South Africa · HIKING & TREKKING

Hiking in South Africa: The 15 Best Guided Walks

50 tours  ·  from $11

Platteklip in the heat, Lion’s Head at sunset, the Drakensberg escarpment for a proper day. These 15 walks are priced by length, with honest notes on the climbs that are harder than they photograph.

Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike - Sunrise begins with headlamps and a dark trail
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Tour Reviews

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 Lion's Head with a registered English-speaking guide such as Idrees, Kurt, or Codi. Choose a dark, headlamp-lit sunrise ascent or an evening climb timed for sunset. Expect steep hiking, scrambling, ladders, photo stops, and wide views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.

“We had an amazing experience hiking Lion’s Head at sunset with our guide, Kurt. He made the tour not only safe and well-organized, but also fun and inspiring with his knowledge and positive energy. The views were breathtaking, and Kurt knew the best spots to enjoy them. His passion for Cape Town and its nature really shines through, and he went above and beyond to make the hike unforgettable. Highly recommend booking a tour with him if you want a truly memorable adventure! Thank you Kurt!!”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike - Starting on Signal Hill Road
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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 local guide such as Kurt, Codi, Jean Michel, or Tauriq, choosing sunrise above the Hottentots Holland Mountains or sunset over the Atlantic. Expect a 3.5-hour small-group hike, rocky steps, ladders near the top, photo stops, and a dark section with provided flashlights.

“An unforgettable hike with the best guide ever. What began as a cloudy morning turned into pure magic. By the time we reached Lion’s Head summit, we were above the clouds, watching the sunrise over a sea of mist.”

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Cape Town: Table Mountain Hike with an Expert Guide - Choosing the route: from Platteklip Gorge to India Venster
Cape Town Tours, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Table Mountain Tours, Table Mountain Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Table Mountain Hike with an Expert Guide

3.Table Mountain Hike with an Expert Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 666 reviews · 3 hours · from $60

You’ll climb Table Mountain with an English-speaking guide such as Brad, Robert, Kyle, or Vincent, using a route matched to your fitness and confidence. Expect scrambling, big views, fynbos, local stories, photo stops, and a three-hour climb. The cable car ride down is weather dependent and costs extra.

“Kyle was a fantastic guide. He shared lots of interesting information about the local flora and fauna and made sure we took enough breaks to enjoy the scenery and catch our breath. The trail definitely requires a basic level of fitness, but it’s absolutely 100% worth it. We started at 6:30 am and it took us about two hours to reach the top. The weather was perfect and the views were incredible all the way up 🥰🥾 Overall - an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended🙏🏻”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike - Starting at the trailhead and getting organized
Cape Town Tours, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike

4.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike

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

Hike Lion’s Head with an English-speaking guide such as Robert, Lindy, Brad, Brandon, or Miguel. You’ll climb by daylight or head torch, handle scrambling and chains, and reach wide views over Cape Town, Table Mountain, the peninsula, and ocean. Sunrise and sunset departures are available, with photos and videos included.

“Great hike with good pacing for all abilities and informative discussion on all things Lion’s Head related!”

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

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

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

Join a small group of up to eight for a 210-minute guided Lion’s Head hike from Signal Hill Road. Guides such as Fatima, David, Robert, and Santonio lead you along rocky paths, optional chains and ladders, and an easier ridge route. Expect Cape Town views, local stories, photos, coffee, and snacks at the top.

“Tour was excellent! Hendré is so much fun to hike with. Lots of local knowledge and very motivating for those doubting their hiking abilities. The route is so much better with the additional jokes and words of encouragement. Would highly recommend and hope to hike again with Hendré!”

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Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local - What Phil adds to the mountain experience
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Table Mountain Tours, Table Mountain Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local

6.Hike Table Mountain or Lions Head in Cape Town Like a Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 266 reviews · from $22Best value

Join registered guide Phil for a private, roughly three-hour hike on Lions Head or around Table Mountain. Choose a basic, advanced, sunrise, sunset, or full-moon outing based on your ability and experience. Phil sets the pace, shares local knowledge, takes photos, and can arrange transport for an extra fee.

“Beautiful views, knowledgeable guide Guide was able to manage different hiking levels with grace and professionalism.”

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Hike Table Mountain with a Guide - Choose Route - What the morning actually involves
Cape Town Tours, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Table Mountain Tours, Table Mountain Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

Hike Table Mountain with a Guide – Choose Route

7.Hike Table Mountain with a Guide – Choose Route

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 199 reviews · from $65

Choose a guided climb up Table Mountain by steady Platteklip Gorge or rugged India Venster. Your guide sets the pace, explains the mountain’s plants, rocks, history, and culture, then you descend by cable car if it is running. Pickup and private options cost extra.

“This was something I will never forget. Our guide Jean-Michel was great, he made the hike fun and made me feel at ease. The route was filled with diverse challenges, gorgeous views and fantastic atmosphere. Highly recommend it.”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise with coffee or Sunset Hike - From the coffee truck to the silver-leaf trees
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise with coffee or Sunset Hike

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

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

Hike Cape Town’s 669-meter Lion’s Head with a registered guide such as Patrick or Andy. Choose sunrise with coffee or a sunset climb with headlamps. Expect steep steps, ladders, scrambling, height exposure, 360-degree views, local nature and history, plus photos and videos. Hotel transfer 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 - Starting at 5 Signal Hill Road
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Cape Town: Lion’s Head Guided Hike at Sunset

9.Lion’s Head Guided Hike at Sunset

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

Join a small group of up to seven for a guided Lion’s Head sunset hike from 5 Signal Hill Road. Your English-speaking guide sets the pace, explains local plants, wildlife, history, and culture, and helps you reach the summit before dusk. Stuart, Rob, Greg, and Fatima have led past departures.

“We had a great tour with Stuart to the Top of the Lions Head. The hike was good and also very informative. I can just recommend this awesome Experience.”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunrise Hike - Your early pickup and the climb before dawn
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunrise Hike

10.Lion’s Head Sunrise Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 67 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

Start before dawn with a guide such as Lynette, Kai, or Barry, then climb Lion’s Head above Cape Town. Choose the easier path or tackle sections with staples and chains. Your small group reaches the 670-meter summit for sunrise, with views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, Camps Bay, and Sea Point.

“Lynette was absolutely great! It was magical to walk up the Lions Head! Would recommend it to everyone.”

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Lion's Head HIKE Table Mountain in Cape Town-South Africa - What the hike feels like on the mountain
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Table Mountain Tours, Table Mountain Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

Lion’s Head HIKE Table Mountain in Cape Town-South Africa

11.Lion’s Head HIKE Table Mountain in Cape Town-South Africa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · from $100

Join Muki Venture for a private, guided hike in Table Mountain National Park. Choose Lion’s Head, India Venster, Platteklip Gorge, Pipe Track, Skeleton Gorge, or King’s Block House based on your ability. Guides including Muki, Nashaad, Chisai, Shannine, and Hannes may lead the outing, with pickup, poles, headlamps, and mountain bikes available.

“We had an amazing experience & definitely heading back there in January to do more adventures with Muki and try to extend our stay”

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Cape Town: Lion's Head Sunset Hike - Starting at Signal Hill Road
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Tour Reviews

Cape Town: Lion’s Head Sunset Hike

12.Lion’s Head Sunset Hike

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $94

Join a professional guide for a moderate 90-minute climb up Cape Town’s Lion’s Head at sunrise or sunset. The screwtop trail brings wide views of Table Mountain, the Twelve Apostles, the city, and the ocean. Guides such as Rob and Stuart are known for patient pacing and practical safety help. Transport, water, and snacks are not included.

“Fantastic guide. Knowledgeable. Fun. Sharp. I highly recommend. Great overall experience. * “Extra words” to fit minimum unnecessary text count requirements to leave a review.”

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Hiking Lion's Head for Sunrise or Sunset - Where the walk becomes a real climb
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Lion's Head Hikes, Tour Reviews

Hiking Lion’s Head for Sunrise or Sunset

13.Hiking Lion’s Head for Sunrise or Sunset

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 64 reviews · from $70

Climb Lion’s Head with a registered guide such as Patrick or Frank in a group of no more than seven. Expect a steady uphill trail, rock scrambling, ladders, and a dark descent after sunset. Choose sunrise with coffee or sunset with headlamps, and add hotel transfers if you prefer not to navigate Cape Town before dawn or after dark.

“Great hike. Patrick was fantastic. We had great chats and the view was incredible. Was the highlight of my trip to capetown”

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Table Mountain: Platteklip Gorge Hike - Climbing the 600-meter route through Platteklip Gorge
Cape Town Tours, Hiking & Trekking, Table Mountain Tours, Table Mountain Tours in Cape Town, Tour Reviews

Table Mountain: Platteklip Gorge Hike

14.Table Mountain: Platteklip Gorge Hike

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 48 reviews · 3 hours · from $93

You’ll climb Table Mountain’s oldest and shortest route, Platteklip Gorge, with an English-speaking mountain guide in a group of up to 10. Allow 2 to 3 hours for the strenuous ascent, then take in Lion’s Head, Signal Hill, Devil’s Peak, and Robben Island before riding the cableway down. Pickup, water, and a snack are included.

“Cliff is the best guide. My partner and i had an amazing day hiking (and a bit of climbing!) table mountain with Cliff in December. he is knowledgeable, experienced and great fun to hang out with. We loved our day so much we booked my parents a day hike with him for their holiday. My mom actually said it was one of the best days she has ever had on holiday ! I cannot recommend Cliff and his company highly enough and we plan on returning to Cape town and hiking the 12 apostles with him in future.”

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Cape Town: Table Mountain Hike with an Experienced Guide - Choosing between Table Mountain and Lion’s Head
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Cape Town: Table Mountain Hike with an Experienced Guide

15.Table Mountain Hike with an Experienced Guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · 210 minutes - 5 hours · from $49

Join Donovan or another qualified local guide for a small-group hike up Table Mountain or Lion’s Head. Choose routes from Platteklip Gorge to Skeleton Gorge, India Venster, Kasteelspoort, or a sunrise Lion’s Head walk. Expect local stories, fynbos, summit views, photos, and careful pacing.

“Don was a great guide, really knowledgeable, helpful, fun to be with and went above and beyond. Highly recommend!”

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