Skeleton Gorge Hike

Despite its ominous name, the Skeleton Gorge hike is a beautiful 6.5km trail starting in the lush Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The eastern slopes of Table Mountain offer a jungle setting through shaded indigenous greenery and emerges with vast views all the way across the Cape Peninsula, False Bay, and inland towards the Winelands. Along this 5-hour route, you will reach Maclear’s Beacon, the highest point on Table Mountain, from where a journey across the length of the famous tabletop summit brings you to the upper cableway station. The traverse offers superb views over the city center and Table Bay.

The Skeleton Gorge hike requires a good fitness level comprising rocky paths, stone steps, ladders, and minor scrambles. The landscape is completely different from that of the western and northern routes, taking you through tunnels of trees, over short bridges, and wooden ladders. Although there aren’t as many ocean views as other routes, Skeleton Gorge allows you to experience most of the flora variety the mountain has to offer which varies greatly between tropical jungle-like sections, indigenous fynbos, and even a small beach setting. Although the Skeleton Gorge hike is beautifully lush and adventurous, but can be gruelling if you start too late in the hot summer months.