If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town and looking for unforgettable adventures to embark on, hiking Lion’s Head should be high on your list. It’s not a high mountain to hike, but it’s a bit challenging, and this is actually the best thing about it. And the ocean views, especially at sunset and sunrise, are just the cherry on top.
The hike includes a whole lot of monkey business, from scrambling to climbing ladders and hoisting yourself up using metal chains, all of which makes it quite an adventurous experience. But don’t let these challenges discourage you; as long as you have a moderate fitness level, you should be good to go.
In this guide, I’ll be walking you through everything you need to know about the Lion’s Head hike, from difficulty to safety, what to pack, how to plan your trip, and more.
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Lion’s Head Quick Trip Planner (TLDR)
Planning your Lion’s Head hike? Here’s everything you need to book in advance.
- Stay safe and join a group hike; book your excursion through Viator or GetYourGuide.
- Find accommodation near Lion’s Head via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
- Compare flights to Cape Town via Trip.com or Skyscanner.
- Get insured via SafetyWing as their Nomad Insurance offers an adventure travel add-on.
- Download AllTrails for trail navigation and other perks like access to trail conditions and a live share feature.
- Download an eSIM before arriving to stay connected. Use my exclusive Airalo promo code (curlsenroute) for a 10% discount.
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility if you have an international driver’s license. Skyscanner offers the best rates in Cape Town.
Lion’s Head at a Glance
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Duration | ~ 3-4 hours max(return) |
| Distance | 5.5 km (3.41 miles) |
| Best Time | sunrise or sunset |
Want to get access to more data on the trail? Make sure to download AllTrails, not just for trail navigation, but for extra features like the community heat map, trail conditions, on-trail directions, and more.
About Lion’s Head
One of the most iconic mountains in Cape Town is Lion’s Head, which is located in the Table Mountain National Park. You know that pointed mountain in the backdrop of many Cape Town astonishing landscapes? That’s the one.
Even though Lion’s Head is situated at only 669 meters above sea level, it’s such a rewarding hike. It’s steeper than expected, packed with chains and ladders near the summit, and involves some scrambling. All of this makes the hike a bit challenging, but super rewarding, especially after you take the first look at the mind-blowing 360° ocean views at the summit. When I hiked the mountain, it was a bit cloudy, but it was just as surreal as it is on a clear day.
Lion’s Head Trail Options
When deciding whether or not hiking Lion’s Head is for you, it’s important to know that there are 2 different routes to choose from: the Chains Route and the Spiral Route.
- The Chains Route: This is the main route I was telling you about; the one that features scrambling and metal chains and ladders. It’s steeper and includes more exposure to open heights, but it’s more direct and more adventurous.
- The Spiral Route: In the meantime, there’s another trail that bypasses the obstacles in the other one, but it takes a longer time to hike. This option is a more ideal one for less experienced hikers, more anxious travelers, or those with a fear of heights. However, it’s worth mentioning that I hiked the Chains Route despite my fear of open heights, which made it extra fun and rewarding. But more on that later.
Is Lion’s Head Worth It?
| Pros | Cons |
| Unmatched 360° ocean views. | Steeper than what many travelers expect. |
| It’s such a rewarding hike. | Chains and ladders near the summit may be intimidating to some. |
| No park entrance fees. | Weather changes quickly. |
| The social atmosphere on the trail | Popularity means it can get crowded during sunrise or sunset hikes. |
| No technical hiking experience is needed; you just need to be physically active and confident. | Limited parking during peak hours. |
PRO TIP: If you’re planning your Cape Town itinerary, it’s worth staying nearby so you can reach the trailhead before sunrise (if this is when you’ll be hiking).
Where to Stay in Cape Town for Lion’s Head
Gardens
If hiking in Cape Town is your top priority, then Gardens would be an incredibly convenient place to stay. It’s one of the closest neighborhoods to the main trails of both Lion’s Head and Table Mountain; just minutes away from the trailheads. This way, if you’re planning for a sunrise hike specifically, you don’t have to worry about traffic.
Where to Stay in Gardens? Here are my top picks:
- Budget stay(s): Never At Home Kloof Street Hostel, CURIOCITY Kloof Street Hostel, and Villa Viva Hostel.
- Mid-range accommodation(s): Kloof Street Hotel – Lion Roars Hotels & Lodges, Protea Hotel Fire and Ice by Marriott, and Hippo Boutique Hotel.
- Luxury hotel(s): Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
Camps Bay
On the other hand, if you want to wake up to an oceanfront view of Lion’s Head, then Camps Bay should be your top choice. The postcard-like views are absolutely stunning, but it’s also worth noting that it’s a pricey area to stay in.
Where to Stay in Camps Bay? Here are my top picks:
- Mid-range accommodation(s): Sovn Boutique Hotel
- Luxury hotel(s): The Marly Boutique Hotel & Spa and Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa.
Sea Point & Green Point
From a strictly travel perspective, Sea Point and Green Point are 2 of the best neighborhoods to stay in Cape Town, especially for solo travelers like me. I personally stayed in Green Point during my trip. They’re both known for their high safety and for being social hubs for travelers, making them a great starting point for solo exploration.
Where to Stay in Sea Point? Here are my top picks:
- Mid-range accommodation(s): The Glen Boutique Hotel & Spa and The Tropicana Hotel.
- Boutique hotel(s): Pineapple House and The Cole Boutique Hotel & Spa
Where to Stay in Green Point? Here are my top picks:
- Budget stay(s): Never At Home Green Point (this is the hostel I stayed in and I highly recommend it), A Sunflower Stop hostel, and THE BIG hostel.
- Mid-range accommodation(s): DysArt Boutique Hotel
- Boutique hotel(s): The Tree House Boutique Hotel, Zest Boutique Hotel, and Harpers House.
How to Get to Lion’s Head
Guided tour
If you’re a solo traveler like me, I highly recommend you join a guided group trip. Not just because having a guide that knows the area and being part of a group would be much safer, but also because it’s a great way to make friends. At least that’s what I did.
There are a couple of ways to book a guided Lion’s Head hike. You can book one through your hostel, or book it online through Viator or GetYourGuide; these are the 2 booking platforms I trust the most.
I personally went with my hostel, Never at Home; my guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. My stay there, overall, was a great and seamless one; it’s safe to say that this one’s Curls en Route-approved.
Rental car
If you have an international driver’s license and you’re a confident driver, renting a car in Cape Town will definitely offer you flexibility. I didn’t rent a car myself, but one of the friends I made at the hostel had rented one, and it came in handy, especially when we were staying up late. I also hired a driver with a private car and split the cost with 3 other solo travelers to go on day trips. So, it definitely came in handy throughout the whole trip to have a car.
Uber
If you’re planning on hiking Lion’s Head on your own, which I honestly don’t really recommend, then you can simply Uber to the start of the trail.
How to Plan Your Lion’s Head Hike
Now let’s get to the detailed planning. Before setting off, here’s what I’d recommend booking beforehand.
Booking the hike itself
Prefer not to hike alone? This is definitely the wisest choice. Join a guided hike through Viator or GetYourGuide.
Accommodation
If you’re planning to hike Lion’s Head during sunrise or sunset, and getting there on time is a priority, then I recommend you stay somewhere nearby. Consider areas like Gardens or Camps Bay.
Transportation
If you’re planning to explore Cape Town beyond Lion’s Head, renting a car offers the most flexibility. Otherwise, Uber is a convenient option.
eSIM
Download an eSIM before arriving so you can navigate, check the weather, and book an Uber after your hike, if needed. It’s even better if you choose an eSIM that enables you to make calls; it’ll come in handy if you need to contact an emergency number. If you’ve never used one before, make sure you read my eSIM guide beforehand.
Travel Insurance
Despite Lion’s Head trail safety level, hiking always comes with some risk. That’s why I never travel without insurance, and neither should you. My favorite travel insurance is SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance for many reasons, but above all, for its adventure travel add-on.
What to Pack for Your Lion’s Head Hike
- Sturdy hiking shoes
- Daypack
- Reusable water bottle
- Electrolytes
- First-aid kit
- Power bank
- Sunglasses
- Cap or sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Layers of clothing (depending on the weather).
- Energy-boosting snacks such as protein bars, nuts, or dried fruits.
- Go-Pro or camera (optional but the views are too breathtaking not to capture).
- Mosquito repellent
- Wet wipes
- Headlamp
Lion’s Head Safety Tips
- Check the weather forecast and monitor the trail conditions in advance.
- Dress accordingly, and don’t forget to choose appropriate hiking shoes.
- Avoid hiking alone. If you’re a solo traveler, it’s best if you join a group hike.
- Download AllTrails to easily navigate the trail in case you get lost or separated from your group, and for other useful features like trail conditions.
- Get insured and make sure your travel insurance covers adventure travel accidents and injuries.
- Make sure you save emergency contacts like 021 937 0300 for Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) and 107 / 086 110 6417 for Table Mountain National Park. Downloading an eSIM plan that offers calls will come in handy if you ever need to make an emergency call.
- Pack enough water and energy-boosting snacks.
For more comprehensive information on how to stay safe while hiking, make sure to read my full outdoor safety guide here.
My Experience Hiking Lion’s Head
Most people say Table Mountain is the best hike in Cape Town, but I have to disagree. To me, hiking Lion’s Head was far more enjoyable. However, it’s worth noting that I didn’t know better while hiking Table Mountain, as I wasn’t hiking with a guide. I hiked it with a small group of solo travelers I met on my trip, and we took the main trail. Little did we know that it was supposed to be the easiest, as it wasn’t technical at all, but to me, it was incredibly boring. The entire hike felt like climbing spiral stairs, and let’s say it was both strenuous and not stimulating enough for my ADHD brain.
On the other hand, my Lion’s Head hike was completely different. I booked a guided group hike through my hostel, because it’s safer for a solo traveler to join a group and it’s one of the best ways to meet people.
I was there in February, so that’s considered summer in Cape Town. However, the weather forecast changed on the same day of the hike, and it was expected to be cloudy with a chance of precipitation. Our guide said that it wasn’t a high chance, so it was still safe to hike as planned, and that really was the case. The only thing that was affected was the visibility at the summit, as it was cloudy, but it was still a breathtaking sight to be above the clouds.
It’s also worth mentioning that I didn’t go on a sunrise or sunset hike; we just did a morning hike, so the trail wasn’t crowded at all.
Overcoming my Fear of Open Heights on Lion’s Head
I hiked Lion’s Head just a day before my birthday, so this was such a meaningful experience for me and such a core memory. Especially because I overcame all the challenging parts despite my fear of open heights!
For more context, in case you don’t already know, because I post a lot of hiking content, I’m obsessed with hiking in spite of having a fear of open heights. I only discovered this years ago by coincidence when I went rock climbing for the first time and froze on the mountain. I didn’t know back then because I don’t have a regular fear of heights, and I still don’t; it’s just open heights, so think mountains, roller coasters, etc.
Unfortunately, it’s not just a phobia; I get physical symptoms. I often feel dizzy, anxious, and sometimes even nauseous. But since my passion for hiking grew more, I kind of developed coping mechanisms along the way, and the more I exposed myself to it. In fact, I learned one of these mechanisms on that very hike on Lion’s Head.
During our ascent, I was talking about it with a girl in my group; I always give people a heads-up before a hike just in case I get an anxiety attack, so they wouldn’t freak out. She gave me advice that might sound so silly at first, but it actually works. She told me to sing whenever I get anxious on the trail, and I’ve been doing it ever since. I have a terrible voice, but at least it entertains me, so it’s like hitting two birds with one stone.
Lion’s Head Hike FAQs
Can beginners hike Lion’s Head?
Lion’s Head is challenging, but still doable. And if you don’t feel confident enough, you can always opt for the easier Spiral Route.
Can you hike it alone?
You absolutely can, but I don’t recommend hiking Lion’s Head solo. Even though it’s secure to an extent, and there’s signage throughout the trail, for safety reasons in case of injury, it’s not advisable.
How long does it take to climb Lions Head, Cape Town?
Hiking Lion’s Head takes around 90 minutes on average, so the whole trip should take you 3 to 4 hours if you factor in breaks, time spent on the summit, and a slower pace.
Is the Lion’s Head hike scary?
It can definitely be intimidating, but as someone with a fear of open heights, it’s the good kind of scary, if that makes any sense.
What should I wear while hiking Lion’s Head?
Layering clothes is always ideal while hiking Lion’s Head; however, the exact layers depend on the season, time of day, and weather conditions.
What is the best time to go to Lion’s Head?
The best time to hike Lion’s Head is from September to May for ideal weather.
Is it better to hike Lion’s Head or Table Mountain?
The answer to this question is highly subjective; it depends on your availability, fitness level, and goals/interests. Personally, I enjoyed the Lion’s Head hike way more than Table Mountain to the extent that I descended the latter in a cable car.
It’s worth noting that part of that reasoning was that I made the mistake of choosing the wrong trail. The Platteklip Gorge route was basically a never-ending stone staircase, which was both strenuous and boring to me. I would’ve enjoyed other routes far more, but it’s important to note that they’re a lot more technical, and therefore, much harder.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in Cape Town and craving a little adventure, hiking Lion’s Head should definitely be on your bucket list, especially if you want to challenge yourself a bit. Just go with the right expectations, and you should be okay, and I guess this guide was extensive enough to at the very least set the right expectations for you.
Would you hike Lion’s Head? Let me know in the comments section below.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!
Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.
SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.
This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.
Explore SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance Essential and Complete plans now.
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Booking a trip soon? Here are some useful travel resources:
- Book your flight with Skyscanner, Kiwi, CheapOair, or WayAway.
- Book your hostel with Hostelworld.
- Book your hotel with Booking.com.
- Get your travel insurance with SafetyWing.
- Hire a car with Skyscanner, Discover Cars, Rentalcars, or AutoEurope.
- Book your tours with Get Your Guide, Viator, Tiqets, or Klook.
- Download an eSIM from Airalo or Jetpac.
- Check out my trip planning tools for more travel resources.
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You might also like:
- The Ultimate Hiking Packing List: Must-Have Gear and Essentials
- The Colourful Houses in Cape Town: The Story of Bo-Kaap
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Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.
