Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

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As hikers progress up the ravine, they encounter a series of wooden ladders and boulders, adding an adventurous element to the journey. (Image adapted). © Safaris Down South

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

Showing 1 to 10 of 10 results

Graded:

Sleeps 18 in 9 units

^FromR 1950

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Fernwood Manor

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Newlands, Cape Town

1.9km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Fernwood 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.

Sleeps 6 in 2 units

^FromR 800

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Bel Ombre Cottages

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

2.3km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Bel 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.

Sleeps 24 in 4 units

^FromR 13900

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Le Bonheur Villas and Cottages

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

2.6km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Le 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.

Guest Rating: 9

Sleeps 7 in 2 units

^FromR 875

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Glencoy

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Claremont

2.7km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Glencoy 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.

Sleeps 4 in 1 unit

^FromR 1600

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Pepper Hollow

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

3.2km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Pepper 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.

Graded:

Sleeps 11 in 6 units

^FromR 890

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Valley Heights B&B / Guest House

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Kenilworth

3.4km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Valley 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.

Sleeps 2 in 1 unit

^FromR 525

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Hidden Way

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

3.8km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Hidden 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.

* Rates may vary according to season

At Villa Fig Guest House

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Holiday 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.

Guest Rating: 10

Sleeps 10 in 4 units

^FromR 900

Per unit, per night

* Rates may vary according to season

Constantia Thatch Lodge

Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Constantia, Cape Town

4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Constantia 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.

Sleeps 4 in 1 unit

^FromR 650

Per person, per night sharing

* Rates may vary according to season

Kaya La Provence Self Catering Cottage

Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Plumstead

4.1km from Skeleton Gorge Hike - Table Mountain, Cape Town

Kaya 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.

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