Hiking Lion's Head is one of the best things to do in Cape Town, and it earns the reputation. In two to three hours you can walk from a quiet suburb road to a 669-metre summit with a 360-degree view over Table Mountain, the Atlantic seaboard and the city bowl. Lion's Head is also an easy add-on to a Cape Town day trip from Villa Helderberg. Here is what to know before you go, from the route and the chains to the best time to catch the view.
Photo: Neal Strydom, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Getting there from Somerset West
Lion's Head sits between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, above the suburb of Tamboerskloof. It is roughly an hour's drive from Somerset West along the N2, traffic depending. The main trailhead is on Signal Hill Road, where there is a small, free parking area opposite the start of the path. A second lot near the church further along the road is a useful backup, since both fill up on weekends and around full moon. According to Cape Town Tourism, the route can also be picked up by driving up Kloof Nek and turning towards Signal Hill. See our guide to the top 10 things to do in Cape Town for planning the rest of the day.
The route: what to expect
The hike covers around 5 kilometres up and down and climbs roughly 350 to 400 metres to the 669-metre summit. Allow two to three hours in total: about an hour to 90 minutes up, a break to take in the view, and 30 to 45 minutes back down. The first half is a straightforward, well-marked path around the base of the peak, past a security boom and up a pebbled track. The second half turns into a proper scramble over rock with some exposure near the top. Overall it is rated moderate to challenging: no technical climbing experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness and a head for heights both help.
The chains and ladders
The final push to the summit follows a series of steel chains, staples and short ladders bolted into the rock, maintained over the years to make the exposed sections safer. If you would rather skip them, the Lion's Head Loop is a gentler, roughly 5.3-kilometre path that circles the base of the mountain on an easier gradient with no chains or ladders. It is popular with trail runners and evening dog walkers, though it does not reach the summit itself. Either way, be patient at the narrow sections: on weekends and full moon evenings, it can back up at the ladders.
Photo: Hilton1949, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Best time to hike: sunrise, sunset and full moon
Most people time their hike for sunrise or sunset, and both are spectacular: sunrise for the quiet and the light over False Bay, sunset for the city lighting up below. In summer, start well before 8am if you are hiking in the middle of the day to avoid the heat. For sunrise or sunset hikes, carry a headlamp or use your phone's torch for the dark sections of the path.
One local tradition worth timing your trip around is the full moon hike, when Capetonians climb up around sunset on nights close to the full moon to watch the moonrise together from the summit, picnic in hand. According to Cape Town Magazine, the summit gets properly busy and festive on these nights, and SANParks recommends the full moon hike only be done in a group, ideally with someone who has done it before. Check the wind forecast before you commit: the Cape's notorious south-easter can make the exposed sections unpleasant, and it is best to turn back if it picks up.
What to bring
Carry at least a litre of water (more in summer), sun protection, a hat and snacks, since there is no shade and nothing to buy on the mountain. Wear proper shoes with grip for the rock scramble, and pack a light jacket, since it is noticeably windier and cooler at the top. Tell someone your plan, and avoid hiking alone at dawn or dusk. A few local operators, such as Hike Lion's Head, run small guided sunrise and sunset hikes if you would rather not go it alone. For a hearty start to the day, see our breakfast options at the villa.
Make it a day out after hiking Lion's Head
Hiking Lion's Head pairs naturally with the rest of a Cape Town day: hikers who finish a sunrise summit are often back in the city in time for a late breakfast, and a sunset hike folds neatly into an evening at the V&A Waterfront. Our top 10 things to do in Cape Town guide has ideas for the rest of the day. If you would rather stay closer to the villa, our best hikes in Somerset West guide has gentler trails right on the doorstep. Guests can also ask us about our day trips from Villa Helderberg.
Hiking Lion's Head: frequently asked questions
How long does the Lion's Head hike take?
Most hikers take two to three hours round trip: about an hour to 90 minutes up, some time at the summit, and 30 to 45 minutes back down.
Is the Lion's Head hike difficult?
It is rated moderate to challenging. The first half is an easy, well-marked path, while the second half involves rock scrambling and chains or ladders near the summit.
Do I need to be an experienced hiker?
No technical climbing experience is required, but a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with heights help. Hikers who would rather avoid the chains can take the Lion's Head Loop around the base instead.
What is the full moon hike?
It is a popular local tradition in which hikers climb up around sunset on nights close to the full moon to watch the moonrise from the summit together. Expect it to be busy, and go in a group.
Is there an entry fee?
No, Lion's Head is free to hike and does not require a permit, unlike some other trails in Table Mountain National Park.
What is the best way to start hiking Lion's Head?
Most hikers begin at the Signal Hill Road trailhead early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds. Wear grippy shoes, bring water, and check the wind forecast before you set off.