very professional and informative. You will be found if you’ve informed someone of your plan. Turn off your ad blocker to see a map of this trail, Teton Canyon to Phelps Lake via Alaska Basin Trail, Devil Staircase, Death Canyon Shelf and Phelps Lake, South Leigh Creek, Granite Basin, Green Lakes Loop, Teton Canyon to Phelps Lake via Alaska Basin, Teton Crest, and Death Canyon Trails. When I summited I was shocked at how beautiful the Tetons were.
Skeleton Gorge takes hikers through an emerald ravine, lush jungle, and shrub and moss-covered slopes before reaching the highest point of the mountain, Maclears Beacon. Mobile: As qualified and highly experienced mountain guides with an intimate knowledge of Table Mountain, we respect nature and never skimp on safety. Starting in the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens we ascend Skeleton Gorge via a well-made path. As folks have said, there’s water sources on the way down, not up.
Did this hike with my wife on 9/22.
It’s only about 3km, which sounds easy enough, but remember this is Table Mountain we’re talking about. A passion for mountains coupled with a commitment to service excellence lies at the heartbeat of what we do, ensuring you get the ultimate experience. The route does not take us to the summit of Table Mountain. We ended up going down the same way we came up and the last mile sure shredded our knees!! We had to wait until they walked away. We really didn’t feel like the downhill was that much better on the Huckleberry trail. Awesome hike to woodstock cave yesterday. Tackle the mountain from the Camp’s Bay side and you’ll be treated to serene views of the Atlantic Ocean and a less congested route. Departure point: Southern entrance to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, also called the Rycroft Gate and situated at the intersection of Klaasens Road and Rhodes Driv. If we did it again we’d definitely go back down to the way we came up.
We found the truth to be somewhere in the middle. Accommodation was clean and comfortable and meals were all good too. © 2020 Table Mountain Hike. More information: http://www.nps.gov/grte/contacts.htm. Kirstenbosch Garden in Cape Town, where Skeleton Gorge trailhead can be found. There isn’t a scramble to the top but I definitely had to use my hands to hoist myself up on just one or two sections (I’m only 5’2”), but the trail was clearly marked.
Loved the Garden route - so many great spots. Fynbos is one of only six floral kingdoms in the world and it’s the only one that occurs entirely in one country. This is an outstanding hike. The last mile to the summit was very easy until you’re at the base of Table Rock.
Intense hike.
We did it in just under 6 hrs, but spent less than one minute at the summit due to swirling, dark clouds. You may also want to see our tours and holidays in South Africa: Unlock discounts globally.
Did this hike yesterday on 9/23.
Have you done it, yet? Platteklip Gorge the hike up to Table Mountain, Skelton Gorge/ Nursery Ravine- the long one, you will see most of Table Mountain. It’s an untouched piece of nature waiting for your feet to feel its splendor.
If you want to see the top of Table Mountain without breaking a sweat, get yourself an City Pass for access to the Aerial Cableway and over 50 other attractions!
If you have the time I would definitely take the longer and easier way down.
10/10 worth the struggle. The Dutch can take a bow for naming Lion's Head.
The best time to hike Table Mountain is before 6:30 am in the summer months. Instead of the summit of Table Mountain this beautiful and moderate route provides a wonderful hiking experience with an opportunity to explore all that Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens has to offer. You have two starting point options. The most direct and popular trail up the mountain, Platteklip Gorge hike is a fairly steep climb because it doesn’t zig-zag to help reduce the abrupt change in altitude – it heads straight for the summit with no mercy.
This is a moderate hike with options of staying largely on paths which include some chains and ladders to assist you.
It’s a much easier hike, but just as beautiful with spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and Lion’s Head and a chance to appreciate some of the mountain’s fynbos up close. Great South Africa Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?
Ranked #1 Outdoor Activity in Cape Town on Trip Advisor since 2014. Like most people said, I strongly recommend Face Trail going up and longer way going down. The route is technically easy and requires no rock scrambling, but it is long, so reasonable fitness is required. Easy–moderate. Hike one of the Seven Wonders of the World. If you get lost, stay where you are. (Hiked Labor Day wkend) The views are INSANE on this trail!! The starting point takes off from the cable car parking lot on the Contour Path (look around for where the tour buses are parked — this is your clue). Please arrange your own transport to the departure points. A relatively high fitness level is suggested if you plan on tackling this trail. These are big mountains providing widely diverse hiking experiences! But Table Mountain is more than just a representation of Cape Town; it’s also home to an immense amount of flora and fauna, native only to the area. Approximate time: 1.5 – 2 hours one way starting from Tafelberg Road, 2 – 3 hours one way starting from Rhodes Memorial. We customize hikes to your needs and interests, from leisurely strolls to adventure ascents off the beaten track. Warm weather and less chance of rain makes for much nicer and safer hiking conditions. First off, is it safe to hike Table Mountain?
It felt a bit long walking out of the canyon once the path got flat, but honestly this trail is 10/10. This zig-zag up the Table is the most popular route and feels a little like climbing stairs for an hour or two (or three, depending on fitness).
It’s a relatively easy and family-friendly hike, so be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the view, shade, and tiny waterfall while you’re up there. The trail starts 50m to the right of the cable car station.
Hiked 10.3.2020 — trail was dry. Definitely recommend having a jacket! One of the most scenic hike I’ve done. Highly recommended for your first ascent of Table Mountain.
There’s always a relaxed and friendly vibe on the summit where locals and visitors congregate daily as the sun goes down.
Tour itself was also ...”, “Francis our guide was super! It was my second one (Darby Wind Caves was the first) ever since I was a teenager. We’re taking a look at five great Table Mountain hikes to try and luckily the first one is a walk in the park. We had a beautiful day and the weather couldnt have been better. The fall colors were beautiful and it was a real
The path first follows a stream which cascades through one of the few remaining patches of ancient Afromontane forest, sheltering within the steep sides of Skeleton Gorge.