Staircase Above the City: Hiking Lion’s Head the Smart Way
A short, spirited climb with outsized views over Cape Town’s rim of sea and stone.
Dawn slips over Cape Town like a well-practiced trick, first brightening the Atlantic into a sheet of hammered silver and then sketching the line of Table Mountain with a precise hand. On Lion’s Head—the conical sibling that stands between the city and the sea—the trail leans into the slope and invites you upward. The mountain doesn’t shout; it beckons, as if to say, Let’s see what you’re made of before breakfast.
Trail Wisdom
Choose Your Route Early
Opt for the Spiral Route to avoid the chain section, or commit to the Lions Head Chains for a brief, airy scramble. Both rejoin near the summit.
Beat Heat and Crowds
Start at first light for cooler temps and fewer bottlenecks at the chains. Sunset is beautiful but expect a headlamp descent.
Wind Can Change Fast
Atlantic gusts can pick up quickly. Carry a lightweight shell and be cautious on exposed steps and the chain ladders.
Stay on the Main Path
Shortcuts erode fragile fynbos and increase rockfall risk. Follow painted markers and established steps.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Signal Hill sundowner lookout a short drive from the trailhead
- •The kramat near the lower trail—pause quietly and be respectful
Wildlife
Rock hyrax (dassie), Sunbirds flitting among proteas
Conservation Note
Fynbos is fragile; step only on durable surfaces and never cut switchbacks. Fire is a constant risk—follow all closures and never use open flames.
Named Leeuwen Kop (Lion’s Head) by Dutch settlers, the mountain once served as a signal station alongside Signal Hill and now sits within Table Mountain National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Cape Floristic Region.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Wildflowers in fynbos, Mild temperatures
Challenges: Occasional wind, Changeable weather
September–November bring fresh blooms and stable hiking windows, with crisp air and lively bird activity.
summer
Best for: Sunrise/sunset hikes, Clear ocean views
Challenges: High heat, Crowds and limited parking
December–February runs hot and busy. Start early or go late, pack extra water, and plan for a headlamp descent.
fall
Best for: Settled weather, Golden light for photography
Challenges: Fire risk on hot, dry days, Shorter daylight by late season
March–May is prime: calmer winds, warm days, and superb visibility. Check fire advisories before you hike.
winter
Best for: Clear post-front vistas, Cooler climbing temps
Challenges: Rain and slick rock, Strong frontal winds
June–August sees cold fronts and wet stone. Pick bluebird windows and wear layers with good traction footwear.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Trail Shoes with Good GripEssential
Loose gravel and rock steps demand reliable traction on both ascent and descent.
1–2 Liters of WaterEssential
Summer heat and reflective rock amplify dehydration—carry more than you think you need.
Lightweight WindbreakerEssential
Atlantic gusts can be sharp on exposed sections even on clear days.
Headlamp
Key for sunrise starts or sunset finishes; the rocky trail is slow going in the dark without one.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit or pay a fee to hike Lion’s Head?
No permit or fee is required for the main Lion’s Head trail within Table Mountain National Park.
Which is safer: the Spiral Route or the Lions Head Chains?
The Spiral Route avoids ladders and chains and is generally safer for most hikers. The chains are short and manageable for confident scramblers but can bottleneck in peak hours.
Is sunrise or sunset better?
Both are excellent. Sunrise is cooler with fewer crowds; sunset offers dramatic colors but requires a headlamp for a safe descent.
Where do I park for the hike?
Use the Lion’s Head parking area along Signal Hill Road. It fills early on weekends and fair-weather days—arrive before dawn for sunrise hikes.
Are there toilets or water on the trail?
There are no facilities or water taps on the trail. Use restrooms in the city beforehand and carry all the water you need.
Is it safe to hike alone?
Many hikers go solo during daylight, but it’s wise to pair up, stick to busy hours, and avoid hiking after dark except with a group and lights. Always keep valuables out of sight in your car.
What to Pack
Grippy trail shoes (loose gravel and stone steps), 1–2L water (no sources on trail), windbreaker (Atlantic gusts on exposed sections), headlamp (for sunrise starts or sunset descents).
Did You Know
Table Mountain National Park, which includes Lion’s Head, forms part of the Cape Floristic Region—one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 9,000 plant species.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunrise for parking and a calm ascent; bring exact directions as the lot is unmarked on some apps. Check wind forecasts—strong southeasters can make the chains and summit unpleasant. Avoid hiking during red-flag fire warnings or after heavy rain (slick rock). Don’t leave valuables in your car; keep gear minimal and close.
Local Flavor
Refuel with Cape Malay flavors in Bo-Kaap, grab a seafood bite at the V&A Waterfront, or sip a local craft beer along Kloof Street. Evening strolls on the Sea Point Promenade pair well with gelato and a view back to the mountain you just climbed.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Cape Town International (CPT). Trailhead: Lion’s Head Parking on Signal Hill Road, ~10–20 minutes’ drive from central Cape Town. Cell service: generally good but can drop in pockets. Permits/fees: none for the main trail; arrive early for parking and heed temporary fire or weather closures.
Sustainability Note
Lion’s Head sits within a fire-adapted, water-stressed ecosystem. Stay on marked paths to protect fynbos, carry all trash back out, avoid open flames, and conserve water when rinsing off in the city.