Probably one of the best hikes i've ever done and in my opinion its the best way to get up the mountain to start hiking towards Table Mountain. About 95% of this trail is shaded. There's so much variety with the terrain. You start on gravel and then enter a lush forest. You'll have the sound of a flowing stream accompanying you throughout the trail. You'll see some ladders that you need to climb and you'll be ascending a rocky stream which is so much fun. You'll pass a small waterfall and be in awe of the amazing view as you start reaching the top. Right at the top you'll find a surprise. It's a super awesome hike, do it!

We went early in the morning in Oct, it was sheltered but in the sun is was still very hot. There are some boulders, ladders and wet rocks you need to climb. Also a lot of stairs...but 100% worth it.

The Skeleton gorge trail from Kirstenbosch gardens is a great trail for beginner to moderate experienced adventurers. It is short enough to get to the top so as not too be too daunting, but strenuous enough not to be a "walk in the park". Leave as early as possible, so as to catch the brisk morning air at the reservoirs - spectacular! We made it up by 9am and decided not to go Maclears beacon direction, but around the reservoirs to the " Apostles" side. The trails are all very well sign posted which takes the guess work out of wondering which way to go. With it still being fairly early we chose not to take the cable car down but took the Diagonal Trail down through the Apostles, which takes you back to Kloof Nek. In hindsight we should not have done so as the down trail is tough! Very rocky and you have to concentrate every step as one miss footing could spell disaster! It's heavy going on the knees, hips and ankles (but then again we are 49 and 52 yrs respectively). This said the views of the Campsbay coastline were phenomenal and the sheer majesty of making your way down between the Apostles was worth the pain! One note to keep in mind if you do come down is that about 20 meters before you get to the end of the rocky path/waterfall which acts as the pathway - keep a look out for thenpath that heads to the right, otherwise you will find yourself at the top of a sheer drop and you will have to back track to continue down. All in all it was a tremendous hike and worth getting out there and experiencing the "road less travelled". With plenty breaks and a slow and steady pace, the trip took us 8 hours from Newlands forest to Kloofnek.

One of the more challenging hikes, with amazing views and is worth the effort. Don't forget to bring some snacks and lots of water. If you still have some energy left, take a detour and head up to Maclear's beacon, cheers!

Great hike up stream, under the canopy of indigenous trees, although no shade nearer to the top.

Very nice hike up the table mountain, It starts at kirstenbosch botanical gardens, Then leads up many many steps - big advantage is that this part is in the forest, so you're not exposed to the sun. After the steps you have to climb up some ladders and then a few smaller rocks - this is actually the nicest part. After that you will leave the forest behind and keep on walking on small paths all the way up to the top or to the water reservoir. It is challenging in terms of making you sweat, but i think quite manageable.

It’s possible to go up and back down in 2hours. Not an easy hike. Steep climbs. Rock climbs and ladder climbs. Not for kids. Definitely worth it 🤙

This is always an amazing experience when going, mentally, physically and when with friends/family, even better memories!

One of Cape Towns Supreme Hiking and walking destinations. Beautiful mountains, hidden waterfalls, lushful gardens amke this a must see and visit.

If you are fit, this hike is fantastic and you will probably thoroughly enjoy it. If you are very unfit like me, you will not be able to walk properly for the next day or two, your leg muscles and joints will suffer, it is a hectic incline. That said, the suffering was well worth it! Stunning views and the gorge is just beautiful as well. I suggest you make the most of it and push on to Maclear's Beacon which is the highest point on the Cape Peninsula for an even better, 360 degree view of the Cape!

Easily my favorite hike up the mountain through beautiful gardens follow signs to the start takes 1.5 hours of fairly tough hiking quite steep paths some climbing involving ladders then a waterfall. At the top of the hike there is lots of dams and amazing scenery. You can choose to hike to maclears beacon that takes another 1.5 hours then cable car station another hour. Or any of others hikes back down. But skeleton gorge is the easiest way to get back down and have a sleep on the grass in kirstenboch reflecting on the view of where you just hiked. Don't do this hike later than 10am or you will open to the elements in baking sun.

One of the most stunning and fun walks on Table mountain. Pretty slippery after rain and in winter though! The shade provided by the trees makes it a perfect summer walk.

The hike up Skeleton Gorge

NOT a walk in the park but rewarding on the top

Great hike with loads of shade. It's not easy if you're unfit, but it's worth it once you make your way up. They provide ladders and set walk ways where needed. Once you reach the reservoir, you can go for a swim. It also allows you to take alternative routes back if you want a change of scenery.

Awesome hike! It was worth for us even though it was totally misty.

Great hike!

A fun and challenging hike , pretty steep but worth the climb. Not recommended if it's rainy season , dangerous when slippery.

Gorgeous.

Steep hike but a beatiful location.

A hard walk, but so worth it.

It was a very intense hike but you feel really good afterwards. My only problem is that we got lost for 30 minutes trying to head down on Nursery Ravine, literally nothing is marked and it gets quite scary and dangerous.

Tough Hike but well worth it. Stunning views

Hard hike but so rewarding

My wife and I regularly walk up from Kirstenbosch gardens to this lovely waterfall. Sometimes it's just a trickle especially in the summer like January and February. However, now in sept with the lovely rains the water was gushing down. We then head off towards Constantia Nek and down I to the Gardens via boekenhout trail or some other.

A nice challenge.

Very intense hike trail. But beautiful scenery 🌺 worth going all the way to the top. As they say.. "No Pain, no gain"

Stunning hike up to the dams. If you're looking to do a loop, combine it with Nirsery Ravine which is just to the left of "teddy bear" mountain.

Cool (not) hike on contour path from Constania Nek to above Kirstenbosch

A walk every person in Cape Town must do. Great walk, great views

Great for a hike, popular with trail runners

Beautiful hike. Can be challenging depending on your pace. There is a short ladder climb. I also did "nursery ravine" and liked it a bit better.

Sort of experience and excesise

Beautiful scenery and great hike.

My favorite hike

It's nature what more can one ask for

beautiful hike!

Awesome Hike

Great adventure, very challenging. A fake beach Woah what a place to be! 💓

Awesome

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful, steep, varied route, clear weather choose, we have unfortunately wandered in the fog. Then had no view from above. In the entrance area of ​​the Botanical Garden kerstenbosch has given us a very nice lady more information and a map. (Original) Sehr sehr schöner, steiler, abwechslungsreicher Weg, klares Wetter aussuchen, wir sind leider in den Nebel gewandert. Hatten dann von oben keine Sicht. Im Eingangsbereich von dem Botanischen Garten kerstenbosch hat uns eine sehr nette Dame noch Infos gegeben und eine Map.

Steep but beautifull!

Challenging but really fun trip, incredible views throughout

A hiking trail must for all nature lovers. Exceptional natural beauty and variety to experience.

Be prepared to sweat and climb! Beautiful and you are rewarded when you get to the top with the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir.