Table Mountain vs Lion’s Head: Hiking & Climbing in Cape Town

Kai Fitchen
Sep 3
3 min read

Discover whether Table Mountain or Lion’s Head is harder to hike or climb. Tips on trails, cable car, weather, and finding Cape Town guides with KAYAK.

So, Table Mountain vs Lion’s Head! When you land in Cape Town, someone will definitely tell you: “You have to hike Table Mountain or Lion’s Head.” And they’re right — they’re both icons. But if you’re wondering which one’s tougher, here’s the lowdown from someone who’s huffed, puffed, scrambled, and climbed up both more times than I can count.

The Climb

Table Mountain: This is the heavyweight. Platteklip Gorge is basically a never-ending staircase carved into rock. It’s steep, it’s sweaty, and it’ll have you questioning your life choices by halfway. But the views at the top? Next level.
The best bit? You don’t have to hike down. The Table Mountain Cable Car spins you gently back to the city, giving you 360° views of the Atlantic and skyline. Honestly, that ride feels like a cold drink after a long day.
Lion’s Head: Lion’s Head is the INSTA-FAMOUS younger cousin. Shorter (about an hour up), but with ladders, chains, and a little scrambling near the top. It’s not as much of a grind as Table Mountain, but it keeps you on your toes. Sunrise and full moon hikes are a local favourite — trust me, it’s magic up there.

Weather Games

Cape Town weather does its own thing. Table Mountain often pulls on its “tablecloth” (a thick cloud cover), which can turn your epic views into a wall of white. Lion’s Head doesn’t get smothered the same way, but it has no shade, so hiking it midday is basically slow roasting yourself.

If you’re planning your trip, it helps to keep an eye on forecasts and conditions. I usually check a few guides and apps before deciding which mountain’s the better bet — a trick worth remembering when you’re booking flights with KAYAK and putting together your Cape Town itinerary.

Rock Climbing: The Ledge vs Lion’s Head

If hiking isn’t enough and you’re chasing real adventure, Cape Town’s rock climbing scene is legendary.

Table Mountain (“The Ledge”):This is where you’ll find the city’s classic trad climbing. Perfect sandstone, bold lines, and routes that climbers dream about. But — and it’s a big but — The Ledge is exposed. The wind can turn brutal up there, and the weather can change in a heartbeat. When it’s good, it’s unbeatable. When it’s not, you’ll know about it.
Lion’s Head:On those blustery days when Table Mountain feels like a wind tunnel, climbers head for Lion’s Head. It’s more sheltered, and while it doesn’t have quite the same legendary routes like Jacobs Ladder and Bombay Duck, it’s still a brilliant day out on the rock. Plus, the views are all-time.

Bottom line? Table Mountain has the classics, but Lion’s Head is your friend when the Cape Doctor (our famous wind) comes out to play.

Which One’s Harder?

Table Mountain: endurance, big legs, big routes, big exposure.
Lion’s Head: short, sharp, and playful — with enough spice to keep it exciting.

Both deliver unforgettable days, but only Table Mountain lets you finish with a cable car glide back to town.

Planning Your Cape Town Adventure

If you’re heading this way, it’s worth mixing a hike or climb with everything else the city has to offer — from vineyards and penguin beaches to lazy afternoons on the Camps Bay strip. A handy starting point is the Cape Town guide on KAYAK, which covers the best times to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.

Do both hikes if you can. Take on Table Mountain when the skies are clear (and reward yourself with the cable car down), then save Lion’s Head for a breezy evening climb. That’s the Cape Town combo locals swear by.