Lion's Head Hike for Sunrise with coffee/tea or Sunset
Description
This small-group hike, limited to a maximum of 6 participants, offers a more personal and authentic experience. Lion’s Head is one of the three iconic peaks that frame the city of Cape Town and is renowned for its spectacular 360-degree views. Located just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Lion’s Head is easily accessible. Lion's Head summit is reachable in approximately 90 minutes. With Table Mountain as its dramatic backdrop, the mountain lies within one of the smallest yet richest floral kingdoms in the world. Hiking Lion’s Head at sunset/sunrise is a cherished Capetonian tradition, when the evening sun bathes the ocean and coastline in a golden glow, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere. A sunrise hike is equally magical, offering a peaceful start to the day as the sky shifts through vibrant colors—perfect for unforgettable photo opportunities. For those traveling with friends, a private hiking option for up to six travelers is also available. Coffee/tea on sunrise hike.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Transportation depending on selected option: Pick-up & drop-off. Cape Town city bowl. Drop-off only. Cape Town city bowl. No transport. Our tour guide will be meeting our travelers within the Cape Town city bowl radius or at the Lion's Head hike parking starting point of our hiking activity.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- The hike up Lion's Head is weather dependant
- Closed shoes (hiking shoes, trail running shoes)
- Bring your camera
- Pack a bottle of water to stay hydrated
- Have a warm top it can get a little chilly at the peak after sunset.
- Minimum age 10 years old.
- Near public transportation.
- Important to have a small camel-bag to be able to store your water bottle.
- Not recommended for travelers with fear of height
- This hike may not be suitable for those who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery.
Reviews(84)
Patrick was amazing tour guide on this half day tour to the top of the Lion’s Head. Very knowledgeable and very attentive, focused on safe hiking. Highly recommended!
I’m really glad you enjoyed the half-day hike up Lion’s Head and felt both supported and safe throughout the experience. Safety and attentive guiding are always a top priority, so it’s great to hear that this stood out for you. It was a pleasure sharing the mountain with you, and I truly appreciate your feedback. I hope to welcome you back for another Cape Town adventure in the future!
Patrick was amazing! Very knowledgeable, experienced, funny at times, and knows when to pause for breaks. We were just 3…and so more info could be taken in. Highly recommend Patrick as a tour guide. This hike is a must do if you like Sunsets or Sunrises from atop a hill. A few things of note…it takes about -4 hours up and down (including breaks). There NO bathrooms at the foot of the hill, enroute, or at the top…plan accordingly. Layers, and headlamp are helpful although Patrick carried extras in his bag…just in case.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and recommendation! I'm delighted to hear that you enjoyed the hike and appreciated the knowledge, pacing, and a few laughs along the way. Lion's Head is truly a special experience, especially at sunrise or sunset when the views over Cape Town are at their most spectacular. Thank you as well for sharing those helpful tips for future hikers regarding the duration, facilities, and the importance of bringing layers and a headlamp. Safety and comfort are always a priority, which is why I carry a few extra essentials just in case they're needed. It was a pleasure hiking with such a great small group, and I'm glad having only three participants allowed for a more personal experience. I hope to welcome you back to Cape Town for another adventure in the future!
This guided sunset hike to Lions Head and back was definitely one for the books! Patrick is extremely kind, patient, and knowledgeable about the routes and ensured that everyone with us was comfortable. Although the hike itself was slightly difficult for beginner hikers because of the other route being closed at the time, it was such a fun challenge that all of us thoroughly enjoyed. The views were INCREDIBLE and definitely worth it, even after the sunset as we trekked back in the dark with headlamps. We truly gained a great perspective of the city and are so grateful for such a memorable experience! Thank you so much :D
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! It was a real pleasure guiding you on the sunset hike up Lion's Head. I’m really glad everyone felt comfortable and supported throughout the hike, especially with the alternative route making things a bit more challenging than usual. You all handled it brilliantly and with such great energy! The sunset views over Cape Town are always special, and I’m happy you enjoyed the experience even more on the descent with the headlamps — it really gives a unique perspective of the mountain and the city at night. Thank you again for your kind words. It means a lot to know the experience was memorable for you, and I hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon! Thank-you. Patrick
Patrick guided our family of 4 up Lion's Head at sunset. We felt safe and appreciated his guidance on the trickier sections. Patrick was really friendly and made sure we were ok at every stage. Highly recommended
It was a real pleasure guiding your family up Lion's Head for sunset. I’m glad you felt safe and comfortable throughout the hike, especially on the more technical sections. Making sure everyone enjoys the experience at a good pace and with confidence is always my priority. Thank-you so much for your feedback.
Had a lovely sunrise hike with Andy. Very friendly and knowledgeable. We were the first to make it to the top and had prime seats for the majestic sunrise. Absolutely breathtaking. Would recommend it to anyone looking for some adventure in CPT. Worth the early wake up!
What a great way to start the day! Thanks for the awesome review—being first at the top for sunrise is always something special. I’m so glad you had such a memorable experience, and I truly appreciate the recommendation. See you on the next Cape Town adventure!
The sunset hike up Lion’s Head turned out to be one of the highlights of our 2 weeks in South Africa. I cannot sing Patrick’s praises highly enough. He was absolutely great - good company, knowledgable and funny. The walk itself was beautiful, with stunning views throughout. The walk winds round Lion’s Head, so you get all the possible views. Once it starts getting dark, the walk down is so interesting, looking over Cape Town by night. The head torches Patrick provided were top notch and he safely guided us throughout. The hike would be more than manageable for anyone comfortable on their feet for a few hours. It’s not easy, but it’s by no means arduous. We never felt out of breath. In terms of cost, this was one of the least expensive options for a guided hike on Lion’s Head, making it even better value. Thank you Patrick!
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! I’m thrilled to hear that the sunset hike up Lion’s Head was one of the highlights of your trip to South Africa. I’m glad you enjoyed the views, the route, and the experience of seeing Cape Town light up at night. Safety and comfort are always top priorities, so I’m happy the head torches and guidance helped make the descent enjoyable. And thank you for your kind words guiding guests like you makes my job incredibly rewarding. It’s great to hear that you found the hike manageable and good value as well. Thank you again for choosing to hike with me and for taking the time to share your experience. Wishing you many more adventures ahead! Warm regards, Patrick
Andy's a great tour guide, had a friendly, fun, relaxed hike up, got there in plenty of time to get a good spot for the sunrise, had a delish cup of hot coffee while watching the sun rise over Table Mountain. 100% recommend!
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a fun and relaxed hike with Andy. Making it to the sunrise spot in good time—and enjoying a delicious cup of hot coffee while taking in those views of Table Mountain—sounds like a perfect start to the day. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure soon!
Shamier is a fantastic guide who really looks after his customers. I was collected from my accommodation and taken to the start of the hiking trail. The route, terrain, length and elevation gain was all explained in detail before the guided hike commenced. Flashlights were provided and we walked at a nice steady pace in our small group. The views on the way up, at the top for sunrise, and on the way down were amazing. Definitely worth the hike and i felt safe at all times.
If you are solo travelling and want to hike, I highly recommend Patrick! It was an unreal experience hiking to the top of Lion’s Head with Patrick’s guidance and seeing the most majestic view with the sun rise :)
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m really glad you enjoyed the sunrise hike — it’s such a special experience. It was great sharing the trail with you, and I’m happy you felt comfortable and enjoyed the views. Safe travels and hope to see you again on another adventure!
Patrick was an excellent guide who gave us a super nice trip with his knowledge and his great manner. I would go on a trip with him again at any time!
Thanks a lot for the lovely feedback! I had a great time showing you around and I’m really glad you enjoyed it. You’re always welcome to join me for another trip anytime!
