Skeleton Gorge
Skeleton Gorge: A Lush & Challenging Ascent on the famous Table Mountain.
Skeleton Gorge is a Table Mountain classic, offering a unique jungle-like ascent up the lush slopes of the mountain. Beginning in the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, this route provides a scenic and immersive journey through indigenous forest, past waterfalls, and onto the highest point of Table Mountain, Maclear’s Beacon.
A highlight of the route is the arrival at the unexpected fresh water mountain top "beach" at the historic mountain reservoirs, After continuing to the summit, we traverse across the famous tabletop plateau to the upper cable station where a well earned rewarding beverage can be enjoyed at the upper cableway station where you can then take the cablecar down.
Terrain & Difficulty
Grade: Strenuous, with moderate scrambling
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 950 m / 3100 ft
Duration: 3.5 hours to the summit (+1 hour to the cable station)
Technicality: Wooden ladders and some scrambling sections; slippery when wet
Fitness Level:Good fitness required due to steep ascent, length of the hike and summer heat
What to Expect
Lush indigenous forest – A unique, jungle-like hiking experience
Diverse terrain – Transition from forest to fynbos-covered slopes
Historic mountain reservoirs – A rare "beach" high up on Table Mountain
Maclear’s Beacon – Stand at the highest point of the mountain
Scenic traverse – Walk across the famous tabletop plateau to the cableway
conciderations
No views for the first 1.5 hours – Dense forest covers the lower section
Heat in summer – Late starts make this route extremely hot (October–March)
Slippery in winter – Wet conditions make the gorge difficult after rain
No sea views – Unlike western-facing routes, views are inland
Is this hike for you?
Who is this hike for?
✅Nature lovers who enjoy forested and botanical settings
✅Hikers with good fitness who want a longer, more immersive experience
✅Those keen to reach the true summit of Table Mountain
✅Anyone wanting to hike the full length of the tabletop plateau
Who should consider other routes?
TBD
Descent Options: Hike back via the same route or descend using another nearby trail.
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