Lion’s Head in Golden Light
Choose between the peaceful first light of sunrise or the warm colours of sunset and discover one of Cape Town’s most iconic hikes.
About this experience
Choose between the peaceful first light of sunrise or the warm colours of sunset and discover one of Cape Town’s most iconic hikes.
The trail gradually spirals around Lion’s Head, revealing a different view at every turn from the City Bowl and Table Mountain to Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, the Atlantic Seaboard and Robben Island. As we approach the 669-metre summit, the trail becomes steeper and more adventurous, with rocky steps, ladders, chains and some easy scrambling.
Your guide will help you through the more challenging sections and adjust the pace to suit the group. Once at the summit, we will pause to enjoy the changing light, take photographs and admire one of Cape Town’s finest panoramic views.
The sunrise option begins before dawn and finishes in the morning light, while the sunset option starts in the late afternoon and descends after sunset using headlamps. Starting times change throughout the year and will be confirmed according to the season.
This hike is suitable for active travellers with a reasonable level of fitness. No technical climbing experience is required, although you should be comfortable walking on steep, rocky and uneven terrain.
Who this tour is for
Ideal for travellers who want a flexible, locally guided experience with personal attention — couples, families, solo travellers, and small private groups.
Guided in English and Spanish
Tell us your preferred language when you book. We confirm it against the guide available for your date — if we cannot cover it, we offer you another date, English, or a refund.
Pickup and customisation
Pickup or meeting details are confirmed during booking. Where practical, the route and pace can be adjusted around weather, timing, and interests.
What makes this tour special
Book for payment
Choose your date and time, add your details, then pay securely by card to confirm your booking.
Your route
Meet at the Lion’s Head trailhead
Safety briefing, weather check and route introduction
Begin the spiral ascent around Lion’s Head
Enjoy widening views over Cape Town and Table Mountain
Continue over rocky steps, ladders and chains
Complete the final guided scrambling sections
Reach the summit for sunrise or sunset
Pause for photographs and spectacular 360° views
Descend to the trailhead, using headlamps when required
Times may vary depending on season, traffic, weather, and tour conditions.
What to expect
Included
- Private guide
Good to know
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
- At least 1 liter of water per person
- Energy snacks or a light packed lunch
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Warm layer and windproof or waterproof jacket
- Comfortable, flexible hiking clothing
- Camera
Questions about this tour
Practical answers before you book. For anything else, read our full FAQ or ask us directly.
Where does this tour start?
This tour starts from Lion’s Head Hiking Trail Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa. Exact pickup or meeting details are confirmed with you during booking.
What languages are available?
This tour is offered in English and Spanish. Add your preferred language during booking so we can plan communication clearly.
Do I pay when I book?
Payment is required to confirm this booking. You create the booking first, then we share secure payment details — it stays payment pending until payment is completed.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
24 hours or more before: 100% refunded. Less than 24 hours before, or no-show: no refund. For changes, contact us or use Check My Booking with your reference.
How many guests can join?
Up to 8 guests. The booking step shows whether this departure can be shared with other travellers or reserved exclusively for your group.
How long is the tour?
±3 hours. Where practical, pace and timing can be adjusted around weather, traffic, and your interests.