Table Mountain
Skeleton Gorge
The longer, greener way up Table Mountain via Kirstenbosch, through forest before the final push to the upper cable station.
Distance
7km to summit
Duration
4–5 hours
Elevation gain
700m
Difficulty
Intermediate
About this hike
Skeleton Gorge starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and climbs through indigenous forest and along a stream before breaking out onto open mountainside for the final section to the upper cable station.
It's the longest of the three routes and the elevation gain is spread out more gradually than India Venster, but at 7km with 700m of gain it still calls for decent fitness and a realistic pace.
The forest section makes this the shadiest and coolest option on a hot day, and one of the more scenic approaches to the top of Table Mountain.
Route notes
- Starts in Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, entry fee applies separately
- Forest and stream sections for the first half, exposed mountainside after
- Longer and steadier than India Venster rather than short and steep
R1 850 / person
Max 10 per group. Private and solo hikes on request.
Cancellation policy
- 24 hours or more before your hike: 90% refund
- Inside 24 hours of your hike: no refund
Elevation profile
Illustrated profile, not a surveyed map. 700m gain over 7km to summit
Hike by time of day
Sunrise
On the summit for first light. Departure time set to match sunrise on your date.
Sunset
Timed to catch the summit as the sun goes down.
Full moon
Available on and around full moon dates only.
Standard day hike
A regular daytime hike, departure flexible within the day.