Cape Town: Lion’s Head and Table Mountain One Day Hike｜South Africa

Start your day in the early hours with a guided hike up Lion’s Head. Equipped with a headlamp, hike up Lion's Head in the darkness, following the famous trail toward the 669-meter summit. The unique spiral trail wraps around the mountain, revealing ever-changing panoramic viewpoints. Along the way, enjoy an adventurous route that includes rock scrambling, short ladders, and a narrow section secured with chains, before a final climb. As dawn approaches, watch as the city and surrounding mountains gradually emerge in the morning light.
At the summit, take time to enjoy the sunrise and panoramic views across Cape Town, Table Bay, the Atlantic Ocean, and Table Mountain. Perfect for unforgettable photos. Your guide will also provide coffee or tea while you take in the spectacular scenery.

After descending Lion’s Head, take a refreshment stop before a short transfer to Table Mountain.

The second part of the adventure takes you hiking up Table Mountain via India Venster trail. This is a steep and strenuous ascent. The hike gets its name from the shape of the ravine set between two large rock buttresses, offering one of the best viewpoints. The trail starts behind the lower cableway station, heading straight up Table Mountain before reaching the contour path. From here, the route gradually ascends a gully on a buttress known as Venster Buttress and veers left below a dramatic rock amphitheatre.
As you approach the eastern end of this amphitheatre, the trail becomes steeper with some easy scrambling—stay focused, the most exciting section is still to come. Staples and chains have been installed along the way, making the climb more accessible and secure.
Beyond this section, the path eases toward “The Ledge” and around the corner, where a refreshing breeze often greets you—an ideal spot to take in views over Camps Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Rounding the next corner, towering cliffs rise above as the trail continues southeast, climbing steeply to a higher ledge beneath massive overhangs. It then turns away from the sea into a shaded ravine, often cool and windy in the morning.
From here, the summit is just 10 minutes away—
The reward is another extraordinary perspective over Cape Town and the surrounding coastline. Once on the Table Mountain plateau, take time to explore the summit and enjoy the views.
By completing both hikes in one day, experience Cape Town from two completely different mountain perspectives: the dramatic sunrise panorama from Lion’s Head and the vast summit landscape of Table Mountain.