Lion’s Head Hike

By Vicky · Published Feb. 13th, 2026

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Hiking up Lion’s Head is one of the best things to do in Cape Town, with incredible views and just the right amount of challenge!

Location

Lion’s Head is a distinctive hill in the middle of Cape Town. It’s roughly 15 minutes drive from either the V&A Waterfront or anywhere else in central Cape Town.

Where to park when hiking Lions Head?

There’s a small car park by the side of the road at the start of the Lion’s Head Hike. It’s about 500 metres up Signal Hill Road after the turn off Kloof Nek Road. If this car park is full, you can park along Signal Hill Road. Try to arrive early if you hike on a weekend to avoid the crowds! If you want to rent a car, check out the options for car hire* from Cape Town.

What if I don’t have a car?

If you don’t have a car, the easiest way to reach the start of the Lions Head Hike is with Uber. Prices in South Africa are very reasonable, so this is a good option. Alternatively, you can book a guided hiking tour up Lion’s Head* with pickup from your accommodation.

Is it safe to walk up Lion’s Head?

It is generally safe to walk up Lion’s Head since it’s a very popular hike, so often busy with both tourists and locals. This means that being mugged on this hike is extremely rare. That being said, you still shouldn’t hike alone. It’s also best to avoid hiking in the dark unless you’re part of a larger group or it’s a full moon (when this hike is quite busy).

The main danger on the hike up Lion’s Head is actually the physical risks that come with hiking. One section of this route involves using chains and staples, though this can be avoided. Check the weather before you leave and don’t hike in rain or during a thunderstorm. Also, make sure to wear sensible shoes with grip, either trainers or preferably hiking shoes or hiking boots.

When hiking Lion’s Head, it’s also important to carry enough water or another drink and to wear a sunhat. Don’t underestimate the heat combined with the physical exertion of hiking uphill, so take plenty of stops and keep drinking.

If you’re alone or an inexperienced hiker, it’s best to go on a guided tour, for example, this popular sunrise or sunset hiking tour*.

Is the Lion’s Head hike difficult?

The hike up Lion’s Head and back is roughly 4.5 km with 350 metres of climb. It takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, or longer if you have long breaks. This means it’s not particularly strenuous in terms of distance or height gain, though it is steep in places and if you are not used to physical excercise it would definitely be a challenge. The heat can also make it more difficult than the same hike in a cooler place.

Underfoot, the path starts along an easy track, but at the end it is narrow, steep and rocky. There are actually two routes you can choose from near the top – the ‘Staples Route’ or the ‘Alternative Route’. There’s an obvious hiking sign here which points the way to either option. After these routes meet, there’s still a steep, slightly narrow ridge to walk along, so don’t underestimate this hike.

The ‘Staples Route‘ leads you up almost vertical, small rocky cliffs with the help of chains and staples. You should have a head for heights and some agility to choose this route, though it’s not too difficult. The ‘Alternative Route‘ is easier, with no chains or staples, but you still have to walk up a steep rocky path and sometimes clamber over small boulders.

Lion’s Head Hike Map

Lion’s Head Hiking Route

Opposite the car park, you will see a toilet block and drinks stand, plus a map of the hike up Lion’s Head. The route starts to the left, along the wide, sandy track. This track heads gradually upwards and loops around Lion’s Head.

In almost 1 km the track turns into a smaller path, first with some gentle steps. The path gets a bit rockier and continues heading gently upwards. This is the shady side, and the views to your left of the ocean are really great.

In a short while, you’ll come to a path junction. One path continues gradually upwards and the other heads down to the left. Take the path straight on, bearing in mind that you could take the other path on the way back down to make a more circular hike.

Soon, the path turns the corner and you can see over central Cape Town and beyond. If it’s clear, you can also see Robben Island in the middle of the bay. Looping further around the mountain, you eventually come to a route choice. It’s clearly signposted, and you can choose to reach the summit of Lion’s Head via the ‘Staples’ or via the ‘Alternative Route’.

Staples versus Alternative Route

From the junction, you can already see the main cliff you have to climb up if you choose the ‘Staples’ route. This means you can already judge if you would find this too difficult and scary, and if so, choose the ‘Alternative Route’. If you do want to experience the ‘Staples’ route, it’s highly recommended to go up the Staples and back down the Alternative Route.

Whichever route you choose, the paths meet again on the top ridge. It’s quite rocky and there are some large steps to hike up, some of which might require the use of hands. The ridge isn’t too narrow, but it’s also not too wide, so you shouldn’t be afraid of heights to do this hike.

A short distance further on, and you’ll reach the flat, rocky top of Lion’s Head. Take a well-deserved break to drink some water, have a snack, and enjoy the glorious view. You may even see some dassies here – similar to marmots or large guinea pigs, but in fact closely related to the elephant!

When you’re ready, begin the descent the way you came up. Take the ‘Alternative Route’ down rather than the Staples. This is because everyone comes up the Staples, and you would have to wait a super long time for the route to be free before climbing down.

Circular Hike Back

Further down, you can either walk back the same way you walked up, or you can make it a slightly nicer, more circular route. To do this, take the path to the right after turning the corner. This trail zigzags downwards, towards Signal Hill. If you like, you can check out the Kramat, or holy shrine, a landmark that has survived many fires. The path then continues just above the road and leads back to the car park. This is the end of the Lion’s Head Hike.

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When in Cape Town, check out Bo-Kaap or the Castle of Good Hope, and if you enjoy hiking, discover more hikes in South Africa.

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