Cape Town: Table Mountain & Lions Head Hikes with Local Guide

Hike Table Mountain at sunrise or sunset with someone who knows every route

You choose your hike style (sunrise, sunset, full moon, or daytime), and Phil handles the permit, route planning, and photos. Groups stay small, and he adjusts for your fitness level and the weather. Message him first to lock in your time and preference, then show up ready to climb.

Options for this experience

5 options

From US$ 25 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Lions Head hike at an easy pace Available from 3 Jun 2027 Guide in English Up to 10 people Duration: 2 hours, or 1 to 2 hours as the sun goes down. Around the peak: a pleasant walk with stunning views of the ocean, the mountain, Camps Bay and the city below. Transport: offered for safety and convenience at R100 per person for me to collect you and drop you back after the hike (if within the city area).

Hike up Lions Head at sunset Available from 2 Jun 2027 Guide in English Up to 8 people 5 stars: Led by Phil, the owner and a registered tour guide. Duration: 3 hours. What to expect: please WhatsApp me first for advice and detailed information. Transport: for your safety and convenience, I will collect you and drop you back afterwards for R100 each.

Best Lion's Head hike Available from 15 Dec · 08:00 and 15:30 Guide in English Up to 10 people 5 stars: Guided by the owner, Phil, a registered tour guide. Duration: 4 hours in total (3-4 hours, depending on fitness level). What to expect: please WhatsApp me first for advice and detailed information. Transport: a car for up to 4 people, at R100 per person if within the city area, for convenience and safety.

See 2 more options

Lions Head hike at sunset 15:30 and 17:30 Guide in English Up to 8 people Duration: 3 hours. Safety: criminals have been targeting hikers and guides after dark, so we will descend just before sundown. Transport: message beforehand to arrange a Haval 4-seater for your safety and convenience.

Lion's Head Hike Available from 15 Dec · 08:00 Guide in English Up to 7 people 5 stars: Led by Phil, the owner and a registered tour guide. Duration: 3 hours, averaging 3 to 4 hours in total. What to expect: please WhatsApp me first for advice and detailed information. Transport: for your safety and convenience, I will collect you and drop you back afterwards for R100 each, in a Haval 4-seater.

None of these options right for you? See 9 alternatives ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head

• Contact guide Phil to arrange hike
• Choose hike type and time
• Meet guide for safety briefing
• Start hike with group or solo
• Enjoy views of city and ocean
• Complete hike and return

What’s included

• Your day includes the hiking permit, professional guidance from a registered tour guide, and photos documenting your hike.
• You arrange your own transport to the trailhead, though public transportation is available nearby.
• Sunrise, sunset, full moon, and daytime options are available depending on your fitness level and the weather.

Times

• Tuesday 08:00 15:30
• Wednesday and Sunday 17:30
• Saturday 15:30

Another time? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 12 3 private ›

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 12h before

Ages Adult (14 and older) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h 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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

Operated by Hike Cape Town Like a Local (Pty Ltd)

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

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Traveler reviews

4.96 ★★★★★ Exceptional 283 verified traveler reviews 98% rated it 5 stars

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The experience

So you're thinking about doing Table Mountain but don't want to just shuffle up with the cable car crowds? Yeah, that's the whole point of going with Phil. He's a registered guide who runs these hikes around Cape Town, and the thing is. He doesn't just take you up the main path. There are options. Sunrise hikes if you're the type who can wake up early. Sunset if you want the light to hit the city and ocean just right. Full moon nights if you're feeling it. Or just a regular day hike whenever works. The range is actually pretty wide: you could do a gentle two-hour forest walk if you're not trying to summit anything, or you could go full rock scramble up Table Mountain itself. No ropes, just you and the mountain.

The hike in Cape Town with Phil is flexible because he messages you first to work out what you actually want and what the weather's doing that day. Minimum two people unless you're joining a group that's already happening, which keeps things safer and more social if that matters to you. He covers the hiking permit in the price, so you're not sorting that out yourself, and he brings a camera. You get photos of the views and of you up there, which is honestly the part people forget to plan for. The fitness bar is moderate to high depending on which route you pick. If you've got spinal issues, are pregnant, or your cardiovascular system isn't great, this isn't the one. But if you can handle a few hours of climbing and uneven ground, you're in.

Phil also knows Cape Town beyond the mountains. If you want to ask him about wine tours, penguin colonies, Cape Point, or where the actual good beaches are, he can point you in the right direction. The hike itself is the main event, but having a guide who's lived here and knows the city is the thing that makes the morning or evening feel less like you're just ticking a box.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 13 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

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 24 h before the start.

How long does a typical hike take?

Anywhere from two hours for a gentle forest walk to several hours if you're summiting Table Mountain. Phil discusses timing with you before you book.

Do I need climbing experience or special equipment?

No. The rock scramble up Table Mountain requires no ropes or technical gear. Moderate fitness and willingness to use your hands on steep sections is enough.

What's included in the price?

The hiking permit, photos of your experience, and Phil's guidance. You bring water and appropriate footwear.

Can I do this alone or do I need a group?

Minimum two people unless you join an existing group. Phil requires at least two for safety reasons.

What if the weather is bad?

Phil factors in weather and time of year when you message him. Some conditions make certain hikes unsafe, and he'll advise on that.

Are sunrise and sunset hikes available year-round?

It depends on the season and weather. Message Phil to check what's possible for your dates.

Can I get recommendations for other Cape Town activities?

Yes. Phil is a registered tour guide and can advise on safaris, wine tours, penguin colonies, Cape Point, and beaches around the city.