Skeleton Gorge hike

SANBI’s Smuts Track follows Skeleton Gorge up Table Mountain from the Fragrance Garden inside Kirstenbosch. Official copy calls it a long, very strenuous climb of about 5.5 hours up and down. The gorge is very steep with ladders in places, very slippery in winter and dangerous after heavy rain. The path follows Skeleton Stream and at times is in the stream, with scrambling over rocks and boulders. From the top you can retrace your steps, descend Nursery Ravine around Castle Rock, or go north to Maclear’s Beacon (1,085.9m) and return to Kirstenbosch. A garden ticket is required to start at the Fragrance Garden. Official visitor page (2026–27): South African and SADC adults R110 with ID; garden open 08:00–19:00 September–March and 08:00–18:00 April–August. Cash is not accepted. Confirm the live tariff on the official page — international and African-national rates differ.

Skeleton Gorge Cape Town

Skeleton Gorge Cape Town is SANBI’s Smuts Track from the Fragrance Garden inside Kirstenbosch — not a Tafelberg Road start. Official garden hours: 08:00–19:00 September–March, 08:00–18:00 April–August. South African and SADC adults R110 with ID. About 5.5 hours up and down. Pets are not permitted.

Skeleton Gorge hike

The Skeleton Gorge hike is the same Smuts Track: very steep, ladders in places, and the path can be in Skeleton Stream. SANBI lists Nursery Ravine as the usual descent around Castle Rock. A garden ticket is required to start at the Fragrance Garden.

Before you go, read Skeleton Gorge hike guide.

Other listings in Constantia: Cecilia Forest Waterfall Trail , Constantia Nek - De Villiers Dam Circuit , Groot Constantia Estate Picnics , Kirstenbosch Picnic Lawns , Nursery Ravine .

Questions

How hard is Skeleton Gorge?

Skeleton Gorge is graded hard and typically takes about 5.5 hours. Difficulty grades are set by the reserve or operator, not a national standard — read the safety note on the listing before you go.

Are dogs allowed at Skeleton Gorge?

Dogs are not allowed at Skeleton Gorge.

What does Skeleton Gorge cost?

Entry is listed from R110. Confirm current pricing with the reserve or operator, as fees change.

When is Skeleton Gorge open?

08:00–19:00 September–March. 08:00–18:00 April–August.

Where do you park for Skeleton Gorge?

Free parking at Kirstenbosch Gates 1, 2 and 3, per SANBI’s visitor information page.

Where is Skeleton Gorge Cape Town?

On the eastern face of Table Mountain, starting at the Fragrance Garden inside Kirstenbosch — not on Tafelberg Road. SANBI calls the climb Smuts Track.

What is the Skeleton Gorge hike?

SANBI’s Smuts Track from the Kirstenbosch Fragrance Garden: about 5.5 hours up and down, very steep, ladders in places, and the path can be in Skeleton Stream. A garden ticket is required to start there.