Table Mountain: Skeleton Gorge Guided Hike to Upper Station

5.0 (1 reviews) Cape Town, South Africa
Duration5h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

This guided hike offers a rare opportunity to reach the highest point of Table Mountain via the lush Skeleton Gorge, starting in the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Unlike busier routes, this trail winds through cool indigenous forest, streams, and waterfalls, with exciting ladder sections that add a sense of adventure.

Led by a qualified, registered mountain guide, you’ll enjoy a small-group, safety-focused experience with local insight you won’t get hiking alone. Reaching Maclear’s Beacon is a true achievement, rewarded with sweeping summit views — and the flexibility to descend by cable car or on foot, depending on conditions and preference.

What's included

  • Guided hike up Skeleton Gorge Expert Mountain Guide ( English/German)
  • Information on history, flora and fauna of the area
  • Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Entry Fee (R250)
  • Visit to the historic Table Mountain dams
  • Expert Mountain Guide ( English/ German )
  • Qualified Wilderness First Aider
  • Cable Car Ticket Down ( R295 pp )
  • No Meals and drinks
  • Transportation to/from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

What to expect

Take on one of Cape Town’s most beautiful and rewarding mountain routes on this guided hike up Table Mountain via Skeleton Gorge. Starting at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, the trail climbs through indigenous forest, steep ravines, and rocky sections before reaching the top of the mountain at the Upper Cable Station.

This route is known for its lush scenery, dramatic ascent, and constantly changing landscape. Along the way, your guide will help keep a steady pace, offer support where needed, and share insight into the area’s flora, fauna, and history. You’ll also pass the historic Table Mountain reservoirs, adding another unique feature to the experience.

This is a physically demanding hike best suited to strong, active travelers looking for a real mountain adventure rather than an easy walk. The reward is a memorable ascent of Table Mountain on one of its most iconic trails.

  1. Table Mountain Aerial Cableway
  2. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
  3. Skeleton Gorge
  4. Table Mountain
  5. Maclear's Beacon

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please meet at 07:50 at the main gate ( Gate 1 ) of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. It is advisable to purchase the entry ticket to the garden online beforehand.

End point

Please meet at 07:50 at the main gate ( Gate 1 ) of the Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden. It is advisable to purchase the entry ticket to the garden online beforehand.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (1)
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2,345.00 ZAR per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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