Cape Town is undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in the world, heavily blessed with natural beauty. If you’re craving a bit of adventure while you’re there, hiking Lion’s Head is the absolute best choice. While there are several other treks within the city limits, some of them much taller, Lion’s Head felt like the undisputed king of them all to me. It places you right in the beating heart of the city.
From the trail, you look out over a bustling metropolis, the deep, chilly blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and the mesmerizing Table Mountain right behind you. It honestly feels unfair that Cape Town gets to have it all! The surreal views hit you the moment you step foot on the dirt. You don’t even need to wait for a dramatic summit to soak it in; even halfway up, especially bathed in golden hour light, the scenery is extraordinary. The lower paths are so accessible I even saw a mother walking with a stroller!
Staring right back at the iconic Table Mountain, this 700 meter peak is almost absurdly close to the city center. The whole round trip clocks in at just under 5 kilometers. It took me about an hour and 15 minutes to haul myself to the summit, and a breezy 30 minutes to basically gravity assist my way back down.
Getting There
I took an Uber from my hostel (Villa Viva near Lower Kloof Street) straight to the starting point. If you are on a strict budget, the cheapest route is taking the 106 or 107 bus and getting off at Kloof Nek. Conveniently, this is the exact same stop you’d use to visit Table Mountain.
Navigating the Chains and Ladders
Right before things get really rocky, the trail mercifully flattens out as it wraps around the mountain. If hauling yourself up a cliff isn’t exactly your vibe for the day, this is the ultimate spot to just sit down, relax, and watch the sun dip (or sun rise!).
If you decide to push to the top, be prepared: the final section is steep and a bit challenging. You’ll need to navigate four or five vertical ladders permanently bolted to the rock, along with some metal staples and chains to pull yourself up. But the drop dead gorgeous views from the summit at dusk made every drop of sweat worth it. Watching the city light up against the ocean is the main reason this city left such a permanent mark on me.
Essential Tips for Your Hike
- Timing is everything: Lion’s Head is at its most charming during sunrise or sunset. The golden light gives the whole mountain a serene, unforgettable vibe.
- Bring your own supplies: You must buy any water or snacks before you arrive. There is not a single shop near the starting point of the hike.
- Don’t rely on your phone flashlight: I walked down just after sunset at 6:00 PM. While my phone’s torch was sufficient, my battery was dying. Bring a proper headlamp or flashlight.
- Hike with a buddy if possible: The top section can be tricky, and general safety in Cape Town is something solo travelers need to keep in mind. I had no choice but to go solo, but thankfully, the trail is popular and I met plenty of people along the way.
- Pre-book your ride home: It takes a while for Ubers to reach this part of the city. Try booking your ride before you reach the base so you aren’t left waiting alone in the dark after the crowds drive off in their private cars.
