Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike Cape Town: Guided with headlamps

Climb steep rocky terrain to a 669-meter summit and watch the city lights or ocean horizon shift color.

Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike is a guided hike up Cape Town's most photographed peak, where you climb 669 meters on steep and narrow terrain with steel chains and handles on two short pitches, then descend with headlamps provided. A professional guide leads the ascent at a steady pace. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available on some options, and the hike takes around 3.5 hours. Not suitable for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or severe fear of heights. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and minimum age is 8 years.

The experience

The hike starts with a meeting at the trailhead or a pickup from your accommodation, depending on which option you choose. Your professional guide briefs you before the ascent begins. From there, you move at a steady pace up steep, rocky terrain, scrambling and climbing along a trail that grows narrower as you gain elevation. About halfway up, the terrain becomes more technical: two short pitches of around 3 meters each require the use of steel handles and chains to pull yourself up. These are only on the way up, not on the descent. The summit sits 669 meters above sea level.

Timing shapes the whole experience. On a sunset hike, you reach the top as light fades, then descend in darkness using the headlamps provided. On a sunrise hike, you may hike the first part in darkness before the sky begins to lighten. Either way, the light show is the point: city lights spread below you on clear nights, or the ocean and Hottentots Holland mountains catch the first or last rays of sun. Photo opportunities come before the descent, and this hike has been a local tradition for generations, especially during full moons and windless conditions when the view holds steady.

The hike demands moderate to good physical fitness and comfort with heights. Steep sections and the chain pitches mean this is not a casual walk, though it is regarded as easier than Table Mountain. Wear proper hiking shoes and dress for the weather: the mountain operates in most conditions, and if poor weather forces a cancellation, you can reschedule or get a full refund. Public transportation is available near the trailhead if you opt for the no-transport option.

What’s included

• Professional guide leading the hike in English.
• headlamps or flashlights for dawn or dusk descents.
• hotel pickup and drop-off on selected options.

Options for this experience

5 options

Sunset Hike without TransportGuide in English · 16:15Sunset Hike

Sunrise Hike without TransportGuide in English · 04:30A standard guided hike that begins at a set starting point where guests gather.

Private Sunrise or Sunset HikeGuide in English · 12:00Private Hike with an exclusive guide, so no other guests join the tour. Transport within a 5-mile radius, along with water and snacks, is included. You can choose sunrise or sunset, and the hike can be tailored to your needs. Pickup is included

See 2 more options

Sunset Hike with Pick-up and Drop-offGuide in English · 15:00Guided Hike with Pick-up and Drop-off: a standard guided hike that includes pick-up and drop-off in and around the city centre or nearby areas. Pickup is included

Sunrise Hike with Pick-up or Drop-offGuide in English · 04:00Pick-up and Drop-off: pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 04:00, the last at 16:15

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (8 to 65 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The start location on google maps is at 7 Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill. As you turn onto Signal Hill Road, the parking area is about 500m up the road.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by The Cape Town Local

Is this one for you?Choose the private option if you want to set your own pace and timing with a guide who adjusts to your group alone. Pick a sunrise or sunset departure based on which light you want to photograph: sunrise means an early start and climbing through darkness, while sunset gives you daylight for the ascent and a lit city below as you descend. The no-transport options suit travelers staying near the trailhead or who prefer to arrange their own way there.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is the steel chain section on Lion's Head like?

Two pitches of about 3 meters each require you to use steel handles and chains to climb up. These sections are only on the ascent, not the descent. They come roughly halfway up the mountain and are part of what makes the hike more technical than the lower sections.

Do I hike in the dark on a sunrise or sunset hike?

On a sunset hike, you descend in darkness using the headlamps provided. On a sunrise hike, you may hike the first part in darkness before dawn breaks, then watch the light arrive as you climb higher.

Can I book this hike with hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the Sunrise Hike - Pick-up/Dropoff and Sunset Hike - Pick-up/Drop-off options. The no-transport options mean you meet the guide at the trailhead instead.

How long does the Lion's Head hike take?

The hike takes around 3.5 hours total, including the ascent to the 669-meter summit, time at the top for photos, and the descent.

What fitness level do I need for Lion's Head?

You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and should be relatively comfortable with heights. The hike is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or severe fear of heights, and it is not suitable for anyone with heart or other serious medical conditions.

What is included with the hike?

Headlamps or flashlights are provided. A professional guide leads the hike in English. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the transport options, while the no-transport options do not include this. Bottled water and snacks are not included.