If your soul craves the sound of trickling water and the sight of lush forests and rugged mountains, Table Mountain is home to several spectacular vertical water shows, and with the recent rains, hiking enthusiasts can revel in knowing there’s a high chance they’ll be overflowing with beauty.
Hidden in the beautiful folds of Table Mountain Nature Reserve and starting at Cape Town’s beloved Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens is the breathtaking Skeleton Gorge trail.
Also read: Table Mountain provides an essential ecosystem for Cape Town
Whether you’re a friend of the forest, or well on your way on your journey to becoming a seasoned hiker, the Skeleton Gorge Waterall hike, with its lush green mossy areas leading up the eastern side of Table Mountain, boasts spectacular scenery.
Known for being a moderately challenging hike given its steep sections, single rocky tracks, but also a popular and rewarding one featuring various free-flowing water systems and interesting obstacles, it’s a nature-loving hiking enthusiast’s paradise.
The best time to visit is during the winter months.
Follow the signs at Kirstenbosch to find the start of the trail, and you will be led up a contour path surrounded by a shaded forest characterised by lush foliage of indigenous trees.
This is followed by some rock scrambling and ladders for added thrills on your hiking adventure until you reach the magnificent main event at the lower end of the Skeleton Gorge trail.
Take a moment and soak in the serene splendour of the picturesque waterfall.
Once you’ve made it out of the forest and onto the rocky gorge itself, there are moments of flatter reprieve to let you catch your breath as you make your way to Maclear’s Beacon, the summit, which sits on top of Table Mountain at 1 086 metres above sea level.
To get back down, those up for the challenge can opt for the most popular trail, Nursery Ravine. From the Hely Hutchinson Dam, you follow the path on the left to the top of the ravine before making your way down.
For a slightly easier route (but still a bit tough on the knees), Platteklip Gorge will send you down one very long and uneven staircase.
And for those who have had enough hiking for one day, opt for a leisurely stroll across the top of Table Mountain and descend with ease via the cable car.
Details:
- Starting point: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
- Distance: Approximately 5km
- Difficulty: Grade A | Moderately challenging
Cape {town} Etc discount: Experience a thrilling half-day guided zipline adventure for one while immersing yourself in the beauty of the Hottentot Holand Nature Reserve for R850. (valued at R995). Get it here.
Also read:
5 easy hiking trails for new hikers tackling the Cape Town mountains
Picture: Skeleton Gorge / Facebook