Completing the Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town is definitely one of the top things to do in Cape Town, South Africa. Because of its sweeping panoramic views of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles & the entire Atlantic Seaboard, Lion’s Head is an incredibly picturesque hike.
This trek is only moderate in difficulty, making it a great option for many different skill levels. Since we always measure our hikes in quality of views divided by difficulty, this one knocks it out of the park!
Below you’ll find all the details you need to plan a great hike up Lion’s Head mountain.
Where is Lion’s Head?
Lion’s Head is a stunning and unique mountain located between Table Mountain and Signal Hill in the dramatic skyline of Cape Town, South Africa.
Overview of Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town
| Distance | 5 km (3 mi) |
| Elevation | 669 m (2,195 ft) |
| Time | 2.5 – 3 hours |
| Difficulty | Easy/Moderate |
| Trailhead | -33.936899, 18.394841 |
| Entrance fee | Free |
| National Park | Table Mountain National Park |
How long is the Lion’s Head hike?
Cape Town’s Lion’s Head Hike is a short 5 km (3 mi) hike. Because the trail is moderate in difficulty, the round trip should only take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace, of course.
For us, it took 1.5 hours to climb up since it was in the dark before sunrise, and we took the longer Spiral Route. Then, on the way down, we took the Chains Route, and it took us 1 hour to get back to the trailhead.
Lion’s Head Hike Trailhead
The trailhead for Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town is at (-33.936899, 18.394841). Make sure to use coordinates or the link provided here, because if you just search “Lion’s Head hike trailhead” in Google Maps, it will take you to the wrong starting point.
Lion’s Head Hiking Trail, Cape Town
There are two routes to reach the top of Lion’s Head – the Chains Route and the Spiral Route. Regardless of route, you’ll begin your hike here and start walking and winding around the mountain. The first bit is very moderate in incline and a decently wide gravel path.
After about an hour into the hike, the trail splits into two distinct paths that vary vastly in difficulty, so it is important to pay attention! There is a sign here that points you in the direction of the two routes. (See below to choose which route is right for you!)
Regardless of which route you choose, at the end, there is some moderate rock scrambling to reach the summit. Once you get to the summit, there is ample room to spread out and take in the views from every direction.
Lion’s Head Spiral Route vs Chains Route
As stated above, there are two routes to reach the Lion’s Head summit – the Spiral Route and the Chains Route. Be honest with yourself as to which is right for you!
The Spiral Route is certainly the easier of the two options. It takes slightly longer, but winds you around the mountain at a steady incline and easy path. This is the right option for beginners or anyone with a fear of heights.
Alternatively, the Chains Route is certainly faster but takes you directly up the mountain. This route requires you to use chains and metal ladders to climb, so it’s definitely the more advanced option.
We opted to take the Spiral Route up before sunrise since we didn’t have headlamps and needed two hands to climb the Chains Route. Afterwards, once it was light outside, we decided to take the Chain Route down.
Note that some of the signage can be a bit confusing since a few of them don’t use the words “Chain Route” or “Spiral Route.” One sign we saw points one way to “Lion’s Head Summit via staples,” which takes you on the Chain path. On the other hand, the other arrow, “Alternative footpath to Lion’s Head Summit,” takes you up the Spiral Route. In general, the “recommended route” noted on signs takes you to the Spiral Route.
Read about another amazing hike: Tre Cime di Lavaredo in the Dolomites!
How to get to Lion’s Head in Cape Town
The easiest way to get to Lion’s Head Mountain in Cape Town is by car. You can take Signal Hill Road all the way to the trailhead, and you can also find parking here. If you’re like us and don’t rent a car, you can easily take an Uber to the trailhead. It’s also easy to get an Uber back down from the trailhead, so don’t worry about getting stranded.
Best time to hike Lion’s Head
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to hike Lion’s Head in Cape Town. Because the route winds around the side of the mountain and doesn’t have much shade, it can get pretty hot mid-day. We started an hour and a half before the sun came up and made it to the summit just in time to witness the most gorgeous sunrise.
That said, if you’re concerned about doing part of the route in the dark, just aim to start the hike right after sunrise. This way, you will have light the whole way but can complete the trek before the heat of the day.
Make sure to check the weather before you go, though, because if the wind is too strong, the hike is very dangerous!
Is Lion’s Head safe to hike?
While the Lion’s Head hike is generally pretty safe, it’s important to take precautions, as crimes and accidents can happen.
First and foremost, don’t hike alone. Especially if you are hiking for sunrise or sunset with part of your trek in the dark, it is important to hike with a friend.
Secondly, make sure to save the Table Mountain National Park emergency number in your phone. The numbers are 086 1106 417.
Lastly, make sure you’re properly prepared. See below for what to bring on the hike.
Lion’s Head Hike Cost
It is FREE to hike Lion’s Head in Cape Town! With the exception of transportation costs, this hike (which is our favorite thing to do in Cape Town) is completely free. As if you needed any more convincing to go!
What to bring with you
- Athletic shoes – although it’s not a long hike, you definitely need athletic shoes to safely do this hike.
- Water – because the trail can get very hot, don’t forget to pack ample water.
- Sunscreen – since the trail has very little shade, it’s important to remember sunscreen.
- Jacket – if you’re planning to go at either sunrise or sunset, don’t forget a jacket since the temperature and winds can change quickly.
- Backpack – if you want to take the Chains Route, you will need your hands free, so a backpack is your best option for carrying your things.
- Headlamp – while this is not 100% necessary (we survived without one), a headlamp would be very useful if you plan to climb up or down in the dark. Particularly if you are going to do the Chains Route, you won’t be able to use your hands for your phone flashlight.
- Camera – with the killer views Lion’s Head offers (both on the trail and at the summit!), you certainly don’t want to forget your camera.
