Table Mountain NP
Skeleton Gorge
Flash flood and serious slip risk. The route features wooden ladders and a riverbed rock scramble. Do not attempt during or after rain.
Know before you go
Entry through Kirstenbosch requires paying the garden admission fee. The gorge is shaded and cool — a popular choice in summer, but the rock scramble demands care in all conditions. Descend via Nursery Ravine for a drier alternative return.
Rescue history
Frequent lower-leg injuries from slipping on wet rocks and exposed roots. Dense tree canopy causes early darkness in the gorge — allow extra time for descent. Hikers regularly underestimate the time needed and are caught after dark.
Zero signal in the lower ravine. Improves significantly above the tree canopy.
Contour Path intersection at roughly one-third of the way up. This is the only realistic bail-out point — beyond it, retreat becomes difficult.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens (entry fee applies; reduced rate for SA ID holders)