Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cape Town on a sunrise hike up Lion’s Head. Enjoy panoramic views of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, and the Twelve Apostles, and spot unique flora and fauna along the trail.
- The Pipe Track - Nestled between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, Lion’s Head offers a stunning view of Cape Town and is part of Table Mountain National Park. Our hike begins with a 30-minute trek requiring headlamps, during which you’ll be treated to the city lights of Cape Town. This section of the trail is relatively easy to follow, despite being a steep gravel path. About 30 minutes before sunrise, the first light of dawn appears, by which time we will have completed a loop around Lion’s Head, reaching halfway to the summit where the path splits. The final 20 to 30 minutes of the hike involves navigating a steep ridge with rocky sections and ladders, occasionally requiring the use of your hands. As the sun begins to rise, the light transforms into a warm orange glow over Table Mountain. At 669 meters, the summit of Lion’s Head offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the sparkling coastline. In the full daylight, we can finally appreciate the path we ascended, featuring impressive rock formations like Cape granite and Table Mountain sandstone, as well as the unique indigenous Cape Fynbos on the lower slopes of Lion’s Head. The descent back to the car park takes approximately 45 minutes. Start times vary based on sunrise.
- Registered adventure hiking and culture tourist guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
- Head lamp
- Coffee on sunrise hike only
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
A visit to Cape Town is incomplete without a sunrise hike up Lion s Head as the trail circle up the mountain you are getting different views all along.
The most iconic sight of Cape Town is from the summit of Lion’s Head (669m) with an Incredible 360 degrees views.
The best location to take photos of Table Mountain, Devil’s Peak, the Twelve Apostles Mountain range, Camps Bay and Clifton beaches.
If you look towards the North you see Table Bay, Robben Island and the West Coast.
Along the trail you will also see 2 paragliding launch sites.
Early morning sunrise hike is recommended to beat the crowds and the summer heat.
The fauna you may see are the Rock Hyrax (Dassie) small furry animal. You may spot lizards such as the black-girdled lizard, Cape skink and the Southern Rock Agama. On the lower section of the mountain there are still porcupines, as for the flora you will see our unique Cape Fynbos.
The lower base of Lion’s Head is Cape granite and the upper section sandstone.
- Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Age restriction minimum 12 years old
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.