Guided hike
SKELETON GORGE
Lush and challenging. Ideal for fit nature lovers.
Why Hike Skeleton Gorge
Summer Special
R1,300 – R2,100 per person
Skeleton Gorge is one of Table Mountain's most rewarding hiking routes, offering an adventure that feels worlds away from the city below.
Hikers’ efforts are rewarded with spectacular scenery, unique flora, and the satisfaction of reaching the top of one of South Africa’s most famous mountain and a New7Wonder of Nature.
This is an incredibly lovely & enjoyable escape from city life.
Forest Immersion: A unique ascent through indigenous woodland, Skeleton Gorge showcases the incredible diversity of Table Mountain’s ecosystems. The trail runs through shaded, indigenous Afromontane forest filled with large trees, mossy boulders, & seasonal streams.
Adventure Value: A richer route for experienced hikers wanting variety. One of the trail’s highlights is passing the historic Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir and, for many hikers, continuing to Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain. The gorge tops out near Breakfast Rock & connects to Smuts Track leading toward the upper cableway station.
Trail Overview
Stats
- Distance — ±7 km
- Duration — ±4 hours
- Difficulty — 4/5 strenuous
- Elevation Gain — ±640 metres
- Best Suited For — experienced hikers, fit individuals
- Not Suited For — young children, beginners, those with joint injuries, those with a fear of heights
Level of fitness required
- It’s best suited to adventurous hikers with a reasonable level of fitness looking for a more dynamic climb than the standard routes.
- Steep sections require balance and steady footing.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- To access the Skeleton Gorge trailhead an entrance fee must be paid at the Kirstenbosch gate.
Do you need a hiking guide for Skeleton Gorge?
- Mountain walking guides are trained to ensure physical safety, offer motivational support, manage the group’s pace, and assist with route guidance through the difficult sections.
- The hike is led by a CATHSSETA-certified guide & wilderness first responder
Terrain & Route Type
- It is a strenuous and challenging hike. The route is physically demanding due to the steep climb and scrambling over rocks.
- Starting in the lush Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the trail navigates through indigenous Afromontane Forest, crosses winter streams and waterfalls, and ascends steeply before reaching the plateau and ending at the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Upper Station.
- The journey extends from beneath the dense canopy of ancient trees to gradually emerge onto fynbos-covered slopes with sweeping views across Cape Town, the Cape Flats, and beyond.
- Expect boulder navigation and uneven natural steps, occasional narrow sections with moderate exposure and wooden ladders.
- The hike up is rewarded by a ride down via the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway rotating cable car.
Important safety note
A strenuous route requiring stamina for climbing ladders and boulder scrambles. Due to cliff exposure and demanding terrain, it is unsuitable for beginners, young children, or those with joint injuries. Hikers should start early and descend via a safer path or the Table Mountain Cableway rather than backtracking down the slippery gorge. The trail becomes dangerously slick during or after rain when it turns into an active water drainage channel.
Highlights
- Skeleton Gorge Hiking Trail, Table Mountain
Suggested to bring
- Footwear suitable for hiking
- Warm jacket / windbreaker
- Water (we provide 1.5L pp)
- Sun protection