The 7 Best Sunrise Hikes in South Africa

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 guides such as Idrees, Kurt, or Codi. Expect a steady hike with scrambling, ladders, steep sections, and wide views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, and the Atlantic. Choose sunrise in the dark or sunset in the evening.

“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!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

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, or Jean-Michel. Choose sunrise over the Hottentots Holland Mountains or sunset above the Atlantic. Expect ladders, rocky sections, night hiking with a supplied flashlight, photo stops, and about three and a half hours on the trail.

“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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike

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

Join guides such as Robert, Lindy, Brad, or Brandon 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 help with photos from the summit.

“Lindy was a great and informative guide who took good care of everyone”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Climb Lion’s Head with an English-speaking guide such as Fatima, David, or Santonio, choosing a sunrise or sunset start. Expect rocky paths, optional chains and ladders, Cape Town views, coffee, snacks, and a small group of up to eight people.

“Amazing experience, super engaging guide. Robert is very friendly and makes you feel really safe and welcome.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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

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

Choose a guided Lion’s Head sunrise hike with coffee or a sunset climb with a headlamp. Patrick and Andy are among the named guides, offering local history, safety help, photos, and route advice on the 669-meter peak. Hotel pickup is available with selected options.

“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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Lion’s Head Sunrise Hike

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

Start before dawn, climb Lion’s Head with an English-speaking guide, and reach the 670-meter summit for sunrise over Cape Town. Choose a route with chains and staples or a simpler path. Pickup, water, a snack, and a group of up to 10 are included.

“We had a great time hiking lion's head with our tour guide. He made sure we started early enough that we were at the top with plenty of time to see the sunrise, which was breathtaking. He was really fun and easy to talk to and put us at ease. He also took some photos of us at the top! One concern was that we were not able to be picked up from our hotel in Woodstock because it was out of range - so we had to pay extra for a taxi to pick us up, but then when we arrived, our guide said it would have been no…”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Lion’s Head Hike sunrise and sunset (MGG)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $55

Join Mountain Goat Guides for a guided Lion’s Head hike at sunrise or sunset. Your English-speaking guide leads the 5.5-kilometer route, explains local plants, animals, and history, and helps you manage steep, rocky sections safely.

“Kosta was a brilliant guide for the sunset climb up - and down - Lion's Head. He enabled us to thoroughly enjoy this challenging walk while enjoying the incredible views it offers. I'd thoroughly recommend going with Mountain Goat Guides, with the experience they offer.”

Check availability →Read our full review