Half-Day Lion’s Head hike

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Lions Head is often over-looked in favour of its much larger neighbour, yet this mountain offers some of the best views of the city and its environs. It’s a very accessible hike for anyone wanting to get high without getting technical. The trail offers a high reward for effort, with breath-taking views for 360 degrees, including the iconic view of Table Mountain, above.

Our guides have frequently downgraded a Table Mountain hike to Lion’s Head for guests who, on the day, decide they would rather not tackle the 700m/2300ft of vertical walking. In addition, it’s often a good alternative to Table Mountain when the weather closes down the cableway.

However, if your guests are familiar with the outdoors and are looking for a quiet trail, away from the heaving hiking crowds, then Lion’s Head is not the right trail for them. The trail gets extremely busy, particularly during the summer months, when morning and evening ascents are popular with both local and visiting hikers.

Lion's Head

Best option for: Guests who do not feel they are able to complete a hike up Table Mountain but who are eager to hike to achieve great views.

Duration: 1 – 3 hours / 4 km (2½ miles)

Description: Dwarfed as it is by Table Mountain, the under-rated Lions Head offers  a spectacular loop walk that offers 360° views of the city and an unusual perspective of Table Mountain, and is a great substitute when conditions on Table Mountain are not suitable.  The higher sections of the mountain become a little more vertiginous, occasionally requiring the use of small, very stable steel ladders to ascend rock steps, so a good head for heights is required.  The infamous chains about ¾ the way up can provide a fun challenge or can be by-passed by using an alternative rocky trail.  Descent is by the same route.

Grade: Easy to Moderate – good mountain trails that can be rocky underfoot. The upper sections of the mountain involve some slightly exposed ledges and easy metal ladders to assist with short rocky sections.

Experience & Fitness Level Required: A good level of hiking fitness required to cope with a sustained ascent and a good head for heights for tackling the ladders and chains at the top (although the latter can be avoided), along with comfort walking over uneven ground.

 

Please contact us for a detailed itinerary!
L to R: Active Africa guide Brigitte on the Lion's Head trail with Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles in the background; Lion's Head and Signal Hill as seen from Table Mountain
  • RATES

    Please contact your DMC for rates

    If you are a DMC, please contact us for agent rates if you do not have them

    We offer scaled rates for groups of up to 6 guests per guide. Larger groups are quoted on, based on the route selected.

    National park conservation fees and cableway tickets are added, nett and non-commissionable

    Agents can opt to include single or return cableway tickets, when booking, regardless of the route selected. This offers flexibility to clients on the day of the trip.

  • RATES INCLUDE

    Private, qualified mountain walking and culture guide 

    Private return transfers

    Personal water bottle to keep

    Trail snacks, tea/coffee and refreshments

    Use of safety and walking equipment to supplement client equipment (backpacks, jackets, poles, pouches are provided)

     

     

  • IMPORTANT POINTS

    PLEASE NOTE:  

    • A festive season surcharge of ZAR300 per trip is applicable between 20 December & 5 January  
    • Operation of the cable car is beyond our control and it can close at any stage due to inclement weather. In this event we are required to walk off the mountain – an additional 2hrs of hiking.  Please ensure guests are aware of this.
    • A recommended kit list is available on request. 
  • FACT SHEETS

    Please download our fact sheet for more information:

    Table Mountain hikes 

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