Private Tour
Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike – 360° Views, Stories & Coffee
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
The Lion’s Head hike is the quintessential Cape Town experience - short, scenic, and soul-stirring. From one trail, you’ll see every side of the city: Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, Robben Island, and the Atlantic Ocean stretching forever.
What makes it special with Klipspring Hikes is the mix of safety, storytelling, and simple pleasures - local guides who’ve spent a lifetime exploring these slopes, coffee brewed on the mountain, and good conversation with a view.
Expect a decent workout, a few light scrambles, and the kind of 360° panorama that makes you fall in love with Cape Town all over again. You can even pre-order one of our homemade hiking packs filled with fresh sourdough sandwiches, pancakes, and “padkos” snacks to enjoy on top.
And for every hike booked, we plant a tree through our partners at Greenpop - because every step should give something back to nature.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please bring your own baby/toddler carriers
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
The Lion’s Head hike is one of Cape Town’s most iconic adventures — a short, scenic climb with maximum reward. We’ll meet at the trailhead on Signal Hill Road and begin our spiral ascent, winding through fragrant fynbos and sandstone ledges as the city unfolds below. As we climb, Table Mountain rises on one side and the Atlantic shimmers on the other. Your guide shares stories about the peaks, plants, and people that shaped this wild and beautiful place. The route circles the mountain, revealing 360° views — over the Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay, Devil’s Peak, and Robben Island. Near the top, we tackle a short rocky section with chains and ledges (safe and optional — there’s an alternate path if you prefer). At the summit, 669 metres above sea level, we’ll pause for freshly brewed mountain coffee and local snacks as the sun rises or sets over the Cape Peninsula. Quick facts: Height: 669 m above sea level Distance: ±4.3 km round trip Elevation gain: ±337 m Duration: 2.5–3 hours total Difficulty: moderate (suitable for beginners to advanced hikers) Sections with chains and narrow ledges (optional bypass) Views: spectacular 360° panoramas — sunrise, sunset, or full moon
What‘s Included
Freshly brewed coffee/tea made on top of the mountain with camp stove
We can provide backpacks, head torches, hiking poles and rainjackets.
Homemade Sourdough Sandwich or Freshly Homemade Pancakes with organic chocolate spread & fruit, Mountain Snacks
Homemade Sourdough Sandwich or Freshly Homemade Pancakes with organic chocolate spread & fruit, Mountain Snacks
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike – 360° Views, Stories & Coffee
Pickup included
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect Hike and Day tour
Cecilia l,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great one-day tour with Monique! We explored the Cape Peninsula, and the next day did a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head. Huge kudos to the team for being flexible to accommodate our schedule from Sunset to sunrise with the weather. The Lion’s Head hike was beautiful and never rushed, and we felt safe and well taken care of the entire time. Enjoying morning tea at the top was the perfect touch. A truly perfect Cape Town experience.”
Highly recommend!
146brittanyd,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I highly recommend booking with Klipspring Hikes! Both the owner and my guide were super friendly and prioritized safety which I greatly appreciated. They were also able to lend me trekking poles and a hiking backpack which saved me space in my luggage. Make sure to add-on the homemade snacks! Such a fun way to experience a sampling of local, authentic food.
Best 1st class climb with Marie & cute Otto!
Gena C,,Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Best 1st class climbing experience with our professional guide Marie and her pet assistant Otto. We had the best freshly brewed coffee on top of the lion's nose after our achievement at the summit. Surrounded by peaceful nature, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying a fresh serving of breakfast with the best African coffee, made our entire trip all the more surreal. Marie is very knowledgeable and eager to share stories about Cape Town and its beautiful landscape. She was very responsive to my concern of heights and guided me fully throughout the journey, keeping watch for my safety, and assisting me tackle the challenging sections on the trail. We love how this experience is further enhanced by the company of her cute dog Otto. He's such a darling! Marie also took so many beautiful photos of us which further sweetened the deal. What an awesome package! Highly recommend!
Best 1st class private hike by Marie
204chenx,,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best 1st class climbing experience with our professional guide Marie and her pet assistant Otto. We had the best freshly brewed coffee on top of the lion's nose after our achievement at the summit. Surrounded by peaceful nature, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, enjoying a fresh serving of breakfast with the best African coffee, made our entire trip all the more surreal. Marie is very knowledgeable and eager to share stories about Cape Town and its beautiful landscape. She was very responsive to my concern of heights and guided me fully throughout the journey, keeping watch for my safety, and assisting me tackle the challenging sections on the trail. We love how this experience is further enhanced by the company of her cute dog Otto. He's such a darling! Marie also took so many beautiful photos of us which further sweetened the deal. What an awesome package! Highly recommend!
Great Hike Up Lions Head! 🦁
T1539GCricharda,,Apr 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic sunrise hike with Marie (and Otto 🐕!) up to Lions Head peak today. Marie is lovely, a knowledgeable guide, and she ensured the trip was bespoke to my needs. It’s a delight to hike with someone who so clearly loves the activity and it’s embedded into her life. I was very grateful for the flexibility with my schedule, too, and the responses were fast and informative. I will revisit Cape Town and will be keen to do India Venster ☀️
Amazing guidance and experience
457martinev,,Jan 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing trip with Monique! We did the sunrise hike up to Lion’s head because we wanted to be sure of safety but also because we wanted some local intel on the plants and views. We were picked up at our stay and got some tea and local snacks on top of the mountain. If you want to stay away from the crowds and get a personalized experience, this is the hike for you!
An Unforgettable Hiking Experience in Cape Town!
445nazarh,,Dec 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you’re looking for an exceptional hiking guide in Cape Town, look no further than Marie’s ! From start to finish, my experience was nothing short of phenomenal. Marie who is the owner of Klipspring Hikes is an absolute pro at organizing hiking trips. They combine extensive knowledge of Cape Town's stunning landscapes with impeccable planning and a genuine passion for the outdoors. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and their attention to detail ensures every part of the hike is seamless and enjoyable. We explored both the Lion’s Head and the Table Mountain and the views were breathtaking. What set this experience apart was Marie's deep knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and history. They pointed out fascinating details that we would have otherwise missed and shared stories that brought the landscape to life. Safety was clearly a top priority. Whether it was choosing the right route for our fitness levels or keeping us informed about weather changes, we always felt well taken care of. They also encouraged us to take breaks and soak in the beauty, making the experience feel perfectly paced rather than rushed. Beyond the hike itself, Marie is warm, personable, and genuinely invested in making the day memorable for me. Their ability to connect with people, whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, is truly remarkable. I can't recommend this experience enough—it's a must-do if you're in Cape Town! Thank you, Marie, for an unforgettable adventure. I’ll be back for another hike soon! Naz
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