Lions Head Trail
Ascend Cape Town’s Lions Head Hike for native beauty, ancient rocks, and a summit with panoramic views of city, hills, and sea.
Child friendly
Description
Embark on the exhilarating Lions Head trail nestled in the heart of Cape Town, a 4.35-kilometer out-and-back journey renowned for its stunning panoramic views and challenging terrain. This iconic hiking destination in the Western Cape beckons adventurers with its immersive experience amidst indigenous flora and ancient rocks.
Whether you choose to conquer the trail during sunrise or sunset, the summit unveils a breathtaking 360-degree spectacle, with the sprawling cityscape, rolling hills, and the vast expanse of the sea stretching before you.
Open year-round, this beloved trail welcomes both seasoned hikers and nature enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable adventure in the embrace of Cape Town’s natural beauty. Bring your furry friend along, as dogs are welcome to explore certain areas off-leash, adding an extra layer of joy to your outdoor escapade.
Insider Guides
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to ascend to the peak. The trail can get steep, and proper footwear ensures a safe and enjoyable hike.
• The hiking trail is quite popular and you may have to wait for others to come down or go up the ladders and staples.
Trail Type
Hike
Route Type
Out & back
Experiences
Sunrise or Sunset Magic | Opt for an early morning sunrise hike or a late afternoon trek to catch the sun casting its warm hues over the cityscape or bidding farewell in a spectacular sunset display. The views are unparalleled during these times.
Full Moon Adventure | For a unique experience, try the hike during a full moon. The well-marked trail becomes bathed in moonlight, offering a different perspective of the landscape. Remember to bring a flashlight for safety.
Trail Length
4.35 km
Trail Difficulty
Challenging
Estimated Duration
2.5 hours round trip.
Safety Tips
Hiking shoes for grip.
Essentials
Camera | Hiking shoes | Sunscreen | Water
Entry Fee & Permit
Free entry.
Activities
• Sight seeing
• Climbing
• Picnic (ontop)
Features
- Child friendly
- Dog friendly – Up to the ladders.
- Lookout point
- Parking – Available on Signal Hill road.
- Picnic areas – Nice to picnic on top of the mountain.
- Scenic views
- Sunrise views
- Sunset views
- Toilets – Situated by starting point.
- Not wheelchair friendly
Must Tries
Sunrise/ Sunset & full moon hike.
Highlights
Spectacular views from the top.
Address
Lion’s Head Hiking Trail, Signal Hill road, Signal Hill
Opening Times
Monday – Sunday | All Day
Sunrise hike | 05h00 – 07h00
Sunset hike | 16h00 – 18h00
Full moon | 19h00 – 22h00
Description
Embark on the exhilarating Lions Head trail nestled in the heart of Cape Town, a 4.35-kilometer out-and-back journey renowned for its stunning panoramic views and challenging terrain. This iconic hiking destination in the Western Cape beckons adventurers with its immersive experience amidst indigenous flora and ancient rocks.
Whether you choose to conquer the trail during sunrise or sunset, the summit unveils a breathtaking 360-degree spectacle, with the sprawling cityscape, rolling hills, and the vast expanse of the sea stretching before you.
Open year-round, this beloved trail welcomes both seasoned hikers and nature enthusiasts, providing an unforgettable adventure in the embrace of Cape Town’s natural beauty. Bring your furry friend along, as dogs are welcome to explore certain areas off-leash, adding an extra layer of joy to your outdoor escapade.
Insider Guides
• Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, especially if you plan to ascend to the peak. The trail can get steep, and proper footwear ensures a safe and enjoyable hike.
• The hiking trail is quite popular and you may have to wait for others to come down or go up the ladders and staples.
Trail Type
Hike
Route Type
Out & back
Experiences
Sunrise or Sunset Magic | Opt for an early morning sunrise hike or a late afternoon trek to catch the sun casting its warm hues over the cityscape or bidding farewell in a spectacular sunset display. The views are unparalleled during these times.
Full Moon Adventure | For a unique experience, try the hike during a full moon. The well-marked trail becomes bathed in moonlight, offering a different perspective of the landscape. Remember to bring a flashlight for safety.
Trail Length
4.35 km
Trail Difficulty
Challenging
Estimated Duration
2.5 hours round trip.
Safety Tips
Hiking shoes for grip.
Essentials
Camera | Hiking shoes | Sunscreen | Water
Entry Fee & Permit
Free entry.
Activities
• Sight seeing
• Climbing
• Picnic (ontop)
Dog friendly
Up until the ladders.
Lookout point
Parking
Available on Signal Hill road.
Picnic areas
Scenic views
Sunrise views
Sunset views
Toilets
Situated by starting point.
Not wheelchair friendly
Must Tries
Sunrise/ Sunset & full moon hike.
Highlights
Spectacular views from the top.
Address
Lion’s Head Hiking Trail, Signal Hill road, Signal Hill
Opening Times | |
|
Monday – Sunday |
All day |
|
Sunrise hike |
05h00 – 07h00 |
|
Sunset hike |
16h00 – 18h00 |
|
Full moon hike |
19h00 – 22h00 |
