Lion's Head
Cape Town's iconic spiral summit hike with 360-degree views and short chain-assisted scrambling.
Route overview
Spiral around Lion's Head and use the established scrambling and chain-assisted sections to reach the 669 m summit.
The route circles Lion's Head as it gains height, progressively opening views across the city, coast and Table Mountain. The upper section includes minor rock scrambling and chains. Its short official distance can hide the consequences of exposure, crowding and darkness, especially during popular full-moon outings.
Trail facts
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park
- Distance
- about 2 km one way
- Typical duration
- about 1 to 1.5 hours ascent; return duration not specified
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Elevation gain
- Not specified
- Best season
- Stable daylight conditions; avoid severe heat, wind, rain, cloud and crowded night events
- Trail type
- Out and back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Check current SANParks access, conservation and activity-permit rules before departure.
Safety context
Hike in a suitable group and in daylight. Check weather and current security notices, carry water, and turn around if wind, cloud, rain or crowding makes the upper route unsafe. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Chains, scrambling, steep descent, heat, no water, wind, darkness, alcohol-related risk, crowding and urban-edge security.
Highlights
Cape Town city bowl, Table Mountain, Twelve Apostles, Atlantic seaboard, Table Bay and Robben Island views
Why find a buddy
Strong matching value for scrambling confidence, group security, night-avoidance decisions and descent support.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.