The Lion's Head hike at a glance
Lion's Head sits between Table Mountain and the sea, within Table Mountain National Park. The hike starts on Signal Hill Road and winds in a spiral around the peak. The last part is steep, with scrambling, ladders and chains. Where the chains are, a footpath offers an alternative line, so you can choose the easier option.
The walk is usually described as moderate, about 5 km, and 90 minutes to 2 hours. That time is not clearly defined as up only or up and down, so do not treat it as a guaranteed total. Add time for photos, queues on the ladders and the way back.
Lion's Head compared with the other mountain hikes
Times are rough guides and depend on fitness, weather and how many people are on the path.
| Hike | Length | Time | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lion's Head | About 5 km | 90 min to 2 hours | Moderate, steep final scramble with ladders and chains |
| Platteklip Gorge | About 3 km uphill | 1 to 3 hours | Moderate to tough, steep stone steps to the upper cableway station |
| India Venster | 2.9 km | – | Climbing sections, for experienced and fit hikers, hard descent |
| Skeleton Gorge | – | About 5.5 hours up and down | Very strenuous, ladders, stream bed, slippery in winter |
If you want a view of Table Mountain itself, Lion's Head is the shorter and simpler choice. See the hiking guide for the routes up the mountain.
Our picks: Lion's Head hikes
Guided hikes at sunrise or sunset, in small groups.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lion's Head sunrise or sunset hike
A registered guide, safety briefing, first-aid kit and small groups, with photo stops and background on history, flora and fauna.
Check availability →
Lion's Head or Table Mountain with a guide
A registered guide with first-aid training and headlamps. Hotel pickup only if you choose that option; the Table Mountain cable car ticket is extra.
Check availability →Lion's Head or Table Mountain at sunrise or sunset
A local guide, headlamps for sunrise and sunset, a safety briefing and a small group. The cable car ticket, which may be needed for the descent, is extra; pickup only with the pickup option.
Check availability →Lion's Head and Cape Town hiking tours
Guided hikes, sunrise and sunset outings and mountain tours around Cape Town, with live prices and availability.
Hiking Lion's Head step by step
What to expect on the way.
The start
The path begins at Signal Hill Road. Take water, sun protection and a charged phone, and wear sturdy shoes.
The spiral
The route winds around the peak, so the view changes on every turn. Keep to the marked path and do not cut corners across the slope.
The final scramble
Near the top the path gets steep. You use your hands, and there are ladders and chains. An alternative footpath goes around some of the harder moves. Go at the pace of the slowest person and give way to people coming down.
The way down
Allow as much care for the descent as for the ascent. Start back early enough to be off the mountain in daylight.
Daylight, full moon and group hiking
Plan your hike between sunrise and sunset. Full moon hikes are widespread, but they are recommended only in groups with an experienced guide. A bright moon does not make the path safe by itself.
Basic rules for any hike here: do not hike alone, with four people as an ideal group. Start early, tell a contact where you are going and when you will be back, and walk at the speed of the slowest person. Take sturdy shoes, warm and waterproof clothing even in summer, water, food and sun protection. Turn back if the weather or the time turns against you.
Robberies on walkers have occurred around Signal Hill and Lion's Head, among them one on the evening of 7 October 2026 involving two tourists and their guide. Keep valuables out of sight or leave them behind. If someone demands your belongings, do not resist. Save the park emergency number 086 110 6417 and the Cape Town emergency number +27 21 480 7700 before you start. Nationwide, the police number is 10111 and ambulance is 10177 or 112. Mobile reception is not available everywhere on the mountain.
For more, read the safety guide.
Path works and closures
The jeep track on Lion's Head was announced as closed from 20 April to about 20 June 2026 for repair work. The suggested alternatives were the Kramat Trail, Upper Rhine Road and Kloof Road. Check at the start that the route you want is open, and follow any ranger signs.
Fire danger is a seasonal issue as well. Work on firebreaks around the peninsula is expected to continue until December 2026, and rangers may close paths without warning. Read more in the national park guide.
Wild animals such as baboons and rock hyraxes must not be fed or touched.
Combine Lion's Head with the rest of Cape Town
Other pages that fit into the same day or trip.
Hiking Table Mountain
Platteklip Gorge, India Venster and what each route demands.
Weather on Table Mountain
Wind, the tablecloth cloud and how they change your day.
The Table Mountain Cableway
Fares, times and what happens when the wind blows.
Safety on the mountain
Group size, emergency numbers and advice on valuables.
Lion's Head: frequently asked questions
How long does the Lion's Head hike take?
The usual quote is 90 minutes to 2 hours for a route of about 5 km. It does not define whether this is up only or the full round trip, so plan more time than that, especially with photo stops.
How hard is Lion's Head?
It is rated moderate. The final section is steep, with scrambling, ladders and chains, and an alternative footpath exists. Use the footpath option if the chains do not suit you.
Can I hike Lion's Head at full moon?
Full moon hikes are common. They are recommended only in groups led by an experienced guide. Going alone or in the dark without a guide is not advised.
Can I hike Lion's Head alone?
Hiking alone is not advised, and four people make an ideal group. Go early, tell someone your route and keep your valuables out of sight.
Where does the hike start?
On Signal Hill Road. The route winds around the peak in a spiral to the top.
Is this the official site of the park?
No. This guide is independent and has no connection with the national park or any operator. Check the current path status before you go.