Cape Town Lions Head and Table Mountain Guided Hikes, Cape Town

About this activity

Explore Cape Town's iconic mountains with a qualified local adventure guide and choose the hiking experience that suits you. From a relaxed scenic walk around Lion's Head to its spectacular summit, or a classic Table Mountain ascent via Platteklip Gorge or the adventurous India Venster route, each experience offers breathtaking views and a personal connection to Cape Town's natural beauty.

Choose a shared hike or enjoy the exclusivity of a private adventure, with professional guidance, local stories, memorable photo opportunities and safety at the heart of every journey. Whether you're chasing sunrise, discovering hidden viewpoints or taking on a rewarding mountain challenge, Outdoor Addicts creates an unforgettable experience tailored to your chosen route.

Day Trips Hiking Tours Private and Luxury Small Group Adventure Tours Additional fees DSA non-compliant Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 2–6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 12 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Outdoor Addicts

Ages: Children (6–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Small Group Experience
Included: Qualified Local Adventure Guide
Included: Photos Throughout the Experience
Included: Headlamp (Sunrise & Sunset)
Included: First Aid & Emergency Preparedness
Included: Local Stories & Recommendations
Included: Comprehensive Safety Briefing

Not included

Not included: Gratuities - Optional but always appreciated.
Not included: Water and snacks
Not included: Transport can be arranged when available at

Itinerary

Lion's Head

3 hours

OPTION 1: LION'S HEAD — This attraction applies only if you book the Lion's Head Scenic Loop or Summit experience. Meet your qualified local mountain guide at the trailhead for a route overview and safety briefing.

You'll follow the route selected when booking. The Scenic Loop offers a more relaxed Lion's Head experience with beautiful viewpoints and photo stops without the demanding summit climb. The Summit Route continues to the top and includes steeper terrain, scrambling and the famous chains and ladders.

Along the way, enjoy spectacular views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Clifton, Signal Hill, the Twelve Apostles, Cape Town and the Atlantic Ocean. Your guide will share local insights, assist where needed and allow time for photos at some of Lion's Head's best viewpoints.

Depending on your selected booking option, experience Lion's Head around sunrise or sunset, before completing your guided descent or loop back to the trailhead.
2
Table Mountain

3 hours
OPTION 2: TABLE MOUNTAIN — This attraction applies only if you book Platteklip Gorge or India Venster. Meet your qualified local mountain guide at the selected trail for a route overview and safety briefing.

Table Mountain Routes:
- PLATTEKLIP GORGE – Table Mountain's classic direct ascent. Follow a steep, well-established trail through the gorge, with spectacular views of Cape Town as you hike to the summit.
- INDIA VENSTER – Take on a more adventurous route featuring exposed scrambling, rocky terrain and dramatic viewpoints of the city and Atlantic Ocean. Suitable for those seeking a more challenging ascent.
Your guide will provide route guidance, share local insights and assist with safety throughout the experience. Enjoy photo stops and breathtaking scenery along the way.

The route concludes at Table Mountain's upper plateau. Descent arrangements depend on the selected experience and operating conditions.

This attraction applies only to guests booking a Table Mountain route.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

PLATTEKLIP GORGE HIKES ONLY

Meet your guide at the Platteklip Gorge trailhead on Tafelberg Road. This is separate from the Lower Cableway Station.

Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. Your guide details and exact meeting location will be confirmed after booking.
INDIA VENSTER HIKES ONLY

India Venster: Meet at the VIDA CAFE at the Lower Cableway Station.

Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. Your guide details and exact meeting location will be confirmed after booking.
LION'S HEAD HIKES ONLY

Meet your guide at the Lion's Head trailhead signboard on Signal Hill Road. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled departure.

Roadside parking is available nearby. Please use Google Maps to navigate directly to "Lion's Head Hike Parking"

End point

TABLE MOUNTAIN HIKES ONLY

Guests normally descend by cable car and finish at the Lower Cableway Station. Cableway tickets are not included. If the cableway is closed, your guide will explain and arrange a suitable hiking descent based on the route and conditions.
LION'S HEAD HIKES ONLY

Both the Scenic Loop and Summit experiences finish back at the Lion's Head trailhead on Signal Hill Road, where the hike began.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For sunrise hikes, we recommend scheduling your Uber or taxi in advance, as early-morning availability may be limited. Please allow extra travel time to arrive 10 minutes before departure.
Wear comfortable hiking shoes with good grip.
Bring at least 1.5 litres of water per person.
Dress according to the weather and bring warm layers for sunrise & sunset.
Tours operate in most weather conditions unless deemed unsafe by your guide.
Sunrise and Sunset departure times vary throughout the year and will be communicated after booking.
Four hiking routes are available, ranging from a gentler scenic loop to challenging mountain ascents. Select the route suited to your fitness, experience and comfort with heights.
For Table Mountain hikes: Table Mountain cableway tickets are not included. If the cableway is closed, your guide will arrange a suitable hiking descent based on the selected route and conditions. This may extend the experience.

Options

India Venster – Shared

Duration: 3 hours: Allow 3–4 hours depending on group pace, weather and breaks.

India Venster: Adventurous guided summit hike with exposed scrambling sections and spectacular Cape Town views.

Starting point:

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Platteklip Gorge – Private

Duration: 2 hours: Allow 2–3 hours depending on your group's pace, weather and breaks.

Platteklip Gorge: Private guided ascent via Table Mountain's classic steep gorge trail, with spectacular Cape Town views.

Starting point:

Platteklip Gorge Starting Point, Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
India Venster – Private

Duration: 3 hours: Allow 3–4 hours depending on your group's pace, weather and breaks.

India Venster: Private guided summit hike with exposed scrambling sections and spectacular Cape Town views.

Starting point:

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, 5821 Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Lion's Head Summit – Shared

Duration: 3 hours: Allow 3–4 hours depending on group pace and breaks.

Lion's Head Summit: Shared summit hike with steep sections, chains and ladders, plus spectacular 360° Cape Town views.

Starting point:

Lion's Head Hike Parking, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Lion's Head Summit – Private

Duration: 3 hours: Allow 3–4 hours depending on your group's pace and breaks.

Lion's Head Summit: Private summit hike with steep sections, chains and ladders, plus spectacular 360° Cape Town views.

Starting point:

Lion's Head Hike Parking, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Platteklip Gorge – Shared

Duration: 2 hours: Allow 2–3 hours depending on group pace, weather and breaks.

Platteklip Gorge: Guided ascent via Table Mountain's classic steep gorge trail, with spectacular views of Cape Town.

Starting point:

Platteklip Gorge Starting Point, Tafelberg Rd, Table Mountain (Nature Reserve), Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
Lion's Head Loop – Private

Duration: 2 hours: Allow 2–3 hours depending on your group's pace and breaks.

Lion's Head Scenic Loop: Relaxed private hike around Lion's Head with scenic viewpoints. No summit climb, chains or ladders.

Starting point:

Lion's Head Hike Parking, Signal Hill, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa