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
Accommodation Near 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 an elegant colonial style home in the leafy suburb of Newlands surrounded by lush greenery with wonderful mountain views. Our exclusive guest house, catering for no more than 16 guests, ensures warm friendly personal service... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
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 provide self catering cottage accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Bel Ombre Cottages are luxuriously furnished and fully equipped self catering cottages in the beautiful Constantia Valley, the ideal base from which to explore... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Le Bonheur Villas and Cottages
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
2.6km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownLe Bonheur Villa and Cottages offers a selection of self catering accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. 4 self catering options are available: Villa - 6 bedrooms that sleeps 12, 4 bathrooms (3 en-suite). Protected from the summer winds... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Glencoy
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Claremont
2.7km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownGlencoy provides self catering accommodation in Claremont, Cape Town. Glencoy is an upmarket, private self-catering apartment and en-suite guest room. It is situated in the quiet residential area of Upper Claremont. With a striking view of Table Mountain. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pepper Hollow
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
3.2km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownPepper Hollow offers self catering cottage accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. The accommodation consists of one self-catering cottage with 2 bedrooms. The main bedroom has a queen size bed & dressing table with an en-suite bathroom. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Valley Heights B&B / Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenilworth
3.4km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownValley Heights Guest House provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Kenilworth, Cape Town. Situated in the peaceful, safe and leafy suburb of Upper Kenilworth in Cape Town's Southern Suburbs and has easy access to major tourist... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Hidden Way
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
3.8km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownHidden Way provides self catering flatlet accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Hidden Way is situated in a quiet pan-handle with secure, covered off-street parking and a private patio. The flatlet is self-catering and has a separate fully-equipped kitc …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
At Villa Fig Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownHoliday or business, bed and breakfast or self catering... come to At Villa Fig Guest House, situated in the tranquil Constantia Valley and enjoy the mountain views from your bedroom and balcony. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Constantia Thatch Lodge
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town
4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownConstantia Thatch Lodge provides a choice of self catering accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town. Constantia Thatch Lodge offers self-catering accommodation for 10 guests in 2 cottages and 2 private suites. Private entrance and patios. Pool, secure parki …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kaya La Provence Self Catering Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Plumstead
4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape TownKaya La Provence provides self catering accommodation in Plumstead, Cape Town. Situated in a secure and safe neighbourhood on the border of Constantia and Plumstead, Kaya La Provence offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful Self Catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- The Van Riebeeck Hedge (0.04km)
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens - Cape Town (0.45km)
- Maclears Beacon - Table Mountain, Cape Town (2.33km)
- Cavendish Square - Claremont, Cape Town (3.40km)
- Constantia Valley Grape Run - Cape Town (3.52km)
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- Maynardville Open Air Theatre - Wynberg, Cape Town (3.83km)
- Constantia Nek Pass - Cape Town (3.84km)
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- Two Oceans Marathon - Cape Town (3.89km)
- Oktober Bierfest - Cape Town (3.89km)
- Josephine Mill Museum - Newlands, Cape Town (4.05km)
- Table Mountain National Park - Cape Town (4.06km)
- Newlands Cricket Ground - Newlands, Cape Town (4.14km)
- Constantia Waldorf Night Market - Constantia, Cape Town (4.16km)
- The Groote Schuur Estate - Rondebosch, Cape Town (4.20km)
- Akeso Kenilworth Clinic - Cape Town (4.22km)
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