ON FOOT · SUNSET HIKES IN CAPE TOWN

Where to Walk: the 14 Best Sunset Hikes in Cape Town

14 hikes  ·  from $38 a head

The good sunset hikes in Cape Town cap their group sizes and fill up weeks ahead. Below: the 14 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike - Choosing sunrise or sunset
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

1.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,084 reviews · from $46Our pick

Climb Cape Town’s 669-meter Lion’s Head with a registered English-speaking guide. Choose a dark, flashlight-lit sunrise hike or an evening ascent timed for sunset. Expect steady hiking, scrambling, ladders, exposed sections, and wide views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, the Atlantic, and Cape Town. Pickup is available with selected options.

“Great time, the hike was nice and not too intense, around 2km each way. Our guide Idrees was fantastic and so knowledgeable”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike - What the three-and-a-half-hour hike feels like
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike

2.Lion’s Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 921 reviews · from $65

Climb Lion’s Head with a small group and guides such as Kurt, Codi, Jean, or Tauriq. Choose sunrise over the Hottentots Holland Mountains or sunset above the Atlantic. Expect rock steps, ladders, dark sections, photo stops, headlamps, and about three and a half hours on the trail.

“Kurt was our guide during the sunset hike. Extremely knowledgeable about the area as well shared life perspective of a local of Cape Town. He took care of us the entire time making sure everyone was safe and that we’re having a good time! Pace was great and the hike Read more”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike - Starting at the Lion’s Head trail
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike

3.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 642 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $38Cheapest way up

Join guides such as Robert, Lindy, Brad, Brandon, or Miguel for a three-hour Lion’s Head hike timed for sunrise or sunset. Expect scrambling, ladders, chains, dark sections, head torches, plant and wildlife information, and photo help at the best viewpoints. Pickup may be added by arrangement.

“Unfortunately we had a cloudy evening and no sight for sunset however the small group, hiking experience and guide Robert were great and highly recommendable. The way up showed great views below the clouds and the pace is right for all levels with plenty of time until sunset, also for pictures, some stories and rest.”

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Cape Town: Guided Lion's Head Hike at Sunrise or Sunset - The first section, plants, rocks, and rising views
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Cape Town: Guided Lion’s Head Hike at Sunrise or Sunset

4.Guided Lion’s Head Hike at Sunrise or Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 312 reviews · 3h 30m · from $56

Climb Lion’s Head in a small group of up to eight with an English-speaking guide such as Fatima, David, or Santonio. Choose sunrise or sunset, take the steeper chains-and-ladders route or the easier ridge path, and stop for coffee, snacks, photos, and local stories. Bring water, sturdy shoes, and layers.

“We had an amazing tour with Fatimah. We felt very safe and well cared for. The views were amazing and Fatimah knew where best to stop and how much time we needed to reach the top for sunset. It was so nice discussing her experiences as a tour guide and her hiking experience too. She was very kind and took a real interest in us. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a tour guide for lions head or anywhere else in Cape Town.”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise with coffee or Sunset Hike - Starting at the Lion’s Head car park
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise with coffee or Sunset Hike

5.Lion’s Head Sunrise with coffee or Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 160 reviews · from $49

Join guides such as Patrick or Andy for a sunrise or sunset hike up 669-meter Lion's Head. Expect coastal views, ladders, chains, light scrambling, local nature and history, summit photos, and coffee or tea on sunrise trips. Hotel pickup is optional.

“We loved hiking lions head with our tour guide, Patrick. He was very knowledgeable and friendly, gave us a quasi -tour of capetown on our way up! He was prepared and helpful and really kept us safe (we are not experienced hikers at all!) Would do this again!”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Guided Hike at Sunset - Meeting at 5 Signal Hill Road
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Guided Hike at Sunset

6.Lion’s Head Guided Hike at Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 93 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $112

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Lion’s Head trailhead for a roughly 3.5-hour sunset hike. Guides such as Stuart, Rob, Greg, and Fatima share stories about Cape Town, local plants, wildlife, and culture while helping you over rocky sections and ladders. Bring water, warm layers, and a flashlight for the descent.

“We were met by Stuart our guide for the day, he was honestly amazing he reminded us of all the details the day before by whatsapp and helped us find the location easily on the day. I really appreciated that even though he advised us all to get snacks and water bottles. He actually packed each one of us an extra water bottle & snack just in case we forget or needed more. He truly is a spirit of what a true guide should be, he's a person that does it out of passion and not to make you feel like its a business run tourism agency. The hike itself…”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunset Hike - Starting at 5 Signal Hill Road
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunset Hike

7.Lion’s Head Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $94

Meet your guide at 5 Signal Hill Road for a guided Lion’s Head hike lasting about three and a half hours. Expect a moderate 90-minute ascent, steep sections, city and ocean views, and a golden sunset or sunrise. Guides such as Rob and Stuart have helped hikers of mixed fitness levels, but transport, water, and snacks are not included.

“Wow, what an experience! It was three of us doing this hike and I am personally terrified of heights, so I was skeptical that I would enjoy it or even reach the summit. Well, we met Rob our guide and he immediately explained what to expect Read more”

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Hiking Lion's Head for Sunrise or Sunset - The final ridge and the 360-degree summit
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Hiking Lion’s Head for Sunrise or Sunset

8.Hiking Lion’s Head for Sunrise or Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $70

Climb Lion’s Head with a registered guide in a group of no more than seven. Expect a steady uphill walk, rock scrambling, ladders, and a chain-assisted section before the summit’s 360-degree views. Sunrise trips include coffee. Sunset hikers receive headlamps for the descent, with optional hotel transfers.

“Incredible experience that I would recommend to all. As a solo traveler, I felt safe with Andy and his expertise. He knew the best routes and suggestions for a safe hike. Grateful for his encouragement throughout the challenging hike. He made the perfect cappuccino for me to enjoy at sunrise. Thank you Andy. Worth it.”

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The Best! Lions Head Sunrise & Sunset Hike & Hotel Pick-up - Sunrise or sunset, choosing the right departure
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The Best! Lions Head Sunrise & Sunset Hike & Hotel Pick-up

9.The Best! Lions Head Sunrise & Sunset Hike & Hotel Pick-up

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $74

Climb Lion’s Head with a certified guide such as Kai, Kieron, or Yvette on a moderate 3 to 4 hour sunrise or sunset hike. Expect rocky paths, grassy slopes, chain ladders, sweeping Cape Town views, and help with pacing, safety, photos, snacks, and tea. Hotel pickup is offered, though the listed meeting point is the Lion’s Head parking area.

“We had the most amazing morning with Kai our guide. He was so patient, friendly and knowledgeable and made the experience even better. The views at the top are incredible and the sunrise was beautiful over the city. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Cape Town.”

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Lion's Head Hike: Cape Town - Sunrise or Sunset Hike - The pickup makes the early start easier
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Lion’s Head Hike: Cape Town – Sunrise or Sunset Hike

10.Lion’s Head Hike: Cape Town – Sunrise or Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 29 reviews · 3h 30m · from $49

Join Cape Town Trails OG for a 3.5-hour guided Lion’s Head hike at sunrise or sunset. Guides including Jarrod, Ryon, Miguel, and Vincent lead small or private groups along a circular route, helping with rocky sections and the final scramble. Headlamps are provided, and private tours include a picnic.

“I had the chance to hike Lion’s Head in Cape Town with my mom and our guide Jarrod, and it was truly one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. From the very beginning, Jarrod made us feel comfortable he went at our pace, even brought hiking poles for my mom, and always took the time to answer our questions and share interesting insights along the way. Towards the end, I felt dizzy and couldn’t continue to the top. Jarrod handled the situation with so much calm and professionalism, and he guided us to a perfect spot where we could still watch the sunrise with a warm cup of…”

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Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike + Hotel Pick-Up - Hotel pickup in a military green Suzuki Jimny
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Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike + Hotel Pick-Up

11.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike + Hotel Pick-Up

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 3h 30m · from $62

Join Geoff of Cape Hiker for a private or small-group Lion's Head hike at sunrise or sunset. You get hotel pickup for up to three people, a safety briefing, a 5.5-kilometer circular route, chains and ladders near the top, snacks, refreshments, and sweeping views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the ocean.

“Great hike!! Very friendly and flexlible. Got a lot of interesting information about South Africa. Worth it! :)”

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Guided Sunset/Sunrise Hike on Lions Head,Cape Town (Hotel Pickup) - The middle section and the first big views
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Guided Sunset/Sunrise Hike on Lions Head,Cape Town (Hotel Pickup)

12.Guided Sunset/Sunrise Hike on Lions Head,Cape Town (Hotel Pickup)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $98

Start about two hours before sunrise or sunset on a private Lion’s Head hike with hotel pickup, headlamps, and a qualified guide. Shamier, Nashad, or Ian may lead you through the darker lower trail, steep ladders, chains, and rock sections, sharing Cape Town stories and helping with photos before returning you to the pickup point.

“Shamier was our guide and he was outstanding. He was very helpful, knowledgeable and made our hike up lions head unforgettable. He even made us a nice cup of tea with biscuits which was such a lovely gesture!”

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Lion's Head hike for Sunset - The safety briefing sets the tone
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Lion’s Head hike for Sunset

13.Lion’s Head hike for Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · from $85

Join a small group of up to 10 people for a guided sunset hike to Lion’s Head, 2,194 feet above Cape Town. Guides such as Barry and Nathan adjust the pace, explain local nature, and help with the chain and staple sections near the top. Hotel pickup, water, and snacks are included when selected.

“Prompt pick up, friendly guide. 3.5 hours round trip from the carpark. The staple and chain sections were great fun, nothing too strenuous, and great pace. We arrived to the top about 10 mins before sunset, lovely views along the way and from the top. Would highly recommend.”

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Sunrise & Sunset Lion's Head Hike + Hotel Pick-Up - What the route feels like underfoot
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Sunrise & Sunset Lion’s Head Hike + Hotel Pick-Up

14.Sunrise & Sunset Lion’s Head Hike + Hotel Pick-Up

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $55

Join a French- or English-speaking guide such as Kai, Yvette, or Cara for a guided Lion’s Head hike from Cape Town. Expect rocky paths, grassy slopes, chain ladders, sunrise or sunset views, hotel pickup in selected areas, snacks, water, and headlamps. The moderate climb takes about one to two hours.

“Cara was een leuke enthousiaste gids,die veel vertelde over de flora en fauna op Lions Head en ons deskundig nasr boven leidde tijdens de klim voor zonsondergang te zien.Had koffie en druiven voor ons bij zich.”

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