Lion’s Head Sunset Hike, Cape Town
No hiking list for Cape Town would be complete without including Lion’s Head—the iconic peak just next to Table Mountain that stands out like a proud guardian above the city and Atlantic Seaboard. Short but steep, this trail offers full 360° views from the top and is especially magical at sunset or full moon.
We’ve actually hiked it twice now: once during the day and once for sunset in March 2025, returning under the stars with our head torches guiding us back down. It’s an unforgettable experience, but one you need to plan and prepare for carefully.
Start point: Lion’s Head Parking Area on Signal Hill Road – Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Q1y3DvM8sZHcJG1U6
End point: Same as start (out and back trail)
Average duration: 2–2.5 hours return
Distance: 4.3km return
Elevation gain: 400m
When to go: Year-round, but avoid hot midday hours. Early mornings or sunset are best
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate – short but steep with ladders in sections
Maps/Info: Lion’s Head Summit Trail – AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/south-africa/western-cape/lion-s-head-summit
TOP TIPS:
Take a head torch if you're doing the sunset or full moon hike – you’ll need it for the descent
Bring a beer or cold drink to enjoy at the top as the sun goes down – pure bliss
Hike in a group – unfortunately, muggings can happen here, especially at quieter times
Don’t bring valuables – just your essentials
Wear shoes with good grip – there are ladders and chains to climb near the top
Avoid weekends – the trail can get extremely crowded
Go early morning or late afternoon for a quieter, cooler hike
If it’s windy or wet, reconsider – parts of the trail are exposed and slippery
The hike:
We first hiked Lion’s Head on a sunny Saturday morning, and it was incredibly busy – a clear sign of its popularity. But it wasn’t until we did the hike again at sunset in March 2025 that we really got what all the hype was about.
We arrived at the Signal Hill Road parking area about 90 minutes before sunset, and while it was already buzzing with hikers, there was still a great atmosphere—people heading up with dogs, flasks, tripods and even full picnic baskets. The hike is well marked from the start and loops gradually around the mountain, meaning you get stunning views from every angle as you ascend.
The trail doesn’t feature traditional switchbacks—it spirals instead, with a mixture of gravel path, rocky steps, and later on, metal ladders and chains. The final third of the trail involves a bit of scrambling, which is manageable if you’re sure-footed and comfortable with heights. There are a couple of route options here, including a "chains and staples" section and an easier contour path—both eventually meet just below the summit.
As we climbed higher, the sun began dipping toward the ocean, casting the most glorious golden light across Table Mountain, the City Bowl, and the Atlantic coast. We reached the summit just in time to crack open a beer and settle in for a fiery sunset sky that slowly melted into pinks and purples. There were at least 30 other people up there with the same idea—it felt like a little mountaintop festival.
The descent in the dark is no joke, though. Make sure your head torch has a decent battery, and take your time down the ladders and rocky steps. It’s easy to lose footing or go off trail, so we followed the crowd and stayed together with our small group.
Safety is a real consideration on this hike. While we didn’t have any issues, muggings do occur, especially when people head down alone in the dark or at very quiet times. Don’t take expensive cameras or flashy gear. Just go with essentials, keep your phone tucked away, and ideally hike with others.
Lion’s Head might be short in distance, but it delivers big in terms of views and experience. The full 360° panorama from the top—Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Clifton, Sea Point, the City Bowl and even Robben Island on a clear day—is honestly one of the best in the Cape.
Sunset was definitely the highlight for us, but the daytime version is just as worthwhile—just avoid Saturdays, unless you like hiking in a conga line. Next time, we’d love to try the full moon hike, which is a bit of a local tradition here. Just make sure to go in a big group, and always take a torch!
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just in Cape Town for a few days, this is one not to miss.