Lion’s Head Loop Hiking Trail

Difficulty

Easy

Fitness Level

Low level of fitness required

Route distance

+/- 5.26 km

Start point

Turn left at the Lion’s Head base

End point

Lion’s Head base

Average time

+/- 75-minute walk (depending on your fitness & experience level) | Extremely fit hikers can easily conquer it in record time

Lions Head Loop Hiking Trail

LOCATION

To start your Lion’s Head loop hiking adventure simply turn right not left at the base of Lion’s Head. The path is fairly self-explanatory as it basically follows the base of the mountain.

HIKE OVERVIEW

The Lion’s Head loop is the perfect Cape Town hiking trail for novice hikers or beginner trail runners. Mostly flat with very little uphill, the Lion’s Head loop is an easy hike that can be thoroughly enjoyed by every member of the family irrespective of your fitness or experience level.

Lions Head Loop Hiking Trail

This hiking trail circles the base of Lion’s Head, passing through veld, pine forests, and protea forests. This gives avid nature lovers the incredible opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and flora the base of Lion’s Head and the Table Mountain National Park has to offer. As an extra bonus, you will also be able to enjoy magnificent ocean views during certain parts of the hiking trail.

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

To start your Lion’s Head loop hiking adventure simply turn right not left at the base of Lion’s Head. The path is mostly flat with very little uphill and is fairly self-explanatory as it basically follows the base of the mountain. This makes for an easy and relaxing hiking experience.

The only thing to be mindful of when embarking on your Lion’s Head loop hike is the abrupt descent to the road in the last quarter section of the hike. Just be sure to exercise sufficient caution, especially if you have young kids or dogs accompanying you on your hike. Other than that, it promises to be an enjoyable and exciting hiking experience and fun-filled family day out exploring the beautiful Cape Town outdoors.

Lions Head Loop Hiking Trail

Besides being one of Cape Town’s top hiking trails to enjoy anytime of the day, Lion’s Head is regarded as one of the Mother City’s best sunrise and sunset spots. Making a sunrise or sunset hike well worth your while.

TIPS FOR HIKING THE LION’S HEAD LOOP TRAIL

  • Even though the Lion’s Head Loop hiking trail is a quick and easy hike, you still need to ensure you are fully prepared in order to make it a safe and enjoyable hiking experience. This includes wearing good hiking shoes and proper hiking attire as well as taking plenty of water, sunblock, a hat, and something warm along. Cape Town is notorious for its unpredictable weather – even if it looks like a sunny day, take that jacket with you anyway.
  • Besides being one of Cape Town’s most popular hiking trails, Lion’s Head and the Lion’s Head Loop Trail is also one of the Mother City’s best sunrise and sunset spots. This makes going on a sunrise or sunset hike a bucket-list worthy experience.
  • If you’re going on a sunrise or sunset hike, make sure you take a torch or headlamp with you just in case. Trying to navigate a trail in the dark can be dangerous.
  • Child-friendly: Yes
  • Pet-friendly: Yes, although the Table Mountain National Park is under the jurisdiction of SANParks, which requires that dog-walkers have a Level 1 My Activity Permit.