There are certain views that linger in your memory, and others that stop you in your tracks and change your whole perspective in an instant. And Lion’s Head, just outside of Cape Town, definitely belongs in the second category. Rising like an ancient sentinel between Table Mountain and the Atlantic coast, Lion’s Head provides hikers with a front row seat to one of the most breath-taking scenes in the world.
Lion’s Head is a large peak in Table Mountain National Park and offers an irresistible call to adventure, promising hikers and outdoors enthusiasts a short but spectacular climb. The 5 km round trip to the summit typically takes about 2 to 3 hours and rewards you with panoramic vistas of the whole of Cape Town and the Atlantic Seaboard. At 669 meters altitude, Lion’s Head is relatively modest in elevation, making it easily accessible for hikers of all levels of fitness and a popular choice for a day trip from the city.
The trail up to Lion’s Head climbs in a gradual spiral around the mountain, meaning that different aspects of the landscape are revealed as you ascend to the summit – including the city, the coast, and the wilderness beyond the city limits. Finally, as you reach the peak, you can revel in a full 360 degree view of the entire area. And so whether you’re chasing the sunrise golden hour for morning photography or taking a leisurely hike up the trail during the day, Lion’s Head is one of the region’s most spectacular beauty spots.
And given Lion’s Head close vicinity to Cape Town – just a 15 minute drive from the city center – you can break up a vibrant urban getaway with a hiking day trip to experience the geography that defines the Cape Peninsula coastline. An absolute must-see for anyone visiting Cape Town, the nation’s metropolitan parliamentary capital, Lion’s Head is among South Africa’s top outdoor attractions.
How To Get to Lion’s Head, Cape Town, South Africa
As a major international travel hub, it’s easy for international visitors to reach Cape Town, and then visit Lion’s Head to hike to the summit. Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is one of Africa’s best-connected airports, and services frequent daily flights from all over the world.
Direct long-haul flights from London to Cape Town take around 11 to 12 hours, while flights from New York typically take 14 to 16 hours, and 9 to 10 hours from Dubai. Travelers departing from Bangkok reach Cape Town in about 15 to 18 hours, and flights from Hong Kong and Tokyo take between 18 and 22 hours.
Once you arrive in Cape Town International Airport (CPT), it’s a short 25 minute drive into the city. The Lion’s Head is just a stone’s throw from central Cape Town, so you have an abundance of options when it comes to selecting your accommodation.
The V&A Waterfront, in the city’s harbour district, is a fantastic place to stay during your time in Cape Town. With breathtaking views of Table Mountain, the district has a lively, cosmopolitan atmosphere with lots of restaurants, museums, shops, and accommodation on offer. The V&A Waterfront is only 15 minutes drive from Lion’s Head, and also offers convenient access to a huge range of attractions in the area. To get to the V&A Waterfront district from the airport, you can either rent a private vehicle, or simply jump in a taxi – which will cost around $30 USD for the 25 minute ride.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Lion’s Head, Cape Town, South Africa?
Somewhat surprisingly, Cape Town has a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler, wet winters. This is quite distinct from the rest of South Africa, which usually experiences rainfall in the summer, whereas Cape Town’s rain mainly occurs in the winter.
As a result, the ideal time to visit Cape Town is during the summer months, between December and March. Daytime temperatures in Cape Town’s summer range from 25 to 30 Degrees Celsius, with clear blue skies and very little rainfall. It’s perfect for hiking, sightseeing, swimming, and having picnics on the beach. The heat at midday can be a little stifling, but if you stay out of the sun for a few hours around noon then you’ll experience the climate in Cape Town at its very best.
Meanwhile, the winter months in Cape Town, from June to September, bring frequent rainfall, misty skies, and daytime temperatures that hover between 10 to 20 Degrees Celsius. You can grab some great bargains on hotels and flights at this time of year, although the weather will somewhat limit your enjoyment of the Great Outdoors.
Spring, from September through November, and autumn, from late March to May, are transitional seasons that have more unpredictable weather, including strong winds, sudden rainfalls, and moderate temperatures.
Overall, if you’re planning to visit Cape Town, and Lion’s Head, the optimal time to visit is during the summer, between December and March.
What To Do in Cape Town and Lion’s Head, South Africa?
Join a Private Guided Hike to Lion’s Head at Sunrise or Sunset
This guided hike takes you to one of Cape Town’s most rewarding summits to soak in the golden hour hues as the sun is rising or setting over the city. Ascending to the summit of the 669 meter peak, your guide will lead you up the slopes while pointing out all the famous landmarks in the scenery below. The hike combines walking trails, scrambling, and a few short ladder climbs. Ideal for beginner hikers and families with children, the route is safe and manageable, offering a pleasant hike that should pose little challenge for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.
As you climb up Lion’s Head, the views become more and more spectacular, until at the summit you have full 360 degree panoramic views of Cape Town, the Atlantic coast, Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles range. A truly astounding hike, made all the more dramatic as the sunrise or set turns the ocean below a tinge of crimson. There’s plenty of time to stop for photos or to rest on the way up, and your guide is always there to answer any questions you may have about what you’re seeing.
The meet up for the tour is at Signal Road, at the bottom of Lion’s Head, or you can arrange to be met at your hotel in the city. You can choose to take a sun rise or sun set hike – head torches are provided so you can safely traverse the trails in the darkness before the sun rises or after it sets. A wonderful way to start or finish a day in Cape Town, the journey to the summit is a joy for first-time hikers as well as seasoned explorers.
You can find out more about the private guided hike up Lion’s Head, and reserve your tickets, here.
Take a Tour of Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain Day Trip
No trip to Cape Town would be complete without visiting the legendary Cape of Good Hope or riding the cable car to the top of Table Mountain! All that, and more, is included in this action-packed day trip, departing from Cape Town in an air-conditioned vehicle.
The full-day adventure includes a stop at the Cape of Good Hope and the penguin-filled shores of the Boulders Beach Penguin Colony. And while you’re at Boulders Beach you’ll be able to get right up close to the friendly penguins. You’ll stop at Cape Point and ride on the Flying Dutchman Funicular train to visit the lighthouse at the top. Then you’ll drive along one of South Africa’s most scenic routes – along Chapman’s Peak Drive, a 9 km coastal route with over 100 curves carved into the plunging ocean cliffs.
Later, you’ll visit Maiden’s Cove to stretch your legs and take in the vistas across Camps Bay towards the Twelve Apostles mountain range. And finally, one of the top highlights of the day, you’ll take the cable car up Table Mountain to over 1,000 meters altitude with views that will take your breath away.
This private full day tour is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes that surround Cape Town while your guide tells you about the local history and points out the interesting sights along the way. The tour starts with a hotel pickup and will drop you off in the evening with plenty of time to refresh yourself before dinner that night.
You can find out more about the private guided tour of the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain, and reserve your places, here.
Tandem Paragliding: See Lion’s Head from a Bird’s Eye View
There’s nothing quite like floating through the clouds as you survey the vast coastal landscapes below. And there’s no better way to get a bird’s eye view than to buckle up and take to the skies with a tandem paragliding flight. Your expert guide and pilot will handle all the safety and flying aspects while you simply relax and enjoy the scenery below. During the flight you’ll even have the chance to try flying the paraglider, under the careful supervision of your pilot, if you’d like a taste of taking the reins at several thousands feet above the ground!
The flight lasts up to about 30 to 40 minutes – although the timing is always dependent on the day’s weather conditions. It’s a good idea not to leave your paragliding flight to the last day of your vacation in case the weather is not safe for flying – so try to book your flight for the first few days of your time in Cape Town to avoid disappointment.
You can also ask for optional in-flight photos and videos so you can keep a memento of the experience to show your friends and family back home! The flights begin from the top of Signal Hill, so when you get there just ask for Skywings Paragliding.
You can find out more about the tandem paragliding flight, and book your place on an upcoming flight, here.
Discover the Magical Marine Life at Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium
showcases an astoundingly diverse variety of marine life from both the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. The aquarium is home to a huge array of marine life, including sharks, jelly fish, turtles, penguins, and countless shoals of bright-colored fish and beautiful coral reefs, to name but a few. The aquarium allows you to get right up close to some of the most impressive species on the planet, and is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon for visitors of all ages.
Some of the Aquarium’s premier attractions include the I&J Ocean Exhibit which features a 9 meter viewing window and a 10 meter underwater tunnel, a Jellyfish Gallery, and the Touch Pool which offers a hands-on experience of some unusual sea creatures, including giant spider crabs. The aquarium also runs guided snorkeling sessions and scuba diving in the main aquarium, lets you meet the penguins, go behind the scenes of the aquarium, and watch the various species being fed at feeding time, as well putting on educational presentations. The aquarium also has its own restaurant, snack shop, and drinks kiosk if you need to refuel during your visit.
It’s easy to access the aquarium at the V&A Waterfront, and with a plethora of restaurants, boutique shops, and cafes on the harbor, you can spend a delightful day exploring the aquarium and the surrounding area. You can find out more about the Two Oceans Aquarium, and explore the current exhibits on the official website, here.
Stay at the Victoria & Alfred Hotel at the V&A Waterfront Harbor
Combining the cultural heritage of Cape Town’s iconic V&A Waterfront with all the finest modern luxuries, the Victoria & Alfred Hotel offers guests a truly unique stay in the heart of Cape Town’s cosmopolitan harbor. The hotel’s central location places you within easy walking distance of numerous attractions in and around the V&A Waterfront, including museums, the Two Oceans Aquarium, independent restaurants and shops, making it your ideal home from home in Cape Town.
The hotel has an impressive array of on-site amenities, including a fitness center, spa, a restaurant and bar, and a complimentary breakfast to start the day. There’s also free Wi-Fi throughout, airport transfers, and family-friendly features such as a daily kids’ club and babysitting services.
There’s a nice choice of rooms which each have an ensuite bathroom with up-market toiletries, air-conditioning, flat screen TV, safe, desk, minibar, and room service. And with its prime location, beautiful surroundings, and excellent facilities, the Victoria & Albert Hotel is well suited to families with children, couples, small group tours, and single travelers looking for modestly priced opulence in the center of Cape Town.
You can find out more about the Victoria & Albert Hotel, and reserve your rooms, on the official website, here.
