Lion’s Head Hike in Cape Town: Difficulty, Route, Safety + Insider Tips

Last Updated on August 25, 2026 by Hannah Stephenson

Lion’s Head is an iconic Cape Town peak, second only to Table Mountain! So if you’re wondering how to hike this uniquely-shaped mountain, I’ve got all of the need-to-know info here.

I’ve lived in Cape Town for almost six years now, so I’ve climbed this mountain a fair few times! I think of Lion’s Head as a goldilocks hike in terms of difficulty. It’s challenging but doable, and the payoff is definitely worth it because you get great views all the way up.

So strap on your hiking boots (although honestly, trainers are fine for this trail) because I’m going to take you through absolutely everything you need to know about hiking Lion’s Head in Cape Town. 

What is the Lion’s Head Hike Like?

How difficult is the Lion’s Head Hike?

I’d say it’s moderate. The trail is really easy to follow and you can’t really get lost – trust me, if you could, I would have found a way!

The first half is just walking uphill as the trail loops you around the side of the mountain, and then the second half is a bit more challenging, with some scrambling and a couple of iron ladders involved. I always sleep well after climbing Lion’s Head, but most people shouldn’t have any problems tackling it. 

How long does it take to hike Lion’s Head?

The hike up Lion’s head is around 5 km long – 5.3 kilometers, according to my Garmin! It’s got 350-400 metres of elevation gain. Unlike Table Mountain, there’s no cable car around here, so you have to climb up and down! 

It normally takes me between 2 and 2.5 hours to hike Lion’s Head, with some time to rest at the top. Of course, if you’re Speedy Gonzalez you might be able to do it in 1.5 hours! Still, if it’s your first time, I’d allow between 2-3 hours just to be safe.

How fit do you need to be?

You need to be reasonally fit and able, but you don’t need an extreme level of fitness or a ton of hiking experience. Actually, this was one of the first proper hikes I ever did! As long as you’re mobile and able to spend a few hours on your feet, you should be able to tackle this, no proble.

Although I consider myself to be fit, I’m a really slow hiker and very prone to tripping over. And the first time I did this hike, I actually wasn’t in the greatest of shape, and I was totally fine – just a bit slower than I am now.

Are there chains and ladders on Lion’s Head?

Yes. Near the top of Lion’s Head, there are a few steeper sections where you can use ladders or staples and chains to help you climb. Personally, I always go for the ladders!

They can look a little intimidating in photos, but they’re actually there to help you. Take your time, and don’t rush!

Since you have to go one at a time, these sections can sometimes create a bit of a bottleneck on busy days. Most people tend to use the ladders, and then more experienced hikers use the staples and chains to skip the queues.

Route walkthrough

The Lion’s Head trail changes quite a bit as you climb, which is one of the things I like about it! It starts off pretty gently, and then it gets steeper and more challenging as you get closer to the summit.

The trailhead and gradual climb

The hike starts from Signal Hill Road and initially follows a wide gravel path around the mountain. This is the easiest part of the hike, as the gradient is steady rather than steep. I’d say this section normally takes about 20 minutes, although of course that depends on your pace.

The steeper section

Eventually, the wide path narrows and the climb starts to feel more strenuous.

The bit I find hardest is actually this sustained uphill section rather than the chains themselves. It’s not technical, but there isn’t much respite, so this is usually the point where I start questioning my life choices a little!

The chains, ladders and scrambling

As you get closer to the top, you reach the more adventurous part of the hike. This is where you’ll see the ladders, staples, and chains. I always skip the chains and staples and just use the ladders, though! They’re there to help, and there’s nothing to be scared of.

There are three ladders in total, and these are usually the busiest points on the trail. Bottlenecks often occur here while people climb up and down one at a time, but you’ll be waiting minutes not hours! That’s perfectly okay with me, to be honest, as I use it as an opportunity to pause and catch by breath.

The final summit scramble

After the chains and ladders, there’s still a final rocky push to reach the summit.

You’ll need to use your hands in places, but it feels more like scrambling than actual climbing, and it’s not super difficult. Once you reach the top, you get 360-degree views over Cape Town, Camps Bay, Table Mountain, Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean.

Lion’s Head Route and Trailhead

Where is the trailhead?

The trailhead for the Lion’s Head hike is in Tamboerskloof, opposite the turnoff for Table Mountain. 

If you’re driving, head up Signal Hill Road and park in the small lot on the right hand side. When you get out of the car and turn to face Lion’s Head Mountain, take the trail on the left, which will lead you to the summit.

How to get to the trailhead

Drive

If you’ve rented a car, you can drive to Lion’s Head and park for free right opposite the trailhead.

If that’s full, you can park on the side of the road but make sure your car is facing in the same direction as the traffic. My friend got fined for this recently, so be careful!

Uber

I don’t own a car, so I usually just take an Uber here and back. Uber in Cape Town is pretty affordable, and it doesn’t usually take very long to get a ride. You shouldn’t struggle to get one back from Lion’s Head, either. 

(For more on getting around Cape Town without a car, check out this guide!)

The MyCiti Bus

You can take either the 106 or 107 MyCiti bus to Kloof Nek. Buses leave about every 10 minutes and run between the city centre and Camps Bay. You can buy a MyCiti bus card for R40 and top it up at various shops all over the city. 

The MyCiti buses are safe, reliable, and very regular. One stops at the Kloof Nek bus stop every 10 minutes, and then it’s a 12-minute walk from there to the trailhead.

When is the Best Time to Hike Lion’s Head?

Sunrise vs sunset

Sunrise and sunset are both beautiful times to hike Lion’s Head!

I think that sunrise is a great option in the summer, as it’s the coolest time of day. If, like me, you struggle with the heat, this is ideal! It’s also very quiet.

Sunset is generally busier, but it’s still a fantastic time of day to go, especially if you don’t fancy getting up at the track of dawn!

The only thing to note is that to catch sunrise or sunset from the top of Lion’s Head, you’ll have to hike one way in the dark. For that reason, I highly recommend booking this tour.

It’s safer for a few reasons: for one, you’ll be with a guide who knows the route well and can help you navigate the trickier sections. Headtorches and flashlights are also provided, so you don’t have to worry about organising those on your own.

There’s also safety in numbers! While hiking Lion’s Head is generally safe, every year there are reports of muggers and thieves operating on the mountain, especially in low light. However, they tend to target solo travellers and leave big groups alone. And having a local guide will go a long way towards keeping you safe!

Plus, this tour has a 5-star rating and over 1,600 glowing reviews, so it’s sure to deliver an excellent experience.

Grab your spot on this sunrise or sunset hiking tour here, with free cancellation!

Related read: For more on the best guided hikes in Cape Town, take a look at this guide!

Weekday vs weekend

I always try to go on a weekday, because this route can get super busy on weekends. Locals and tourists alike love climbing to the top, so if you go at the weekend you’ll often find yourself waiting for quite a while by the ladders!

What about the heat?

And as a redhead, I always try to go early during the summer to beat the heat. There’s not that much shade on the up.

And remember, the weather is never guaranteed in Cape Town! Some summer days can feel fresh while others are super hot. Keep your plans flexible, and be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water with you.

What Are the Views like from Lion’s Head?

The views from the top of Lion’s Head are amazing!

From the summit, you’ll get unobstructed 360° views of the city, from Sea Point and the City Bowl to Table Mountain behind you.

Best of all, you don’t have to wait until you get to the top to reap the rewards. What I like about this hike is the fact that the trail snakes around the mountain twice, so on the way up you’ll see the city from every angle.

As you start out, you’ll see Table Mountain and the City Bowl, then as you wind around the mountain you’ll see the Twelve Apostles and the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay. Then, you’ll see Sea Point and Robben Island in the distance, before coming back around to the City Bowl again. It’s fantastic!

Lion’s Head Hike Cost and Facilities

Is Lion’s Head free to hike?

Yup, it’s free to climb Lion’s Head! The parking at the bottom is free too, so there really aren’t any costs involved except for getting yourself to the base of the mountain. 

I do like to grab a smoothie from the refreshments van afterwards, though.

Are there toilets or facilities?

There are no toilets on or around Lion’s Head. There’s usually a van selling smoothies and cold drinks at the bottom, so you can grab refreshements before or after you hike, but that’s it in terms of facilities!

Is Lion’s Head Safe?

Is it safe to hike Lion’s Head alone?

If you go during the day you should be fine hiking alone, especially during the summer when the trail tends to be busy.

I definitely wouldn’t recommend hiking alone around sunrise or sunset, though. It’s much safer to book this tour instead!

And of course, it is always safer to hike with a companion! Personally, I have never done this hike alone. I usually go with at least one friend.

Lion’s Head emergency contact and safety tips

Whether you hike alone or with others, you should make sure to save the Table Mountain National Park emergency phone number, which is +27861106417.

As mentioned, it is safer to hike with a companion. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip – I usually wear my running trainers.

Finally, be sure to wear a hat, apply plenty of sunscreen, and bring water. You don’t want to risk overheating or dehydration!

For more on staying safe in Cape Town, check out my top tips here!

What to Wear and Bring

What should I wear?

Comfy clothes! I usually wear activewear and my running trainers for this hike. I also slather myself in sunscreen.

A cap is also a good idea (I took mine off for the photo but I did wear one, I promise!)

You could wear hiking boots but they’re not strictly necessary. Regular trainers are fine. Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable, closed-toe shoes – you don’t want to deal with rocks and gravel in your sandals on the way up!

Related read: Can’t decide what to pack for the Mother City? Check out my full Cape Town packing list here!

What should I bring with me?

Make sure you bring your phone, a bottle of water, and sunscreen with you.

A cap and sunglasses are also a good idea on a bright day, and stuff a few snacks in your backpack if you know you’re likely to get peckish.

What if I don’t want to hike to the summit?

Do you have to hike all the way to the top?

No, you don’t have to. Lion’s Head is an out-and-back hike, not a loop, so you can turn back whenever you want. You get great views the entire time, although the 360° ones from the top are the best. 

I have done this with a friend who’s afraid of heights before, so we just walked along the first half of the trail and enjoyed the views. Then, we turned back when the actual climbing part began.

You can also do the Contour Loop instead – more on that below!

Lion’s Head Contour Loop

The Lion’s Head Contour Loop is a fantastic alternative to the hike to the summit. It’s faster, flatter, and easier.

I actually walk this route more often than I hike to the summit of Lion’s Head as it only takes about an hour to complete, and I can still enjoy fantastic views of the city throughout. It’s a good lunch break activity!

It’s a great alternative if you don’t feel up to hiking all the way to the summit. The Contour Loop is a walk, not a hike, and it’s far less technical. I sometimes even do it in jeans!

Lion’s Head vs Table Mountain? 

Both are amazing hikes with beautiful views. I recommend doing both if you have time, but if you can only fit in one, the best choice depends on what you’re after.

Lion’s Head is shorter and more straightforward, and it’s also easier than climbing up Table Mountain because it’s not as high. There’s no cable car down, though!

With Table Mountain, you’ve got a choice of four different routes (check out my guide for more info!). Even the easiest one, Platteklip Gorge, is steeper and more demanding than Lion’s Head, but the sense of achievement when you get to the top is pretty hard to beat.

The choice is yours, but here’s what I’d do: take the cable car up and down Table Mountain, and hike Lion’s Head!

Is the Lion’s Head Hike Worth It?

Yes! I truly think that it’s one of the best things to do in Cape Town. I love it because the gorgeous views start right in the car park, and you get to see it from every angle on the way up.

Plus, Lion’s Head is right in the city so it’s super easy to get to. And since it only takes a few hours, it’s easy to fit into even a short Cape Town itinerary.

For more ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Cape Town, check out these posts: 

• The 30 AMAZING Things to Do in Cape Town
• Where to Stay in Cape Town : Best + Safest Neighbourhoods
• How to Go Wine Tasting in Cape Town – A Local’s Guide
• Guide to Visiting the Penguins at Boulders Beach
• How Many Days in Cape Town is Enough?