Skeleton Gorge Hike
Skeleton Gorge Hike Table Mountain: An Epic Journey Through Nature’s Heart
Ready for a Table Mountain adventure that delves deep into its lush eastern slopes? The Skeleton Gorge Hike is a true classic, offering an immersive journey through indigenous forest, diverse fynbos, and culminating at Maclear’s Beacon, Table Mountain’s highest point. Discover why this challenging yet rewarding route, starting from the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and fit hikers.
Experience the Classic Skeleton Gorge Hike
The Skeleton Gorge hike is celebrated for its unique “jungle” setting along its initial stretch, a striking contrast to other Table Mountain routes. Beginning at the iconic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, this route covers a significant portion of Table Mountain, leading you through diverse landscapes.
From the top of the gorge, a brief detour takes you to a picturesque ‘beach’ at the historic Table Mountain dams – a perfect spot for a break. The route then ascends to Maclear’s Beacon, the very highest point on Table Mountain. From there, you’ll traverse the length of the famous tabletop summit, eventually leading to the convenient Upper Cable Station. Our extended Skeleton Gorge hike ensures you experience the full ascent to the summit. Book Now.
Skeleton Gorge Hike Difficulty: What to Expect
The Skeleton Gorge hike is a strenuous ascent, requiring a good level of fitness. It involves some scrambling and a series of wooden ladders midway up the gorge. While technically straightforward, these ladders are somewhat exposed to heights and require careful negotiation, especially if you have a fear of heights.
Be aware that after rain, particularly in winter (June to August), the route can become very wet and slippery, sometimes almost impassable after heavy downpours. Conversely, Kirstenbosch Gardens’ opening hours often prevent an early start in summer, meaning the hike can be extremely hot and humid from October to March. You’ll need to be in good physical condition to truly enjoy this demanding yet rewarding route.
Terrain on the Skeleton Gorge Hike
The initial section within the gorge features a series of ladders, which, while technically easy, can be intimidating for those with a fear of heights. Beyond the ladders, the path follows a boulder-strewn watercourse, which is manageable when dry but can be quite intense and challenging when water is gushing after rain. Once out of the dense forest, the terrain becomes gentler, transitioning to open fynbos slopes, though the continuous uphill climb can feel long on a hot summer’s day.
Skeleton Gorge Hike Information
- Grade: A+ (Challenging)
- Duration: 3.5 hours to Maclear’s Beacon summit (add 1 hour to Upper Cable Station)
- Distance: Approximately 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 950 meters / 3100 feet
Ready for the challenge? Enquire Now to book your Skeleton Gorge adventure!
Information & Prices
- Grade: A+
- Duration: 3.5 hours to the summit (add 1 hour to upper cable station)
- Distance: About 7 km / 4.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 950 meters / 3100 feet
- Cost: R1900 per person
Skeleton Gorge Scenery: A Diverse Landscape
The Skeleton Gorge hike is renowned for its incredible diversity, encompassing all the major floral zones of Table Mountain:
- Indigenous Forest: The first 1 to 1.5 hours immerse you in a dense, almost tropical “jungle” environment – truly enchanting for forest lovers.
- Fynbos: As you ascend, the trail opens up to undulating slopes carpeted with fynbos, the Cape’s unique and incredibly diverse shrubland.
- Marshes: The tabletop summit plateau features charming marshes and fascinating wind-sculpted rock outcrops.
While there are no extensive views within the dense jungle section, once above the treeline, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking inland vistas across the rest of Table Mountain and down the picturesque Cape Peninsula. Keep an eye out for seasonal highlights like orchids in January and February, and waterfalls/cascades in winter.
Pros of the Skeleton Gorge Hike
- Exceptional diversity in views and vegetation.
- Starts from the iconic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
- Covers a large section of Table Mountain, offering a comprehensive experience.
- The gorge section provides welcome shelter from wind and sun.
- Offers variations on the upper section for extended exploration.
- Abundant nature, peace, and quiet, ideal for immersive outdoor experiences.
Cons of the Skeleton Gorge Hike
- Can be very hot in summer due to the compulsory late start allowed by Kirstenbosch Gardens.
- Can be slippery and treacherous in winter and after rain.
- No views along the first 1 to 1.5 hours in the forest.
- No direct sea views along the ascent.
Main Attractions of the Skeleton Gorge Hike
- The unique indigenous forest (jungle) within the gorge.
- The delightful ‘beach’ and historic dams on the summit.
- Reaching Maclear’s Beacon, Table Mountain’s highest point.
- The grand traverse of the famous tabletop summit.
- Waterfalls and cascades during the winter months.
- Beautiful orchids blooming in January and February.
Who Should Consider the Skeleton Gorge Hike?
The Skeleton Gorge hike is perfect for those who:
- Appreciate jungle settings and lush natural environments.
- Possess good fitness levels and are prepared for a strenuous climb.
- Are keen for a more in-depth experience of the mountain.
- Wish to experience the full length of the famous tabletop summit without excessive detouring.
- Are up for a long and challenging hike.
- Are interested in nature and flora.
Who Should Avoid the Skeleton Gorge Hike?
This route may not be suitable for those who:
- Possess below-average fitness.
- Are not interested in jungle settings or immersive nature experiences.
- Are not interested in nature in general.
- Are fixated on views only (as initial views are limited).
- Possess a high sense of adventure and prefer more technical routes (though it has its moments, other routes are more technical).
How Fit Should You Be to Enjoy the Skeleton Gorge Route?
You should have an average to above-average fitness level to truly enjoy the Skeleton Gorge hike. As with all Table Mountain routes, the less physical fitness you bring, the more determination, motivation, and sheer grit you will need to complete the demanding ascent.
Skeleton Gorge Compared to Other Table Mountain Hikes:
Compared to Kasteelspoort, Skeleton Gorge:
- Is slightly more strenuous. When hot, it’s significantly more strenuous due to heat.
- Offers a jungle setting and inland views on the ascent, as opposed to sea views.
- Is more slippery in winter and after rain.
- Is slightly busier on weekends and holidays.
- Involves similar technical difficulty (when dry).
Compared to India Venster, Skeleton Gorge:
- Is about 30% more strenuous.
- Is less adventurous (involves less scrambling and exposure to heights).
- Offers no city or sea views on the ascent.
- Offers less dramatic topography.
- Covers more of the mountain in terms of distance.
Compared to Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge:
- Is about 35% more strenuous.
- Involves more scrambling and rugged terrain.
- Involves a bit more exposure to heights.
- Offers no city views on the ascent.
- Offers more nature (peace and quiet).
- Offers more diversity (in views and vegetation).
We also offer other hikes on Table Mountain such as India Venster, Kasteelspoort and Platteklip Gorge, to name a few. Take a look at the other routes we offer here.