Lion's Head Sunrise, Sunset or Daytime
When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them.
Climb Cape Town's iconic Lion's Head with a registered local guide to a 360° summit view over the city and Atlantic. Private sunrise, sunset or daytime hikes. Hotel pick-up and drop-off for up to 3 guests.
The day
- Hotel pick-up or meet at the trailheadWe collect up to 3 guests from their hotel and bring them back afterwards. Any additional guests, and larger groups, meet us at the Lion's Head trailhead on Signal Hill Road. After a safety briefing we set off up the wide gravel path.
- Lower slopes and silver treesAn easy, steady climb through fynbos and stands of silver trees (Leucadendron argenteum), with views back over the City Bowl and harbour.
- Spiral path around the peakThe trail circles the mountain, opening up views of Camps Bay, Clifton, the Twelve Apostles and Robben Island. Regular stops for photos, water and stories.
- Chains and ladders (or bypass)A short, steeper section with chains and metal ladders fixed to the rock. Prefer to skip it? We take the bypass path instead.
- Summit, 669 mTime at the top for the 360° panorama over Table Mountain, the city and the Atlantic. On sunrise and sunset hikes, this is where we watch the show.
- DescentWe return the same way, with time to spot anything we missed on the way up. Guests who were collected are dropped back at their hotel.
Lion's Head Sunrise, Sunset or Daytime is a private guided hike in Cape Town (Lion's Head) for up to 8 guests: half day (3–3.5 h), with pick-up and drop-off included, from R1,900 per person.
Questions about this tour
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate: Sustained climbs on rocky, uneven paths. Some steps and short hands-on sections.
What if the weather is bad?
Every hike has a weather alternative. Geoff checks the forecast the day before and confirms the route, a safer option or another date.
Where is pick-up?
At your hotel in the Jimny, for up to 3 guests; others meet us at the Lion's Head trailhead on Signal Hill Road. Meeting point: Lion's Head trailhead, Signal Hill Road. Please meet your guide 15 minutes before your start time. Rideshare drivers know it as Lion's Head parking.
Do we sign an indemnity?
Yes. When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them. Parents or guardians accept it for anyone under 18.
What time do we start?
Sunrise: 1 h 40 min before sunrise. Daytime: 08:00–14:00, your choice. Sunset: 2 h 30 min before sunset. Pick-up 15 min before; exact time confirmed by message.
Can more than three of us come?
Yes, up to 8. Hotel pick-up in the Jimny covers up to 3 guests; everyone else meets us at the Lion's Head trailhead on Signal Hill Road.
What guests say
“Geoff was also always helpful, patiently took photos and answered every question. We highly recommend him!”
“We really enjoyed the climb up Lion's Head, and it was definitely a highlight of our stay in Cape Town.”
“Geoff made me feel very comfortable, guided me calmly through all the tricky sections and was so patient!”
Price per person
Included
Head torches for sunrise and sunset hikesHotel pick-up and drop-off for up to 3 guestsProfessional guide (nationally registered, Wilderness First Responder certified)Table Mountain National Park access (no fee is charged for Lion's Head)First-aid kitBring
Comfortable hiking shoes with good gripAt least 1 litre of waterYour own snacks (no food or drinks are included)Windproof jacketSun hat and sunscreenSmall backpackCamera or phoneA warm layer for sunrise and sunset hikesNot included
Transport to and from the trailhead for guests beyond the first 3Food and drinks (none are included)Travel insuranceKnow before you go
- Moderate fitness required.
- Not wheelchair accessible.
- Not recommended for travellers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- There is a short section with chains and ladders; a bypass route is available for anyone uncomfortable with heights.
- Sunrise hikes start 1 hour 40 minutes before sunrise, with hotel pick-up 15 minutes before that. Geoff will message you your exact pick-up time before the hike.
- Sunset hikes start 2 hours 30 minutes before sunset, with hotel pick-up 15 minutes before that. Geoff will message you your exact pick-up time before the hike.
- Weather dependent: hikes may be rescheduled or cancelled in high wind, heavy rain or poor visibility.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included for up to 3 guests. Any additional guests, and larger groups, make their own way to the trailhead; the car park fills up, especially at sunset, so arrive 15 minutes early or come by rideshare.
- No food or drinks are included; bring your own water and snacks.
Meeting point (if you're not collected): Lion's Head trailhead, Signal Hill Road. Please meet your guide 15 minutes before your start time. Rideshare drivers know it as Lion's Head parking.
Cancellation and weather
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Bookings close 24 hours before the start.
Private hikes: one group per day. Geoff is the only guide, so once a date is booked, no other tour runs that day.
Hikes may be rescheduled or cancelled in high wind, heavy rain or poor visibility.
Safety
Registered guide (WC14954), Wilderness First Responder, route chosen for the day's conditions.