Private Tour

Skeleton Gorge Hike up Table Mountain

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Hike up Table Mountain via the beautifully forested Skeleton Gorge with experienced local guides!

Beginning at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden we will initially wander the garden and visit a number of its highlights before ascending the gorge under the Afromontane Forest canopy. The trail follows stepped footpath as well as rugged streambed hiking where there are 6 wooden ladders to climb. In winter we may ascend Nursery Ravine next door if we deem conditions are too wet and risky.

Once on the Back Table (lower plateau) at 740m ASL we continue to Maclear's Beacon at 1086m ASL passing through the incredibly vibrant Fynbos flora which makes the Cape so special. After reaching the summit we get views over the city and then head to the cable car for descent.

Kirstenbosch opens at 08:00 - the start time for the hike.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

We will hike to the summit of Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge, one of the most beautiful routes affording amazing views, biodiversity and adventure! We set off from the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, meandering through to see the main features, and then ascend the forested river gorge to reach the Back Table where our water reservoirs are located. From here we continue through over Fynbos shrubland to Maclear's Beacon (1086m ASL) and the Upper Cable Station with views over the city. The Cape Floral Kingdom holds incredible diversity and endemism and you'll come away with a good understanding of our unique flora which we'll discuss throughout the journey. The activity requires a good level of fitness as we gain 1000 metres in elevation & cover around 7 km in distance. There is some technical rock scrambling (use of hands) and minor exposure to heights (vertical drops) which is made easier with 6 x fixed wooden ladders. Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: 7km Duration: 6hours Elevation: 1000m Terrain: Footpath, ladders, minor rock scrambling. Once we get to the base of the mountain on Tafelberg Road we'll wait for you until your taxi/uber picks you up.

What‘s Included

We bring along a thermos/flask for a cup of tea on the mountain.

Table Mountain

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway - one way ticket for descent

Please bring at 1.5 - 2 litres water per person

Please bring trail food/snacks eg. energy bar, dried fruit, sandwich to enjoy along the trail.

Options

Skeleton Gorge Hike up Table Mountain

Reviews

5.00

3 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

TABLE MOUNTAIN TREKS AND TOURS
R2810NLsusanp,,Feb 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I found Table Mountain Treks and Tours by accident after contacting other companies and having no response from them. Anyway I would highly recommend Table Mountain Treks and Tours. Lindsay is very responsive to emails and giving details of the tours they provide. We did 2 Hikes with Justin, the first was to Lion Head where he picked us up at our accomodation and then kindly at the end dropped us at Table Mountain. This hike was nice did it at sunrise, I am scared of heights but Justin was extremely patient and gave me other options to get up the Mountain. His knowledge of plants, birdlife and the mountain and Cape Town were Outstanding. the second hike our son did with Justin - Skeleton Gorge. Justin again picked our son up and they had a great time doing the hike even though it rained and they got soaked. Justin was an extremely awesome guide. I would highly recommend if you are in cape Town and want a guide to use TABLE MOUNTAIN TREKS AND TOURS.
Beautiful hike with knowledable guide
lisakS4105MO,,Aug 7, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did this amazingly beautiful hike starting from Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden with Mark, who offered us great insights in the „Flora and Fauna“ of the Table Mountain. The hike is strenous, but very achievable for medium fit people. Mark adjusted the pace to us and there was always time to take photos, drink, learn or just enjoy the scenery. You will walk up to the reservoir via Skeleton Gorge and go back via the Nursery Ravine (when the Cable Car is not operating). It was overall very pleasant and one of our highlights on our trip so far. The booking and organisation was straightforward. Thank you again, Mark! 10/10 would recommend!