Lion’s Head Hike
Lion’s Head Hike Table Mountain: Iconic Views & Sunrise/Sunset Thrills
Lion’s Head is a free-standing peak located next to Table Mountain and about two-thirds its height. Looking for an exhilarating hike near Table Mountain with 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town? The Lion’s Head Hike offers a truly memorable experience, perfect for sunrise or sunset adventures. Discover why this iconic peak provides exciting hiking, sensational vistas, and a fantastic alternative when Table Mountain is shrouded in cloud. Book Now.
Experience the Legendary Lion’s Head Hike
Lion’s Head is a distinctive, free-standing peak nestled beside Table Mountain, standing at approximately two-thirds of its height. This insular peak promises an exhilarating hiking experience, delivering sensational, ever-changing views as you ascend. It’s particularly popular as a sunrise or sunset hike, offering a truly unforgettable experience as the city awakens or the sky ignites with colour. Lion’s Head also serves as an excellent alternative when Table Mountain’s summit is obscured by clouds. For those seeking an even more unique journey, our guided tours offer a secret, more adventurous route option off the beaten track, ideal for days when the main path might be crowded or the scrambles congested.
Lion’s Head Hike Difficulty: Adventurous Yet Accessible
The ascent of Lion’s Head involves scrambling and exposure to heights. While nothing is extreme, a decent sense of balance and a head for heights are certainly beneficial. If you suffer from a severe fear of heights, this route is generally not recommended. However, if you’re only nervous or wary of heights, and you’re up for a challenge and prepared to step outside your comfort zone, you’ll find it rewarding. Some hikers actually find the compulsory descent (as there’s no cable car option) more challenging than the ascent itself.
Terrain on the Lion’s Head Hike
The Lion’s Head hiking trail follows a well-defined path. It features large rock steps in certain sections, alongside engaging scrambling elements that add to the adventure. The trail cleverly winds around the peak, ensuring that ever-changing views are your constant companion.
Lion’s Head Hike Information
- Grade: A+ (Moderately adventurous with a B option for less exposure)
- Duration: 3.5 hours (up and down, approximate total)
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (up and down, approximate total)
- Elevation Gain: 390 meters / 1300 feet
Ready for incredible views? Enquire Now to book your Lion’s Head Hike!
Information & Prices
- Grade: A+ (with a B option)
- Duration: 3.5 hours (up and down)
- Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (up and down)
- Elevation gain: 390 meters / 1300 feet
- Cost: R1500 per person
Pros of the Lion’s Head Hike
- Less elevation gain compared to Table Mountain, making it generally less strenuous.
- Offers truly spectacular 360-degree panoramic views.
- Provides the classic, iconic view of Table Mountain.
- Ideal for a memorable sunrise or sunset hiking experience.
- Generally not overly strenuous for those with average fitness.
Cons of the Lion’s Head Hike
- Can get crowded on most weekends and holidays.
- Features a compulsory descent as there is no cable car.
- Offers relatively less in the way of untouched nature (peace and quiet) compared to Table Mountain routes.
Main Attractions on the Lion’s Head Hike
- The best elevated view of Table Mountain itself, perfect for photography.
- Breathtaking panoramic views encompassing the city, coastline, and mountains.
- Exciting hiking with varied terrain and scrambling.
- The exhilarating experience of reaching an airy summit.
Who Should Consider the Lion’s Head Hike?
Lion’s Head is an excellent choice for:
- Hikers keen to experience elevated sunrise or sunset views of Table Mountain and Cape Town.
- Hikers looking for a second iconic hike after having already conquered Table Mountain.
- On days when the Table Mountain Cableway is closed due to strong wind, it’s a great option for hikers who are not fit enough to hike up and down Table Mountain.
Who Should Avoid the Lion’s Head Hike?
This route is not recommended for:
- Anyone with a severe fear of heights.
- Hikers with knee injuries (due to the descent).
- Hikers suffering from impaired balance or excessive clumsiness.
How Fit Should You Be to Enjoy the Lion’s Head Route?
You should have at least slightly below-average to average fitness level to enjoy the Lion’s Head hike. As with all Table Mountain routes, the less physical fitness you bring to the hike, the more determination, motivation, and grit you will need to comfortably complete the ascent and the compulsory descent.
How Does Lion’s Head Compare to India Venster?
- Lion’s Head involves approximately 45% less uphill, but requires a compulsory descent.
- Views are different but equally stunning.
- Lion’s Head is generally less technical on the ascent.
- Lion’s Head involves less exposure to heights.
- If you’re very uncomfortable with downhill sections, Lion’s Head might surprisingly be the more challenging of the two.
How Does Lion’s Head Compare to Platteklip Gorge?
- Lion’s Head involves approximately 40% less uphill, but with a compulsory descent.
- Lion’s Head offers significantly better views than Platteklip Gorge.
- Lion’s Head is more technical and involves more exposure to heights.
Lion’s Head or Table Mountain? Which to Choose?
The choice between Lion’s Head and Table Mountain depends entirely on your fitness, abilities, and preferences.
- Lion’s Head is generally better as a sunrise or sunset hike, or on days when the cableway is closed due to strong wind (which would otherwise necessitate a tough and unpleasant hike-down Table Mountain).
- Table Mountain is more strenuous but often offers a deeper sense of achievement.
- Views on most Table Mountain routes (except perhaps Platteklip Gorge) are generally on par with Lion’s Head in terms of overall quality.
CONTACT US for a detailed discussion on which hike would be best for your specific needs and preferences.