Editor’s Note: This post is part of a series on my trip to South Africa.
Although Table Mountain usually gets all the press when you talk about hiking in Cape Town, South Africa, the equally impressive Lion’s Head Trail may actually be the one “must-do” hike you don’t want to miss.
Hiking The Lion’s Head Trail (Cape Town, South Africa)
Driving up to Lion’s Head:
About The Lion’s Head Trail
The Lion’s Head Trail is a 4.2 kilometer spiral trail that can be done either as an “out-and-back” or in a loop (if you take the trail spur to Wally’s cave).
AllTrails.com lists this hike as moderately difficult, an assessment I agree with. It took me about 1 hour up and 45 minutes down, but I took my time because there were so many scenic views and opportunities for pictures.
Depending on the time of year and the weather, this hike can be extremely hot as it is almost entirely exposed. Also, it can get very crowded, especially on the weekends and for sunrises and sunsets.
Location And Getting There
The Lion’s Head Trail is conveniently located in Cape Town, only about a 15 minute drive from the V&A Waterfront area.
The Trailhead And Parking
Although there is a small parking lot, and some limited street parking along the Signal Hill Road, I would really recommend just making your life easier by taking a taxi or an Uber rather than dealing with the headache of trying to find parking.
The Lion’s Head Trailhead is located on Signal Hill Road
The Trailhead and [super-crowded] parking lot
Extremely limited street parking
Starting The Ascent (With Views Of Table Mountain)
The trail begins with a slow steady incline, rounding Lion’s Head and slowly rewarding you with views of the Cape Town area.
Table Mountain
View of Camps Bay
Looking back down the trail toward Cape Town
Heading up the trail, up Lion’s Head peak on the right
Stepping onto the rock formation
View of Robben Island
Almost sunset
View of Signal Hill
The “Chains And Ladders” And The Final Push
The final push requires a bit of some [easy] rock scrambling as well as the usage of a couple of “chains and ladders” to get up to the peak.
Don’t worry – its not hard or scary, just crowded.
Rounding a ledge on the way up
Don’t go that way – barbed wire
Straight-shot view of Signal Hill
Look closely, you’ll see people climbing the “chains and ladders” portion of this hike (aka “the staples”), and a ghost hiker(?)
This couple found a quiet ledge for the sunset
Lion’s Head – The Summit
Reaching the summit of Lion’s Head is simply an incredible “bucket-list worthy” experience. Unlike the top of Table Mountain, the only way to get here is to hike up.
Those who make it to the summit are rewarded with 360-degree views of the entire Cape Town area.
The gateway to the peak
If there’s no Instagram pic, did it really happen?
Amazing 360-degree views!
Taking it all in
This guy did it in jeans and combat boots
Pano-time!
Heading Back Down (At Dusk)
The city at night
Final Thoughts: Hiking The Lion’s Head Trail (Cape Town, South Africa)
The Lion’s Head Trail was a little challenging, sure, but the the payoff at the summit was totally worth it.
The Lion’s Head Trail is one of the best hikes I did in South Africa, and it’s definitely not to be missed (whether you are a hardcore hiker or not).
In fact, it was probably the single biggest highlight of Cape Town (for me). And that’s really saying something considering Cape Town is such an incredible place with tons of amazing things to do.
Cheers!
