
Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 1,688 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike worth booking?
Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike is a 3.5-hour experience in Cape Town, South Africa, from R 1,000 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 1,688 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (1,688)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- R 1,000 per person
We will be hiking up Lions Head, Cape Town's most Instragram'able hike. We plan to either catch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or sunrise from the Hottentots Holland mountains. We enjoy some amazing photo opportunities before our descent. During a sunset hike, we descend in the dark using our flashlights (provided). During a sunrise hike, we may hike the first part in the dark using our flashlights (provided). While the hike is regarded as easier than Table Mountain, it still involves steep rocky and narrow terrain at certain points from about half up way and a section where the use of steel handles and chains need to be used to get up 2 pitches of about 3 meters each (only up and not down). Quite adventurous indeed. This hike has been an age old tradition for locals especially during the full moon and on clear/windless nights/mornings where the lights of the city below dazzle and the moon and stars show off its beauty in the night sky.
What you get
About this experience
We will be hiking up Lions Head, Cape Town's most Instragram'able hike. We plan to either catch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean or sunrise from the Hottentots Holland mountains. We enjoy some amazing photo opportunities before our descent. During a sunset hike, we descend in the dark using our flashlights (provided). During a sunrise hike, we may hike the first part in the dark using our flashlights (provided). While the hike is regarded as easier than Table Mountain, it still involves steep rocky and narrow terrain at certain points from about half up way and a section where the use of steel handles and chains need to be used to get up 2 pitches of about 3 meters each (only up and not down). Quite adventurous indeed. This hike has been an age old tradition for locals especially during the full moon and on clear/windless nights/mornings where the lights of the city below dazzle and the moon and stars show off its beauty in the night sky.
What's included
Included
- Headlamps/flashlights
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
- Bottled water
- Snacks
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cape Town
The start location on google maps is at 7 Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill. As you turn onto Signal Hill Road, the parking area is about 500m up the road. There is a white mobile coffee caravan opposite the trail head (most times in the afternoon).
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
The start location on google maps is at 7 Signal Hill Road, Signal Hill. As you turn onto Signal Hill Road, the parking area is about 500m up the road. There is a white mobile coffee caravan opposite the trail head (most times in the afternoon).
Options you can book
Sunrise Hike - No Transport
Standard guided hike from designated start point where guests will meet.
Sunset Hike - No Transport
Sunset Hike
Sunrise Hike - Pick-up/Dropoff
Pick-up/Drop-off Pickup included
Sunset Hike - Pick-up/Drop-off
Guided Hike - Pick-up/Drop-off: Standard guided hike with pick-up/drop-off included (in and around city centre or close by) Pickup included
Private Hike - Sunrise/Sunset
Private Hike: Exclusive guide. No other guests on the tour. Transport included (within 5 mile radius) Water & Snacks Customizable: Sunrise or Sunset. We can customize your hike to your specific needs Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Cape Town Local
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Wear a descent pair of walking/hiking shoes
- You need to have a good level of fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Minimum age is 8 years
- Not recommended for participants with heart or other serious medical conditions
- Operates in most weather conditions, please dress appropriately. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund
- Should be relatively comfortable with heights
- Not recommended for travelers who are severely afraid of heights
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,688 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
9 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
1,688 verified traveler reviews for Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our guide Codi was really...
Our guide Codi was really great. Very knowledgeable and kept an appropriate pace for the group. Loved hearing about the local culture and history from him. The hike itself has a few challenging parts with a fair bit of rock scrambling that some might find difficult. Beautiful views at the top. Would recommend sunrise over sunset so you're not doing the difficult descend in the dark.
via Viator
Sunset Hike up Lion’s Head
We had the most incredible hike up Lion’s Head with Mbuyie! The experience was not only breathtaking but also so informative, as Mbuyie shared his knowledge and passion for the area along the way. The highlight was being shown his secret spot to watch the sunset — such a special and unforgettable way to end the hike. From start to finish, we felt so well taken care of and in the best hands. Mbuyie went above and beyond to make the experience personal and memorable, and by the end, he felt more like a close friend than a guide. We couldn’t recommend him more highly and would absolutely love to hike with him again on our next visit to Cape Town. Thank you, Mbuyie, for such a wonderful experience!
via Tripadvisor
Heaven’s gates
This is right up there with the best experiences I’ve been through yet. Mbuyie is my hero for his amazing fire and energy. Can’t wait to do this again
via Tripadvisor
Great hike and sunset
Kurt was an amazing guide and told us also a lot of african history. Was very interesting! We felt very secure with him, also when I was scared of the hight. Thanks for this great experience!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing Hike
Kurt was a fantastic tour guide. He is clearly very experienced and knows the area well. He also shared great stories and insight into life in and around Cape Town. I strongly recommend booking with him
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- R 1,000 to R 3,000
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 591
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cape Town.
How much does Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike cost?
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Prices start at R 1,000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cape Town usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike take?
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Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cape Town is not rushed.
Is Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 1,688 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Cape Town, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
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Around 591 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cape Town can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cape Town and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cape Town within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cape Town?
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On Outty we rank every Cape Town experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local, Cape Point and Boulder's Penguins Full Day Tour, #1 Boulders Penguins & Cape Point Full Day Tour with Pickup. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cape Town?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cape Town?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
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Included: Headlamps/flashlights. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected); Bottled water; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 222 listed pickup locations in and around Cape Town. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
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Across 1,688 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
What booking options are available for Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike?
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There are 5 options to choose from, including Sunrise Hike - No Transport, Sunset Hike - No Transport, Sunrise Hike - Pick-up/Dropoff, Sunset Hike - Pick-up/Drop-off. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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