Everyone will agree that a visit to Cape Town is incomplete without a picture from the top of Lion’s Head. The hike starts at the base of the mountain, located along Signal Hill Road or from the Signal Hill parking lot.

Lion’s Head Daytime Hike

Entrance is free and the hike is approximately 45 minutes depending on your fitness level. It is not a regular boring walk, along the way you will come across chains and ladders to assist you in climbing the rock face. This gives an extra feel of adventure to the hike. During the hike you will find amazing views and excellent photograph opportunities that will keep you motivated to reach the top of Lion’s Head.

Make sure to stop for a water break and take in the scenery on your way up to the top. The panoramic views from the peek are stunning, including Table Mountain, Camps Bay, The Atlantic Ocean and of course Cape Town!

Lions Head Cape Town

Lion’s Head Full Moon Hike

This hike happens once a month and makes it possible to hike Lions Head at night. The street lights and bright stars make for a spectacular panoramic view. To make the experience even better, bring a backpack with some drinks and sandwiches for the ultimate picnic with your friends or family. We suggest that you take a sweater with you, a T-shirt will be good during the hike, but after sunset the temperature can drop and become a bit chilly. Good walking shoes are recommended. For younger children and the elderly there is an alternative hiking trail that goes around the chains.

Sunset Lionshead

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

  • Bring warm clothes. the top can be windy.
  • Bring enough water and food.
  • Bring a flashlight and extra batteries. (during the full moon or a sunset hike)
  • Do make sure you have the right emergency numbers. (general emergency number: +27 (0)21 480 7700, Table Mountain National park +27 (0)21 957 4700)

Don’ts:

  • Don’t climb alone.
  • Don’t go of track.
  • Don’t climb when the top is covered in clouds.
  • Don’t climb on days with hard wind.
  • Don’t feed wild animals.
  • Don’t climb at night. except for with the Full Moon hike, when it is busy on the hill.
  • Don’t take unnecessary valuables that you don’t need at home.

Directions

There are multiple ways to get to the base of Lions Head. From Ashanti we advise you take a taxi, a ride will cost you between R30 and R60. If you have your own car at hand you can ask the reception at Ashanti lodge for directions. If you have to much energy and want to walk to the base of Lions Head from Ashanti Lodge this might take you about an hour. But remember that you will also have to walk back after you have climbed to the top.

One of the best parts about the Lions Head hike is that it is totally free. Check out our blog to find more great cheap and free things to do in Cape Town.

For adventure travelers, Lion’s Head can’t be missed on your trip to Cape Town. If you are looking for a place to stay in Cape Town, Ashanti Lodge offers budget rooms and dormitories. If you are interested in a longer trip or tours you can check out Ashanti Travel Online.