Lion's Head
Lion's Head, Cape Town Central: Address, Phone Number, Lion's Head Reviews: 4.5/5
Lion's Head
Lion's Head
4.5
About
Lion's Head in Cape Town is a peak situated at 669 meters above sea level. The hike up Lions Head takes approximately 90 minutes at a moderate pace. Lions Head trail is steep but do-able, while the 5.5km trail packs a punch (Both ways). The views from Lions head are amazing. Take a look around you and see the beauty. Lions Head hike is the preferred route for mountain enthusiasts, the easiest of the routes in Cape Town.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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4.5
4,311 reviews
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3,297
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883
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120
Poor
6
Terrible
5
Jon
Milwaukee, WI10 contributions
Dec. 2021
The hike to Lion's Head was outstanding especially after a hike to the top of Table Mountain the day before. This was truly a remarkable visit and recommend this as s hike for all.
Written 1 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Martin K
Eindhoven, The Netherlands5 contributions
Dec. 2021 • Friends
Nice view of Cape Town and the Atlantic coast. More or less somehow the free variant of Table mountain. Also it is less crowded compred to Table Mountain.
Written 6 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Robert O
Rotterdam, The Netherlands2,993 contributions
Nov. 2021
I took me two hours to get from Adderley station in downtown Cape Town, to the summit of Lion's Head. One hour to the saddle at Kloof Nek and another hour from there. It is a relatively short hike compared to Table mountain and much less exhausting. The views are as spectaculair.
Only the last part of this hike involves some scrambling over rocks, but there are ladders, chains and staples. I went last Wednesday afternoon. There were many people, but no line ups anywhere. The summit area is rather flat and spacious.
Instead of hiking up from the city center, take a MyCiti bus 106 or 107 to the saddle at Kloof Nek 1. Then follow the road towards Signal Hill. On your lefthand side you will see a trail going up. Alternatively by car drive to the parking lot on the same road and start from there. The latter option is best for people who are not very fit.
Only the last part of this hike involves some scrambling over rocks, but there are ladders, chains and staples. I went last Wednesday afternoon. There were many people, but no line ups anywhere. The summit area is rather flat and spacious.
Instead of hiking up from the city center, take a MyCiti bus 106 or 107 to the saddle at Kloof Nek 1. Then follow the road towards Signal Hill. On your lefthand side you will see a trail going up. Alternatively by car drive to the parking lot on the same road and start from there. The latter option is best for people who are not very fit.
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Miggels
19 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Family
I have wanted to do this hike for a while and finally got the chance. It was a lot tougher than expected. We were caught in the rain at the top and coming down was very scary on the wet rocks. Taking a rain jacket would be a good idea! The chain ladders and staples going up are easy but a little scary on the way down. Having said that, my 10 year old managed to do the hike. The views all along the route were amazing. You get such varying views on the route.
Definitely something to add to your bucket list of things to do.
Definitely something to add to your bucket list of things to do.
Written 11 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Traveling One
Greenville, SC735 contributions
Oct. 2021 • Couples
We started the hike 2 hours before sunset and I will say that’s the perfect time to hike. The first part of the hike was shaded and the second part got quiet hot in the direct sun. Fortunately later in day the sun is not as strong.. so it didn’t bother us too much.
The hike itself was easy until you get towards the top of which is required scrambling among rocks. I would definitely wear proper hiking shoes! We took the “long” route on the way up and the shorter route on the way down that involved chains/ladders. No lie I was terrified going down but felt accomplished doing it! Hindsight, it wasn’t that bad. But if you’re inexperienced it can be frightening.
We went during a weekday but it was a full moon and it was PACKED. Very very busy. We went down right after sunset and people were coming up like crazy. It made the way down very long. I would definitely avoid hiking this during a full moon or leave right after sunset like we did. There was a huge bottleneck and you have to make a point to bypass the slow hikers or you’ll be waiting forever to get down. We took headlamps for the hike down and are glad we did! Despite a full moon it was cloudy so it was difficult to see
Overall we enjoyed this hike and recommend it!
The hike itself was easy until you get towards the top of which is required scrambling among rocks. I would definitely wear proper hiking shoes! We took the “long” route on the way up and the shorter route on the way down that involved chains/ladders. No lie I was terrified going down but felt accomplished doing it! Hindsight, it wasn’t that bad. But if you’re inexperienced it can be frightening.
We went during a weekday but it was a full moon and it was PACKED. Very very busy. We went down right after sunset and people were coming up like crazy. It made the way down very long. I would definitely avoid hiking this during a full moon or leave right after sunset like we did. There was a huge bottleneck and you have to make a point to bypass the slow hikers or you’ll be waiting forever to get down. We took headlamps for the hike down and are glad we did! Despite a full moon it was cloudy so it was difficult to see
Overall we enjoyed this hike and recommend it!
Written 26 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tripp S
Charlottesville, VA74 contributions
Jul. 2021
Not for the weak, but the views at the top are amazing and the experience is worth the climb. This is not an easy quick walk, but involves some rock scramble and some effort.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BERNARD S
3 contributions
Apr. 2021
Words can not suitably describe the constantly changing landscape as it reveals itself to you as you put one foot in front of the other. Took me 3 x longer than average time to walk it since I was consumed with oohing and aahing almost at every step. If you happen to have a drone camera, it would allow for images that will leave your friends gasping at the images, for all the right reasons.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Aden T
Ontario, Canada6 contributions
Jan. 2021
Our day at lions head were quite a windy experience. Very beautiful views but weather can be set down on a cold windy day. Good comfortable shoes and a warm jacket should be on the prepared list. We trained to come here before hand as we heard it can be quite steep. Not sure at all as we never made it to the top as the wind made it almost impossible.
Written 30 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Maimoon A
7 contributions
Dec. 2020 • Friends
Cape Town is amazing place to enjoy the scenery and go for a good hike. Every year when I go down to Cape Town it’s a must, no need for guides really. Drive up to lions head early morning and enjoy the hike up, simple for beginners and beautiful scenery as you walk around lion head to go to the top.
Also nice place for a beautiful sunset over the water 👌🏼
Also nice place for a beautiful sunset over the water 👌🏼
Written 7 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ecsonza
Cape Town, South Africa1,487 contributions
Apr. 2021 • Friends
Lions Head lower loop is a great hike for the hiker who doesn't enjoy heights.
You can sy this huge from both directions, but anti-clockwise is better. It is also used by trail runners and a lot of dogs. Best to go early morning for a cooler hike.
The trails do get very busy and parking is, a, mission. We started our hike where the Vida E, coffee Caffe cart is stationed. There is a bit of shade and parts of the path is pretty rocky with some loose sand so wear good walking shoes. Stunning views of Sea point and Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. On a clear day you can see the cable car going up Table Mountain. There are some benches for you to rest and take on the beautiful views. You should be moderatly fit to do this hike. Walking back to to the car park is pretty steep.
You can sy this huge from both directions, but anti-clockwise is better. It is also used by trail runners and a lot of dogs. Best to go early morning for a cooler hike.
The trails do get very busy and parking is, a, mission. We started our hike where the Vida E, coffee Caffe cart is stationed. There is a bit of shade and parts of the path is pretty rocky with some loose sand so wear good walking shoes. Stunning views of Sea point and Camps Bay and the Twelve Apostles. On a clear day you can see the cable car going up Table Mountain. There are some benches for you to rest and take on the beautiful views. You should be moderatly fit to do this hike. Walking back to to the car park is pretty steep.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Is it free to hike at Lion's head without guided tour?
fredsnac
Kortrijk, Belgium69 contributions
sure
Is it safe to climb if there are winds ?
CliveV - The Galloping Glutton
Cape Town Central, South Africa402 contributions
Lions Head is not a hard climb but it is steep and can take a bit of time.
With normal winds its really not a problem and very safe, however occasionally you do get gusts above 50 kms/32 miles per hour and so I would suggest you look at the weather notices beforehand to make sure that the winds are ok and there is no mist.
Jan de Wit
4 contributions
is climbing with kids (5-7) advisable?
FS11F
Novo Hamburgo, RS2,015 contributions
I would not recommend that trail for kids below 10 years old, unless they have some experience in long distances and do not have fear of height.
Isa A
Cape Town Central, South Africa8 contributions
Can I drive to top of Lion's Head?
davlorbrad
Cape Town, South Africa100 contributions
No you cannot drive up Lion's Head but you drive up Signal Hill Road to the car park that accesses the Lion's Head Climb. Unless fit suggest you carry on past the Lion's Head car park to the top of Signal Hill from where you have scenic views of Cape Town, Table Bay, Robben Island and so much more
Sachin K
Plainview, NY5,835 contributions
Is there anything such as a closing time for Lion's head attraction ? How much totaltime does it take to go up, enjoy the views up there & then come down ?
Louise M
Liverpool, UK237 contributions
Lions head isn't an attraction it's a mountain you climb it any time, there's no lights etc & very dangerous so if you are not experienced be careful & take head lights. There is no shop or anything, table mountain is an attraction with a restaurant cable cars & gift shops
happytraveller8585
2 contributions
Hi,
We are travelling to Cape Town soon and would love to do this hike. Only thing is we won't have a phone while we're there to call a taxi/uber for our return.
Is it in an area that's possible to flag down a taxi? Would it be difficult to find a ride back if it wasn't prearranged?
Thanks for any help!
bneb0y
Brisbane, Australia80 contributions
We ordered an Uber and it was there in less than 5 minutes and half the price of a taxi
Abhishek Roy
Indore, India113 contributions
Hi there,
we are coming with 4 year old kid, can we still hike lions head ?
Candice21
Sandton, South Africa452 contributions
Hi there I saw many little ones on the hike - but it’s not easy and you would need to specially mindful of that. I would also be particular in the time you choose. It was really hot the day we went and the girls struggled towards the end.
I hiked Lions Head today, November 17, 2017, between 10:30am and 2:30pm. Some time around 1:00pm, I lost my camera. A black Canon Powershot. I discovered it when I was half way to the bottom and hiked back up hoping to find it. No luck. I spoke to everyone I saw on the way up and down letting them know I was looking for a camera. I left my information with the ranger’s as well. All of my travel photos for the past 3 months are on that camera, so it’s very special to me. If someone finds it, please get in touch! Thank you.
lox95
Cambridge, UK51 contributions
Sorry to hear that! Good luck!
