Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike

We will be hiking up Lion’s Head, Cape Town’s most Instagram worthy trail, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Our adventure will be timed to either catch the stunning sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or witness the first light of dawn breaking over the Hottentots Holland mountains. Along the way, we will enjoy incredible photo opportunities, capturing the beauty of the landscape before beginning our descent. For a sunset hike, we will make our way down in the dark using flashlights provided. Similarly, for a sunrise hike, the first part of the journey may be in darkness, guided by our flashlights.

While Lion’s Head is considered an easier hike compared to Table Mountain, it still presents some challenging sections. About halfway up, the trail becomes steeper, with rocky and narrow terrain requiring careful navigation. A particularly adventurous section involves using steel handles and chains to ascend two short pitches of approximately three meters each. These features add an exciting element to the climb, making it both thrilling and rewarding.

This hike is an age old tradition among locals, especially during full moons and on clear, windless nights or mornings. The city lights below twinkle like a sea of stars, while the moon and constellations shine brilliantly above, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Whether experiencing the warm glow of sunset, the fresh promise of sunrise, or the serene beauty of a moonlit night, a hike up Lion’s Head is an unforgettable Cape Town adventure.