Table Mountain Hike in Cape Town

We meet at your accommodation and shuttle to the beautiful Kirstenbosch Gardens. The hike up Skeleton Gorge includes three amazing segments: the actual ravine known as Skeleton Gorge, the Smuts Track and the traverse across the summit. We set off through immaculately landscaped gardens of Kirstenbosch and you should plan on a return visit to explore the gardens, its unique flora, and the famous Canopy Walkway called the Boomslang. We leave the open space and plunge into the indigenous forest that cloaks Table Mountain’s eastern flanks. A winding path leads to Skeleton Gorge (how the gorge came to its name is a mystery) a deeply scored ravine that steepens gradually as you ascend, leading to a ladder section and a small stretch of boulders to negotiate. The forest walk is cool, shady and contains all the floral zones on the mountain. Birdsong and the sound of running water provide the soundtrack all the way up until the unlikely spectacle of a white sandy beach greets hikers.

Following the famous Smuts Track to the Table-top, walkers walk through flower-strewn fynbos and past waterfalls and frog-filled streams, enjoying sensational views of Cape Town, False Bay and the city’s surrounding mountain ranges, sometimes snow-capped in winter. Reaching the highest point of the mountain – Maclear’s Beacon – the views open up to take in Table Bay and Robben Island, landmarks that guide hikers across the entire flat-top and to the Upper Cable Car station. The ride down is marvellous as the car turns and you enjoy 360-degree views. We conclude the tour with a transfer back to your hotel.

Please note: The difficulty level of this hike is moderate to tough. The total distance covered from Kirstenbosch to the Table Mountain cable car is approx. 4 miles (6.5 km) and takes between three and five hours.