Mountains and views
Lion's Head
Signal Hill
A walk of roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hours up Lion's Head, with chains and ladders near the top, a gentler alternative route, and no entrance fee.
- Best monthsAny monthFull moon nights draw the biggest crowds, with hikers starting in the early evening to watch the sunset from the summit and descending by moonlight.
- How longAbout two hours
- WhereSignal Hill
About this place
Lion's Head is the peak between Table Mountain and Signal Hill, and the main routes start from the parking area on Signal Hill Road. The path winds around the mountain before a final section of ladders and chains for scrambling to the summit, and the walk takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours up and down, depending on fitness and how long you stay at the top.
A sign-posted alternative path skips the chains and ladders but still involves some scrambling, so it suits people who are uneasy about heights. A less used anticlockwise route passes a kramat and can loop back towards the start. Cape Town Magazine says no permit or entrance fee is required.
Many visitors go on full moon nights, when hikers gather on the night itself and on the nights before and after. They set off in the early evening, watch the sunset from the top and come down by moonlight.
What it costs
Cape Town Magazine says there is no entrance fee or permit requirement for the walk.
Getting there
The main routes start from the parking area on Signal Hill Road, on the slopes between Table Mountain and Signal Hill.
Safety
Visiting safely
- Hike in a group rather than alone, because SANParks guidance cited by Wesgro recommends groups of four or more.
- Tell someone who is not on the hike when you expect to return, so that they can raise the alarm if you are late.
- Check the forecast before you leave and take a jacket and enough water for everyone, because Cape Town's weather can change quickly.
- If you are uneasy about heights, take the sign-posted alternative route that avoids the chains and ladders.
- Read our Table Mountain and Lion's Head safety guide for the latest advice on timing and groups before you go.
Stories
Related reading
Sources
Where this comes from
- Lion's Head hike · Cape Town Magazine
- Explore safely: hiking in SANParks' national parks · Wesgro
