Hiking Lion's Head for sunrise coffee/tea hotel Pick-up Drop off

Overview

Available languages

English

French

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Make your Cape Town adventure unforgettable with a personalized small-group hike up Lion’s Head, limited to just 7 guests for a relaxed, intimate experience. As the trail winds around the mountain, you’ll enjoy ever-changing panoramic views at every turn.

At the summit, stand on the famous Lion’s Head “Instagram rock” and take in breathtaking 360-degree views—one of the best vantage points on the mountain. A sunrise hike is highly recommended for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning morning light.

Along the way, you may spot rock hyraxes (dassies), lizards, or even porcupines, while discovering the unique Cape fynbos found nowhere else in the world. You’ll also experience Lion’s Head’s fascinating geology, from Cape granite at the base to sandstone near the top.

Traveling with friends? A private hiking option for up to seven people is available for a truly exclusive and memorable Cape Town experience.

Additional Info

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

Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level

Age restriction minimum 12 years old

This hike may not be suitable for those who have undergone knee or hip replacement surgery.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Located between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, Lion’s Head rises above the city of Cape Town and forms part of Table Mountain National Park. This iconic peak offers one of the most rewarding sunrise hikes in the city. The hike begins in the early hours of the morning and requires the use of headlamps.This section of the trail is easy to follow, though steep and gravelly in places. First twilight appears approximately 30 minutes before sunrise. By this time, we will have completed a full loop around Lion’s Head and reached the halfway point where the path diverges toward the summit. The final 20 to 30 minutes follow a narrow, steep ridge with rocky sections that require the use of hands and fixed ladders. As the sun rises, the light transforms into a warm orange glow across Table Mountain and the surrounding landscape. At 669 meters above sea level, the summit of Lion’s Head rewards hikers with breathtaking 360-degree views. In full daylight, the ascent route becomes visible, revealing striking Cape granite and sandstone rock formations, as well as the unique indigenous flora known as Cape fynbos. The descent follows the same route and takes a minimum of 60 minutes to complete.

What‘s Included

Registered adventure hiking and culture tourist guide.

Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)

Coffee on sunrise hike only.

Photos & video

Head lamp

Pickup points

Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town

64 New Church Street, Tamboerskloof, Tamboerskloof Cape Town Central South Africa

Happy Rhino Hotel

179 Loop Street, 7th Floor Cape Town Central South Africa

Cape Town Hollow

88 Queen Victoria Street, Gardens Cape Town Central South Africa

The Cape Milner

2 A Milner Road, Tamboerskloof Cape Town Central South Africa

Long Street Boutique Hotel

230 Long Street, Cape Town Central South Africa

The Capital 15 on Orange

15 Orange St, Shop 3, Corner Of Orange Street & Grey's Pass Cape Town Central South Africa

Hippo Boutique Hotel

5-9 Park Road Gardens, Gardens Cape Town Central South Africa

St Martini Gardens

74 Queen Victoria Street, St Martini Gardens Cape Town Central South Africa

Options

Private group 5 to 7 persons.

Private. Transport included.: Personalized Experience: A private tour allows you to tailor the pace to your preferences and the group dynamics.
Pickup included

French Speaking Hiking Guide

Lion's Head hike French Guide
French Speaking Tour Guide
Pickup included

English speaking Hiking guide.

English speaking tour guide
Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

10 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Surise Morning Hike Lion´s Head
andreanadler74,,Feb 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Unfortunaltey there was no group I could join as single person the Sunrise Morning Hike, Patrick managed to provide a especially for me a Sunrise Morning Hike. Thanks for this spontanous event. It was unforgetable to see Cape Town wake up with the sunrise. Amazing view.
Beautiful sunrise
Elizabeth C,,Nov 4, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Watching the sunrise on this hike was amazing and Patrick was an amazing guide. I have already recommended this hike to all of the travelers I’ve met heading to Cape Town.
Lion's Head Sunset Walk
bessaferreira,,Sep 11, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Patrick was our guide during this walk. He was always available before the walk. He would adapt the tour if the weather was not good. This walk is a must do if you visit Cape Town. You can see the whole city as well as Table Mountain. Patrick would give you the best tips and give some history background of Cape Town. During the walk up, you will be able to do a 360 degrees walk arround the mountain which allows you to enjoy every angle (Tip: bring your binoculars because you might see whales which was the case for us). At the top, you will enjoy the sunset of this beautifcul city. On the way back Patrick gave us lamps because it gets dark quicker. His experience is really helped us to enjoy this tour. Thank you Patrick
Highly recommend
Tamra K,,Sep 10, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Patrick was an excellent host. He made me feel very comfortable as the winds was very strong for our walk. He made sure I was fine the entire trip.
Can’t beat 30 years experience in Cape Town!
cxnelson09,,Jun 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The night before the sunrise hike, Patrick messaged us with availability. We jumped on it! He gave detailed instructions for when and where to meet for this beautiful sunrise hike on Lion’s Head. In the morning, he was there at the base waiting for us with lamps. Thank goodness Patrick told us to bring a wind breaker, because there were some big gusts at times! It was an unforgettable hike. As a tour guide who has been showing Cape Town around for 30 years, he knew the mountain and the right paths like the back of his hand. On the hike, he shared his knowledge of Cape Town, historically, and currently. It was an absolutely pleasure. I booked Patrick for a mountain bike ride a few days later too. 5 starts. 10 out of 10.
No quick cable car
dottekotonai,,Apr 17, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thanks to Patrick as an arranger and Andy as my guide, my last day at Cape Town started to sparkle with the sunrise. Firstly, my booking was not suitable for their schedule. However, Patrick sincerely tried to arrange the original booking, and I could receive a go-decision message on the same night. On the booking date, Andy picked me up without delay according to the schedule, at 5AM. Our hike starting before dawn slowly became full of bright with the sunrise and the little bit harder climbing some vertical steps than my expectation. But Andy always took care about my climbing speed and steps. Hence, when we reached the top of the mountain without the cable car, I really felt my decision of the participation to their tour was much great. The tour is my best recommendation for tourists at Cape Town!!
Amazing sunrise on top of Lion's Head
missliberty8,,Dec 10, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great overall experience with Patrick, highly recommended. Pickup at our Airbnb in Green Point, stopping for coffee and then starting in the dark for a wonderful hike up Lion's Head. Patrick let's you set your own pace, is very calm and knows what he's doing. It's a great hike if you take it seriously. Wear hiking boots, reasonable clothing, bring water and leave the boombox at home.
Absolute MUST do!
janajonk,,Nov 6, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Patrick is a very professional and courteous guide. The pace we walked at was just right. He knows the area very well, and has several years of experience. Along the way he also shared some interesting info on the surroundings and fauna&flora. I will definitely contact im again on my next visit to plan my next adventure…Thank you, Patrick!
Hike Lion's Head Sunrise morning tour
kayoderaji,,Jul 28, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Patrick was really helpful throughout the hike, first he picked me up from my Air bnb at dawn, He brought some coffee, Patrick provided me with a headlight, and he was patient throughout our climb and descent. He also took some amazing photos, and he has in-depth knowledge of the the mountain, including routes, and locations around. If you want a complete and amazing experience of hiking Lion Head, Patrick is your guy!
Amazing Experience!
kayoderaji,,Apr 12, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Its such an amazing experience going on this tour with Patrick, He was very knowledgeable and he also help take great photos. Patrick brought us some coffee, Headlights. He was also very patient with me and he was also on time when he picked me up at my Airbnb and brought me back.