Lion's Head
Lion's Head / Leeukop
A 669-meter cone-shaped peak with a two-hour spiral climb to the top and 360-degree views of Table Mountain, the city, Camps Bay and the Atlantic. The top choice for sunrise and sunset hikes.
Lion's Head stands 669 m tall, between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and its cone-shaped profile is visible from almost anywhere in the city center. The trailhead lies near the junction of Signal Hill Road and Kloof Nek, with a small car park that is usually full before 6 a.m. The trail spirals around the mountain. The first half is a wide gravel path, and the second half has rock sections aided by ladders, chains and iron pegs, with a gentler detour route available. The one-way hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and the round trip 2 to 3 hours. There is no entrance fee. From the summit you get a 360-degree panorama: to the east, the face of Table Mountain and the city; to the west, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches and the Twelve Apostles; to the north, Robben Island and Signal Hill. Sunrise (start before 05:30 in summer) and sunset are the most popular times. Locals also have a tradition of climbing on full moon nights to watch the moon rise from behind Table Mountain, so bring a headlamp. The mountain is also one of the launch points for paragliding (beside Signal Hill, a tandem flight costs about ZAR 1,600), where you can watch colorful canopies drift out over the sea. Note: the route has exposed rock sections, so those who fear heights should take the detour. Do not climb in summer when the southeast wind is strong. Tourists have been robbed here before, so always go in a group, carry no valuables, and head down before dark or follow a crowd. Bring 1.5 liters of water and sunscreen. It can be combined with Signal Hill, which is drivable and where the Noon Gun fires every day at noon.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Clifton Beaches
- Camps Bay
- Sea Point Promenade
- Signal Hill
- Table Mountain
- Bo-Kaap
- Company's Garden
- Greenmarket Square