Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike with Headlamps

Summary

Hiking Lion’s Head for sunrise or sunset in Cape Town is a local tradition with city lights, rocky climbs, and laughter under the stars

You’ll climb Lion’s Head in Cape Town with a local guide and headlamp, catching either sunrise or sunset above city lights and mountain silhouettes. Expect rocky sections with chains to help you up, laughter at your own nerves, and that hush when light hits everything at once. It’s less polished than Table Mountain — but maybe that’s why it sticks with you.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the start because my shoelace snapped right as we met near the base of Lion’s Head. Our guide, Sizwe, just grinned and pulled out a spare from his backpack — apparently I’m not the first. It was still dark enough that the city below looked like someone had scattered gold dust over Cape Town. The air smelled faintly of damp earth and wildflowers, which surprised me for some reason. Maybe I expected more city than mountain.

We moved slow at first, everyone fumbling a bit with the headlamps (included in the tour — thank god, because my phone flashlight would’ve been useless). There was this one spot halfway up where you have to use metal chains to pull yourself over a rocky pitch. I hesitated — it looked steeper than I’d pictured — but Sizwe just showed us how to grip the handles and laughed when I muttered something about “not dying before breakfast.” He said locals do this hike during full moons all the time; it’s kind of their thing. That made me feel better somehow.

Near the top, I remember how suddenly quiet it got. Just wind and our breathing. When the sun finally cracked over the Hottentots Holland mountains (or if you’re there at sunset, it’s all gold over the Atlantic), everyone went silent for a second. Someone behind me whispered “wow” but honestly it felt more like you wanted to keep it to yourself. The rocks were cold under my hands but warmed up quick in the light. On the way down, we switched our headlamps back on — there’s something weirdly fun about hiking in semi-darkness with people you barely know.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike Lions Head at sunrise or sunset

• Start hike using provided flashlights
• Climb steep rocky and narrow terrain
• Use steel handles and chains to ascend
• Enjoy photo opportunities at summit
• Descend using flashlights if dark

Top questions

How hard is the Lion's Head hike in Cape Town?

The hike is considered easier than Table Mountain but does have steep, rocky sections and narrow paths from halfway up. You’ll need to use steel handles and chains on two short pitches.

Is equipment provided for hiking Lion's Head at night?

Yes, headlamps or flashlights are provided for both sunrise and sunset hikes when parts of the trail are dark.

What age can join this Lion's Head sunrise/sunset hike?

The minimum age is 8 years old; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Do I need good fitness for this hike?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness due to steep terrain and some scrambling sections.

What happens if weather is bad on Lion's Head hike?

If poor weather cancels your tour, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Are public transport options nearby for this hike?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the meeting point for Lion's Head hikes.

What’s included

Your hike includes use of headlamps or flashlights for early morning or evening darkness, guidance from a local who knows every twist of Lion’s Head, plus support if things get tricky on those rocky sections—just bring your own sturdy shoes and some nerve.