Hikers hoping to reach the summit of Lion’s Head, or runners tackling the Lion’s Loop, may need to rethink their route in the coming weeks.
Two key access points on the popular trail within Cape Town’s Table Mountain National Park are currently closed.
This leaves just one main path for those determined to reach the Lion’s Head summit.
The latest disruption comes from maintenance work announced by South African National Parks (SANParks). The Lion’s Head Jeep Track will close from 20 April to 20 June 2026 to facilitate essential maintenance work.
SANParks said the long-term goal of the project is to improve safety and enhance the visitor experience.
“The public is urged to adhere to all posted signage and safety instructions during the closure period,” SANParks noted.
Lion’s Head jeep track closed for maintenance
The jeep track is the most direct access point to the Lion’s Head trail from Signal Hill Road, and is widely used by walkers and runners.
During the temporary closure, hikers can still reach the Lion’s Head trail by using the Kramat path. This path begins on the saddle between Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
“The parking area is still available to those who want to use the trail from the Kramat to Lions Head,” SANParks added.
Kloof Road closure affects Lion’s Loop access
Access to the Lion’s Head loop trail from Kloof Nek Road has also been affected by a road repair project that is expected to run until December 2026.
Storm damage in 2023/4 destabilised embankments along the scenic route between the City Bowl and Camps Bay.
The City of Cape Town confirmed last month that repair work to this vital link had finally begun.
However, the stretch between Kloof Nek Road and Round House Road will stay closed during construction. That closure applies to vehicles, cyclists, as well as pedestrians.
Hikers can still get onto the Kloof Road path, but will need to access it from the bottom of Kloof Road via Lower Kloof Road/ Bantry Bay.
Once on the Kloof Road path, hikers wanting to hike to the summit will need to circumnavigate the base of Lion’s Head in a clockwise direction to join up with the Kramat Path/ Lion’s Head trail (see map above).
Another option is to walk along the Upper Rhine Road path (parking at the top of Upper Rhine Road in Sea Point) to access the Kramat path.
