mountain, revealing new a new view of Cape Town around every bend. The track then turns to a rocky path and gets steeper, with some sections of rocky scrambling near the summit where you will use your hands to assist you.

After enjoying the summit we return to the starting point via the same route for most of the way, before taking the easier circular route which means we have covered a full lap of the mountain by the time we arrive back at the meeting point.

ADVICE

This is the busiest hiking route in Cape Town. For those looking for a more adventurous hike, there are more technical routes up Lion’s Head that you can request and arrange with our guide depending on the current route conditions.

If you prefer quieter spots away from the crowds you may want to consider India Venster as an alternative half-day hike or consider our full-day hikes.​​

TERRAIN

This is a difficult hike and the path is steep and rocky, requiring us to use our hands in many places to ascend and descend steep rocks.

DIFFICULTY

This should not be underestimated in terms of difficulty. Although it is short in distance (3km), we climb 400m to the top and then have to head back down again. Our Table Mountain hikes only involve a hike up so are easier for a lot of people.

MEETING POINT

Lion’s Head Hike – Starting Point

LOCATION PIN

Requirements

Comfortable shoes

Water

Sunscreen/hat

Things to Bring

Backpack, Jacket/Warm Top, Water/Juice (0.5 litres minimum), snacks, if you wish, any personal medication – Compulsory, camera/phone, comfortable long pants recommended in winter or on windy days in summer, a waterproof jacket may be compulsory if rain is predicted, beanie/buff or scarf recommended if cold temperatures are predicted.

Cancellation policy

24 hours before the adventure begins

Notes

Participants must have a good fitness level and be able to walk for 3 hours
Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult
START: Sunrise: 6:00 am in Feb, meet at 5:45 am
Sunset: 5:00 pm in Feb, meet at 4:45 pm
DURATION: 3 – 4 hour round trip.
DISTANCE: 3km