Start: Signal Hill Road, Cape town
End: Same as start
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
When to go: Year round
Nearest Major Airport: Cape town
Cape town has many mountains and Table Mountains being the most famous. Lion’s Head is a mountain between Table Mountains and Signal Hill. All three are very popular for trekking.
Highlights
Lion’s Head hike is a popular hiking trail located within Table Mountain National Park in Cape Town, South Africa. This iconic mountain offers breathtaking views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean from its summit. Hiking Lion’s Head is a must-do activity for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Cape Town’s landscape.
From this vantage points, you can capture panoramic views of the city, Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and beyond. You can spot Robben Island at a distance where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.
Difficulty
It is a moderate hike with some exposure but it is still something everyone can do and the views are very rewarding. Near the stop there is option to take the easier longer route or challenging and shorted route via some chain ladders. I recommend going up the ladders and coming down the longer route.
Packing essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, camera for capturing stunning views & plenty of water for the hike. Be mindful of changing weather conditions. Wear sturdy shoes as it can be very rocky near the top.
Getting there
Even though popular for sightseeing, the trail head is not on the sightseeing bus route. You can take a taxi to the trailhead. Starting from Cape Town, head in the south-west direction along Kloof Nek Rd/M62. As you approach the pass, you’ll notice Table Mountain on your left and Lions Head on your right. At the junction where Signal Hill Road intersects, make a right turn. Follow Signal Hill Road for about 1km to the signed trailhead.
Start early to avoid crowds and the heat. The is very popular and has lot of foot traffic. Sunrise and sunset are amazing from the summit. People also hike the trail in the night with head lamps, it’s best place to the see the twinkling light of the city. There are many organized tours and guides in the city that you can join to do this hike specially if you plan to do it in the dark.
Nearby Activities
- Table Mountains
- Signal Hill
- Waterfront
- Robben Island
- Cape of Good Hope
- Shark Diving