Skeleton Gorge Hike: A Green Journey to Table Mountain's Summit
About the Hike
The Skeleton Gorge hike is arguably the most beautiful and greenest trail to the top of Table Mountain. Starting in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, it offers a unique ascent through lush evergreen forest, featuring small creeks, streams, massive boulders, and moss-covered tree trunks. This route is ideal for hot summer days, providing shade and cooler temperatures.
Hike Details
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging (4 out of 5)
- Distance: 3.5 km one way, 7 km return
- Duration: 3-4 hours return
- Total Ascent: 600 m
- Starting Point: Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
- Finishing Point: Hely Hutchinson Reservoir on Table Mountain
What to Expect
- Lush evergreen forest with streams and moss-covered boulders
- Wooden ladders and stairs in steeper sections
- Rocky footpaths and some boulder scrambling
- Hely Hutchinson Reservoir with a white-sand beach at the top
- Panoramic views of Cape Town, False Bay, and surrounding areas
- Diverse flora in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Route Description
- Start with a 700m flat walk through Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
- Begin the ascent through the forest on wooden stairs for about 1 km
- Continue climbing over rocks and boulders in the gorge
- The last 900m is on a mountain slope footpath out of the forest
- Reach Hely Hutchinson Reservoir at the top
Important Information
- Best hiking time: October to April (spring and summer)
- Start early to have enough time for the hike and exploration
- The trail is only accessible during Kirstenbosch Garden opening hours (8am-7pm Sep-Mar, 8am-6pm Apr-Aug)
- Bring at least 2 liters of water per person
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
- Check weather conditions - avoid hiking in rain due to slippery conditions
Getting There
The hike starts inside Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. Options to reach the garden include:
- Driving: Large free parking lot available at the garden entrance
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Stops at the garden entrance
- Uber or taxi services from Cape Town
Safety Tips
- Hike with a companion or join a guided group
- Inform someone of your hiking plans
- Carry a fully charged mobile phone for emergencies
- Stay on marked trails and follow the green signposts
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes