Skeleton Gorge to the Upper Cable Station

... and other routes on Table Mountain's Eastern flank

Skeleton Gorge Hike Table Mountain

Hiking Skeleton Gorge (pictured above) and Nursery Ravine is like a rite-of-passage through ancient, evergreen forest for Capetonians keen on hiking. It requires a decent level of fitness and a sense of adventure.

Skeleton Gorge to Upper Cable Station (5-6 hours)

  • hike mostly shaded trail through Afromontane forest to the 'Back Table'. Once up there explore its natural beauty;
  • panoramic views of Cape Town's southern suburbs, False Bay, Hottentots Holland mountain range
  • head on up to the famous front of the mountain with downtown and Table Bay views
  • finish at the Upper Cable station to ride down
  • take a picnic
  • alternatively hike to the other side and take one the Twelve Apostles routes down.

Hiker near the top of Nursery Ravine, Table Mountain.

Costs

Privately Guided Hike up Skeleton Gorge, cable car down.

1 person - R2800

2 people - R4000

3 people - R4800

4 people - R5500

5-6 people - R6200

  • These trails are accessed via Kirstenbosch Botanic Gardens, so starting time is limited to the Garden's opening hours; an entrance fee is required.
  • This does not include the cable car tariff. At certain periods waiting in line for the cable car can be long. Early starts can help. Fast track tickets are available.
  • Be aware, please, that in poor weather the cable car may close. This could mean having to hike down, adding another couple of hours onto the excursion.