Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town
Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town
The Skeleton Gorge Hike is one of the most popular and challenging routes up Table Mountain, beginning in the lush Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden on the eastern slopes. Known for its steep ascent and stunning scenery, Skeleton Gorge provides a unique blend of fynbos, forested ravines, and panoramic views over the Cape Peninsula, False Bay, and beyond. This 6.3-kilometer route is rated as moderate to difficult due to its steep climb, rocky terrain, and ladder sections, requiring good physical fitness and sturdy hiking shoes.
The trail begins in Kirstenbosch, winding through dense Afromontane forest, with shaded paths that follow a streambed lined with indigenous vegetation. As hikers progress up the ravine, they encounter a series of wooden ladders and boulders, adding an adventurous element to the journey. The gorge itself is cool and sheltered, offering a refreshing contrast to the exposed, sunlit upper slopes. After clearing the steepest parts, hikers reach a high plateau called Smuts Track, which opens up to incredible views and leads directly to Maclears Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain at 1,086 meters.
Skeleton Gorge is rewarding not only for the vistas but also for the sense of immersion in the natural beauty of Table Mountain’s unique flora and fauna. During the summer months, hikers should bring plenty of water and sun protection, as the exposed sections can be intense, even though parts of the trail are shaded. Due to its rugged nature, the route is best undertaken with proper preparation and ideally with some hiking experience.
Contact Information:
Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden: +27 (0)21 799 8783
Table Mountain National Park: +27 (0)21 712 0527
Verblyf Naby Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town
Fernwood Manor
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Newlands, Cape Town
1.9km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownFernwood Manor is 'n elegante koloniale stylhuis in die lowerryke woonbuurt Nuweland, omring deur welige groen met wonderlike berguitsigte. Ons eksklusiewe gastehuis, wat vir nie meer as 16 gaste voorsiening maak nie, verseker warm vriendelike... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Bel Ombre Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
2.3km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownBel Ombre Cottages bied selfsorgkothuisverblyf in Constantia, Kaapstad. Bel Ombre Cottages is luuks gemeubileerde en volledig toegeruste selfsorgkothuise in die pragtige Constantia-vallei, die ideale basis vanwaar u... …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Le Bonheur Villas and Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
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Glencoy
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Claremont
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Pepper Hollow
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
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Valley Heights B&B / Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenilworth
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Hidden Way
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
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At Villa Fig Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownVakansie of besigheid, bed-en-ontbyt of selfsorg... kom na At Villa Fig Guest House, geleë in die rustige Constantia-vallei en geniet die berguitsigte vanaf jou slaapkamer en balkon. …sien meer vir besprekings / navrae en inligting.
Constantia Thatch Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
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Kaya La Provence Self Catering Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Plumstead
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