Lion's Head: The Sunset Hike Everyone Talks About
Lion's Head is the hike every Cape Town local eventually drags visiting friends up — a 2–3 hour round trip with arguably the best all-round view in the city, best timed for sunset.
Why this hike specifically
Unlike Table Mountain, which you view from below or from its own summit, Lion's Head gives you a 360-degree view that includes Table Mountain itself, the full City Bowl, the Atlantic Seaboard coastline and, on a clear evening, a sunset that drops directly into the ocean. It's shorter and less committing than a full Table Mountain hike, which is part of why it's become such a ritual for both locals and visitors.
Timing it for sunset
Start roughly 90 minutes before official sunset to reach the top with time to settle in before the light show starts, and bring a headlamp or phone light for the walk back down in the dark — the path is manageable but unlit. Check sunset time for your specific date, as it shifts significantly between summer and winter.
The chains and ladders
Near the summit, the direct route involves a section with metal chains and small ladders bolted into the rock — not technical climbing, but enough exposure that it's worth being comfortable with heights. An alternative, easier path bypasses this section entirely if you'd rather skip it; both routes reach the same summit.
Full moon hikes
Hiking Lion's Head on the night of a full moon is a genuine, long-running Cape Town tradition — expect a busy trail, a real sense of occasion, and a summit that can feel more like a gathering than a solo nature moment. If you'd prefer solitude, pick a non-full-moon evening instead.