Table Mountain: Skeleton Gorge Hike

Table Mountain’s Skeleton Gorge hike is a challenging yet rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts. Ascending through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the approximately 5-hour guided tour leads hikers along a scenic path before tackling the rugged Skeleton Gorge trail. While not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues, those who embark on this journey can expect stunning vistas, encounters with diverse flora and fauna, and the chance to cool off with a refreshing swim at the Hely Hutchinson dam. Accompanied by an expert mountain guide, this hike promises an exhilarating adventure for those prepared to push their limits.

Key Points

• The Skeleton Gorge hike is a guided 5-hour tour through Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, up Skeleton Gorge, and a swim in Hely Hutchinson Dam.
• The hike features iconic waterfall views, challenging ladders, and a thrilling descent through Nursery Ravine.
• The tour is led by a professional mountain guide who provides safety guidance, navigation, and information about the local flora, fauna, and history.
• The hike is suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts with a good fitness level, but not suitable for children under 7, wheelchair users, or those with a cold.
• The tour includes a Kirstenbosch Gardens permit, making it a comprehensive and convenient way to explore the iconic Table Mountain.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Details

The Skeleton Gorge hike takes approximately 5 hours to complete and is available at various start times, which can be checked based on availability.

This guided tour allows you to explore the iconic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, hike up Skeleton Gorge, and take a refreshing swim in the largest dam at the top.

Along the way, you’ll discover the local flora and fauna, learn about historical points of interest, and receive expert navigation and safety guidance from a professional mountain guide.

The hike includes a Kirstenbosch Gardens permit, making it a convenient and comprehensive outdoor adventure.

However, it’s important to note that this activity isn’t suitable for certain groups, such as young children, wheelchair users, and those with limited fitness levels.

Itinerary Overview

Starting at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, hikers embark on the iconic Skeleton Gorge trail, ascending to the top of Table Mountain. Along the way, they’ll hike through the lush vegetation, enjoy the cascading Skeleton Gorge waterfall (if flowing), and tackle the challenging Skeleton Gorge ladders. Upon reaching the summit, they’ll be rewarded with a refreshing swim in the largest dam, the Hely Hutchinson. The descent down Nursery Ravine offers technical downhill sections, before arriving back at the starting point of Kirstenbosch. Throughout the journey, the professional mountain guide will share insights into the local flora, fauna, and historical significance of the route.

Itinerary
Start	Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Ascent	Skeleton Gorge
Summit	Swim in Hely Hutchinson Dam
Descent	Nursery Ravine
End	Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Highlights Explored

Kirstenbosch gardens provide a scenic start to the hike, where visitors can explore the diverse botanical wonders before embarking on the Skeleton Gorge trail.

The iconic Skeleton Gorge waterfall is a highlight, though its flow is dependent on seasonal rainfall. Trekkers will encounter the famous Skeleton Gorge ladders, which offer a challenging yet rewarding climb towards the summit.

The hike culminates at the Hely Hutchinson dam, where participants can take a refreshing swim and even jump from the surrounding rocks. The final descent down the technical Nursery Ravine trail offers a thrilling finish to the adventure.

Throughout the journey, the guide provides insights into the local flora, fauna, and historical significance of the area.

Included in the Tour

This guided tour includes a professional mountain guide who provides valuable insights into the local flora, fauna, and historical significance of the area.

Participants also receive a Kirstenbosch Gardens permit, granting access to explore the botanical wonders at the starting point of the hike.

The guide will share their knowledge about the diverse plant and animal life encountered along the trail, as well as point out relevant historical landmarks.

Safety and route navigation are also provided, ensuring a seamless and secure experience for hikers.

With the guide’s expertise, adventurers can delve deeper into the natural and cultural richness of the Skeleton Gorge trail without worry, allowing them to fully enjoy the stunning scenery.

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Suitability Restrictions

While the Skeleton Gorge hike offers a thrilling adventure, it’s not suitable for everyone. Children under 7 years old, wheelchair users, and those with low fitness levels or certain medical conditions like a cold may find the terrain and physical demands too challenging. Hikers over 75 or 95 years old are also advised against attempting this trail due to safety concerns. The guided tour ensures an enjoyable and secure experience, but participants should carefully consider their abilities before embarking on this strenuous hike.

Suitable for	Not Suitable for
Hikers with good fitness level	Children under 7 years
Experienced outdoor enthusiasts	Wheelchair users
Participants over 18 years old	People with a cold

Getting There

Reaching the starting point at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is straightforward, as the garden is located just a short drive from Cape Town’s city center.

Visitors can easily drive or take public transportation to get there. If driving, there’s ample parking available at the garden’s entrance.

Once at Kirstenbosch, hikers will find the trailhead for Skeleton Gorge clearly marked, making it easy to begin the adventure.

The garden’s well-maintained paths lead directly to the start of the hike, ensuring a seamless transition from the botanical wonderland to the rugged mountain trail.

With clear signage and a convenient location, getting to the Skeleton Gorge hike is a hassle-free experience for adventurous travelers.

What to Expect

Once hikers have reached the trailhead at Kirstenbosch, they’ll embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey up the iconic Skeleton Gorge.

The path winds through lush indigenous vegetation, offering glimpses of the surrounding Table Mountain range. Trekkers can expect to navigate a series of steep, rocky sections and ladders as they ascend towards the mountain’s summit.

Along the way, they’ll encounter several highlights:

• The Kirstenbosch gardens walk
• The Skeleton Gorge waterfall (if flowing)
• The Skeleton Gorge ladders
• A refreshing swim in the Hely Hutchinson dam
• The technical downhill through Nursery Ravine

With a professional mountain guide leading the way, hikers can look forward to discovering the local flora and fauna, learning historical facts, and navigating the route safely.

Tour Guide Expertise

The professional mountain guide accompanying hikers on the Skeleton Gorge hike possesses extensive knowledge of the local flora and fauna, as well as historical insights into the area’s rich heritage.

Trained in safety protocols and route navigation, the guide ensures participants’ wellbeing throughout the challenging trek.

Along the way, they’ll point out fascinating plant and animal species endemic to Table Mountain, from vibrant proteas to agile klipspringers. Hikers can also expect to learn about the cultural significance of landmarks like the Hely Hutchinson dam.

With their expertise, the guide transforms the Skeleton Gorge hike into an immersive and educational experience, enriching participants’ appreciation for the natural wonders of this iconic Cape Town destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Dog on the Hike?

No, dogs are not allowed on the hike. This activity is not suitable for pets as it involves challenging terrain, swimming, and a requirement for a certain level of fitness that may not be met by all dogs.

Is There a Weight Limit for the Skeleton Gorge Ladders?

There is no specific weight limit for the Skeleton Gorge ladders, but participants should be able to comfortably traverse them. The hike is not suitable for those with mobility issues or low fitness levels. Hikers should assess their own capabilities before attempting the ladders.

Will There Be Food and Drinks Available During the Hike?

The hike does not include any food or drinks. Participants should pack their own snacks and water to stay hydrated during the strenuous 5-hour trek. Some refreshments may be available at the start and end of the hike at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Can I Start the Hike at a Different Location?

The hike typically starts at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, but participants can inquire about starting from a different location. However, the tour guide’s route and inclusions may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Is There an Option to Only Hike One Way?

Yes, there is typically an option to only hike one-way on this trail. Hikers can arrange transportation to start at one trailhead and finish at the other, avoiding the full roundtrip hike. This one-way option provides flexibility for some hikers.

Recap

The Skeleton Gorge hike in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden offers an exhilarating adventure for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

Accompanied by an expert guide, hikers will enjoy scenic gardens, a challenging trail, a refreshing swim, and impressive views of the local flora and fauna.

While not suitable for young children or those with mobility issues, this 5-hour guided tour provides an unforgettable experience for those with the fitness level to tackle the Skeleton Gorge.

You can check if your dates are available here: