Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon. Table Mountain hike

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

The chance to escape the crowds and explore the back of Table Mountain. Home to 5 reservoirs and to many rare species of plant. To visit the highest point and see the views as only hikers see them.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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 from the botanical gardens to the cableway passing Maclears Beacon which is the highest point on the mountain. This +/- 6 hour trail is one of the most popular on Table Mountain as it allows you to see all the different ecosystems along the way. We pass through indigenous forestry with running waterfalls on the way up Skeleton Gorfe and then through pristine fynbos with views all the way down the Peninsula. Finally we hike across the cliffs overlooking the city. Finally we can choose to descend with the cablecar, or take the steep Platteklip gorge.

What‘s Included

Snacks

Kirstenbosch gardens entry fee, cable car fee, return transport

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon. Table Mountain hike

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

20 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Highly recommended guide and walk
Sherpa11303664817,,Jan 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had a brilliant day out with Binny walking up the Skeleton Gorge trail to summit of table mountain. The walk is really beautiful, travelling up through different ecosystems. Binny is very knowledgeable of the mountain trails, the natural environment including the plants, birds and geology, and had lots of interesting information to share. I thoroughly enjoyed chatting to her throughout the day. I felt very safe, and communication beforehand was excellent. The whole day was a really great experience, I would definitely recommend and would walk with Binny again if I was back here in the future. The trip was just as I expected and a great day out. I also appreciated her recommendation to head back to the Botanical Garden for the afternoon to explore the gardens and eat at the cafe.
Amazing Hike!
karenwilson84,,Jan 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Binny was a fantastic guide. From first email contact she helped me select the route which was right for me given what I wanted to gain from the experience of walking up the mountain and her communication was fantastic. We did the Skeleton Gorge route which was stunning, such varied terrain and views. Binny made quite a daunting climb very achievable. Her company en route was just lovely, felt like I was walking with a ( very knowledgeable!) friend. I found out so much about the flora, fauna and history of the mountain. I would 100% recommend and look forward to more hikes with Binny on my return visits to Cape Town
Great views and interesting stories.
Line L,,Aug 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Excellent experience! Binny is a skilled, knowledgeable and very pleasant guide. Even with no view and cold winds at the top, she managed to keep it interesting. I highly recommend!
Excellent Guided Hike Up Skeleton Gorge
bluechip7,,Jan 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My partner and I enjoyed an excellent hike with Binny up Skeleton Gorge to Maclears Beacon. We then hiked atop Table Mountain over to the cable car to wrap up the experience and descend. We were joined by one other hiker in Binny’s group. Binny was great company throughout this outing, sharing her knowledge about the city of Cape Town and trails, plant life, and her worldly experience. The pace of the hike was perfect and she always accommodated any break requests. She even shared recommended hikes for the next leg of our trip to Franschhoek, which ended up being phenomenal. We would absolutely hike with Binny again.
Amazing day! Binny is great!
Happiness22765400113,,Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Binny is a knowledgeable, skilled, and friendly hiking guide! We absolutely loved our long hike with her today. She took breaks for us to drink water, eat, or catch our breath. She had more water and layers if we needed it. She was very communicative over email to help us prepare and answer questions. It was a perfect day. Highly recommend!
Wonderful experience!
kerrykW9642HX,,Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Binny was a fantastic guide and host! We had a wonderful trip and learned so much about the local ecology. It's a hard hike but well worth it, especially with Binny.
Skeleton Gorge Trail early March 24
Thomas B,,Mar 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very nice hike, very pleasantly guided by Binny. If you are interested, she knows a lot of facts about the flora, fauna and surrounding area, but she also allows you to relax and enjoy the nature and the views. Therefore, highly recommended.
Glorious Hike!
TimA988,,Nov 16, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fantastic hike up Skeleton Gorge with Binny, she was very informative about the area, the flora and fauna and went at a pace that made the whole experience a totally enjoyable one. Do not do a hike up the mountain without her, you will miss so much and also put yourself at risk, the weather can change so fast. I have already pencilled in my next hike with her!
Great hike with a well-respected guide
Y733KLjohnn,,Mar 17, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My group of two (plus Binny) started during a gorgeous sunrise over Kirstenbosh and the four hours kicked off with a detailed discussions of the fynbos ecosystem. Binny was well prepared for any question -- and her pack for any event. I think the best compliment was that all the other guides we saw on the trail knew her and clearly held her in the highest regard. Her company made every part of the tremendous hike even better and unforgettable.
Amazing Trip
meubheike,,Feb 24, 2020
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Thanks Binny for this wonderful day. We had a great walk to the table Mountain. Binny was a fantastic guide, we are so happy booked this Trip. Five Stars for Binny!!!