10 Hiking Tours in South Africa, From Cheap to Splurge

1.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Hike

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

Choose a sunrise or sunset climb of Cape Town’s Lion’s Head with guides such as Idrees, Kurt, or Codi. Expect a steady uphill hike with scrambling, ladders, height exposure, and bright headlamps for early starts. At 669 meters, the summit gives you broad views of Table Mountain, Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, 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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2.Lion’s Head Sunrise/Sunset Hike

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

Join a small group of up to 15 for a guided Lion’s Head hike in Cape Town. Choose sunrise or sunset, climb rocky steps and ladders with a local guide such as Kurt, Codi, or Jean-Michel, and stop for photos along the way. Headlamps are provided, and hotel pickup may be available when selected.

“I Did this hike with Jean-Michel. He picked me up from hotel on time, driving safely around city. We get on the top of mountine on time to see sunrise. During hiking he was very entertaining guide with nice stories and good tips to enjoy our stay here. He took care of our safety and great experience during adventerous hiking. Highly recommend. It was great fun.”

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3.Table Mountain Hike with an Expert Guide

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

You’ll hike Table Mountain for about three hours with an English-speaking guide such as Brad, Robert, Kyle, or Vincent. Choose a route suited to your ability, with scrambling, photo stops, fynbos facts, and views of Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles. Finish with a cableway ride down when weather allows.

“We had an absolutely fantastic hike with Brad - would highly recommend! Definitely worth every penny having a guide with you, especially on the route we took. A few challenging sections of climbing, so very glad to have a helping hand with us. Brad brought so much energy and enthusiasm, and knew so much about the plant, wildlife and history of the landscape. Thank you so much for a wonderful day!”

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4.Lion’s Head Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike

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

Climb Lion’s Head with an English-speaking guide such as Lindy, Brad, Robert, or Brandon. Expect a three-hour hike with scrambling, ladders, chains, dark sections, and wide views of Cape Town, Table Mountain, and the ocean. Head-torches, photos, and videos are included, with optional pickup available by WhatsApp.

“Vincent was an amazing guide. It was great to talk to him and learn so much about Cape Town and the surrounding area. The hike itself was beautiful and we had many occasions to rest and take pictures. Everything was very well organized.”

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5.Standard Canyoning Trip in The Crags, South Africa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 381 reviews · from $60

Join Africanyon River Adventures for a three-hour canyoning trip through The Crags. Swim or hike between cliff jumps, waterfall rappels, and a 30-meter zipline. Guides such as Tabzzz, Julian, Darren, and Puna have led groups through the route. You must arrive one hour early for equipment and the safety briefing.

“Such a great experience from the beginning on. We felt safe every step of the way through a breathtaking scenery. Our guides Darren and Puna were so friendly, funny and supporting that we would follow them into any adventure! Great job!!!!”

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6.Plettenberg Bay: Canyoning Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 353 reviews · 2 hours - 150 minutes · from $52

Join Africanyon River Adventures for a 2 to 2.5-hour canyoning trip near Plettenberg Bay. You will abseil 25 metres, swim through river pools, choose cliff jumps from 1 to 7 metres, and ride a 55-metre zipline over a waterfall. Guides such as Tebz, Julian, Steph, Darren, Warren and Puna are known for calm safety help and good humor.

“Steph and Darren were amazing guides! They made us feel very safe and we’ve had so much fun!”

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7.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, Robert, or Santonio. Choose sunrise or sunset, take the chains and ladders or the easier ridge route, and enjoy Cape Town, Table Mountain, and ocean views with coffee and snacks at the top.

“Exceptional tour by Fatima. Interesting insights and facts throughout the hike, with delicious donuts at the perfect sunset spot to finish.”

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8.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 Table Mountain. Choose a basic or advanced route, set your own pace, and learn about Cape Town’s plants, animals, and mountain trails. Pickup, sunrise, sunset, and full-moon hikes are available by arrangement for an extra fee.

“Phill was a very good guide, we had a great time together he explained us a lot of things about Cape Town and the hiking that we were doing . He was so friendly, and as a bonus : he took a lot of photos of us and of the moment ! We highly recommend him for anyone no matter your level of hiking Phill will support you and encourage you without forcing you ! Many thanks Phill for this incredible moment !”

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

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

Choose a sunrise or sunset climb of Cape Town’s 669-meter Lion’s Head with a registered guide such as Patrick or Andy. Expect silver-leaf groves, coastal views, ladders, chains, scrambling, and a summit photo. Sunrise includes coffee or tea. Hotel pickup is optional.

“Andy was a great tour guide. He was able to explain safety precautions for beginners. He also made coffee for us and take pic with the clouds.”

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10.Lion’s Head Guided Hike at Sunset

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

Hike Lion’s Head with an English-speaking guide in a group of up to seven. You’ll learn about Cape Town’s plants, wildlife, history, and culture, reach the summit for sunset, photograph Table Mountain in evening light, then descend with a flashlight as city lights appear.

“Rob our guide was fantastic, sent messages before I was even in the country to ensure I knew where to go and what to take with me. His knowledge of the mountains, floral and wildlife really added to the hike. I can’t recommend how much more enjoyable it was having a guide like Rob.”

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