Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain summit

Overview

Available languages

English

4 hours

Mobile ticket

A Table Mountain classic. Leads up the lush eastern slopes of Table Mountain above the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Takes in all the floral zones. Indigenous Afro-montane forest along the first hour or so. A short detour leads to a small "beach" on the Back Table. Tops out at the highest point on Table Mountain (Maclear's Beacon), from where the route leads across the length of the famous tabletop summit. Involves some light scrambling with minimal exposure to heights, so suitable to those who don't have a good head for heights. 15% discount if you book directly through the Hike Table Mountain website.

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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

Table Mountain National Park

Starting from the renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the route leads up the lush eastern slopes of Table Mountain. The first section passes through indigenous forest resembling tropical jungle, passing a small beach at the historical reservoirs, eventually topping out at the highest point on Table Mountain. From here, the route traverses the length of the famous tabletop summit to the upper cable station.

4 hours • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Qualified, highly-experienced, competent, knowledgeable mountain-guide

Snacks

Options

Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain summit

Reviews

5.00

21 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Awesome hike to Table Mountain
D5598JImr,,Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We did the Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain summit tour with Ian - and had a great day! Ian is a very experienced and kind guide and told us a lot about the vegetation along the route. The tour itself is amazing - beautiful and very diverse landscape (the ascent is quite exhausting but worth it), a wonderful little beach on top of the mountain and nice views. We can highly recommend this tour and are looking forward to do the India Venster with Ian next time:)
Best Table Mountain hike company
Cosmopolitan780566,,Nov 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing hike of Platteklip gorge. Second time but as a private hike with the fantastic Mike, who made it super easy for my best friend. This is the best thing you will ever do in Cape Town with the best man for the job. Mike is just the most incredible human being. He offers a transformational experience. I highly recommend him and the hike!
This is a mountain climb not a hike.
chantrell s,,Nov 22, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
My hike got switched to Lions Head Trail due to inclement wind gusts. I didn’t mind because the views from the top of Lions Head were breathtaking. There was ALOT of scrambling and unevenness. It was a real challenge that took about 3 hours round trip. I am so glad we had Mike was a guide who was knowledgeable and helpful. He took the time to talk about the native plants in the area which I loved! Do not do this without one if you are not from the area or an experienced climber.
Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain Summit, a stunning ascent worth the effort!. Incredibly uplifting.
S6634YHstewartm,,Sep 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide, Ethan was excellent! He was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and he walked us up the mountain at a pace so even the slowest (me) enjoyed every second! We were fortunate that as we climbed and the clouds shifted, we were treated to magnificent views. 5star adventure and highly recommend Ethan as your guide.
Nice hike through the waterfall
191dieuwertjev,,Aug 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great hike. Start at the botanical gardens and up via Skeleton Gorge. Very versatile hike with nice views. When hiking in august (winter), be prepared to get wet when crossing the waterfall at several places. Good hiking shoes (and dry socks) are recommended. We hiked back after summiting on the other side of the mountain. Also highly recommended!
Highlight of our trip!
Katja A,,Apr 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour was the highlight of our trip! Riaan, our guide, was amazing! He is super knowledgable about the mountain (he even wrote a book about it!), understands his hikers, their limitations and their abilities, and will never put your safety at risk. We felt very safe, very well taken care of and thoroughly enjoyed the hike. We learned a lot about Table Mountain, its history, flora and fauna and even the weather patterns that experts like Riaan use for forecasting the conditions on the mountain. We would definitely recommend this tour to everybody considering hiking up Table Mountain - you won't regret it! Reaching the top on your own is so much more satisfying than taking the cable car and to do it under such expert guidance is so much sweeter. Thank you Riaan! If we're ever back in Cape Town, we'll find you again.
Wonderful experience
zoeh521,,Mar 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our group of six friends was led by Matthew up Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain and we had a wonderful time! Matthew was super knowledgeable (about South Africa, flora/ fauna, etc), patient, and fun to hike with—we learned a lot, pushed ourselves physically, and enjoyed a spectacular day climbing up the mountain. He made sure we took regular breaks and were hydrating/ applying sunscreen. I was really worried about my ability to make it up the mountain prior to the hike, but if you are able-bodied, relatively fit, do occasional cardio and strength work, and have the stamina to do a 4-4.5 hour hike, then you can (very likely) do this hike. Thank you, Matthew, for an excellent adventure!
Amazing day on Table Mountain - highly recommend!
Departure59982673288,,Oct 16, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had high expectations for this hike, and was not disappointed! It's a beautiful, less visited side of the mountain with spectacular views and varied scenery. Johan was a brilliant guide, giving us loads of interesting information about history, flora and fauna on the way. It's a steep route so you need a reasonable level of fitness or be prepared to push yourself, but it's well worth the effort.
Best hike ever but be prepared
jennerth,,May 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
So beautiful, challenging and something long, a hike in SA of 4 hours is actually 4 hours, also for reasonably fit people. In USA we did hikes of 4 hours in 2, but SA is different. Climbing. No signs. No beaten path. Love it! But know what you are getting into.check the weather, cold, wind, bring water and waterproof shoes, snacks, tissues, spf 30 and don't if you are weak, older or too tired. Strong quadriceps are included;) and do not start after 1-2 pm! People are forced to stay overnight on the mountain because of changing weather......lost. Hypothermia......be prepared and you will love it!!
Great hike with 360 views
lucylZ407ZR,,Oct 28, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely stunning hike with our lovely guide Steph. It was lovely to hike up one of the quieter routes from the other side of the mountain and get to experience the views from all sides. A brilliant activity!