Skeleton Gorge to the Cable Station
When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them.
Across the whole mountain, from the botanical garden to the cable station: forest, waterfalls, ladders, Victorian reservoirs and the summit.
The day
- 07:30 · Pick-upDrive to Kirstenbosch. Extra guests meet us at the main entrance (Gate 1, Rhodes Drive) at about 08:00.
- 08:15 · Skeleton GorgeJan Smuts's favourite route (part is still called the Smuts Track). Afro-montane forest, ladders, streams; home of the Table Mountain ghost frog (Heleophryne rosei), found nowhere else. Red disas (Disa uniflora) flower here in late summer.
- 10:45 · Back Table reservoirsWoodhead and Hely-Hutchinson dams, built in the 1890s–1900s to water the city; lunch stop (bring your own).
- 12:30 · Maclear's BeaconHighest point; then across the plateau to the upper cable station.
- 14:00 · Cable car downTicket included, and refunded if the cableway closes and we walk down. Guests who came in the Jimny (up to 3) take a taxi back to Kirstenbosch with us (included); extra guests organise their own transport back.
- 15:30 · Drop-offWet-weather alternative: Skeleton Gorge up, Nursery Ravine down, back to Kirstenbosch.
Skeleton Gorge to the Cable Station is a private guided hike in Cape Town (Kirstenbosch to Table Mountain) for up to 8 guests: full day (7 h), with pick-up and drop-off included, from R2,900 per person.
Questions about this tour
How fit do I need to be?
Strenuous: Very steep and long, with scrambling or exposed sections. Fit, experienced hikers.
What if the weather is bad?
Every hike has a weather alternative. Geoff checks the forecast the day before and confirms the route, a safer option or another date.
Is there a backup plan?
Wet-weather alternative: Skeleton Gorge up, Nursery Ravine down, back to Kirstenbosch.
Where is pick-up?
At your hotel in the Jimny, for up to 3 guests; others meet us at the main entrance of Kirstenbosch (Gate 1, Rhodes Drive).
Do we sign an indemnity?
Yes. When you book, you give the full names of all guests and accept the tour indemnity on behalf of each of them. Parents or guardians accept it for anyone under 18.
What time do we start?
Flexible. An early start is recommended to avoid the heat.
Can more than three of us come?
Yes, up to 8. Hotel pick-up in the Jimny covers up to 3 guests; everyone else meets us at the main entrance of Kirstenbosch (Gate 1, Rhodes Drive).
What guests say about Geoff
“Geoff was also always helpful, patiently took photos and answered every question. We highly recommend him!”
“We really enjoyed the climb up Lion's Head, and it was definitely a highlight of our stay in Cape Town.”
“Geoff made me feel very comfortable, guided me calmly through all the tricky sections and was so patient!”
Price per person
Included
Private registered guide (licence WC14954, Wilderness First Responder)Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, in the JimnyFirst-aid kitKirstenbosch entryStandard one-way cable car ticket (down), refunded if the cableway closesTaxi from the cable station back to Kirstenbosch for guests in the Jimny (up to 3)Bring
1–2 litres of waterYour own snacks (no food or drinks are included)Hiking shoesWarm layerWind/rain jacketSun protectionCancellation and weather
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. Bookings close 24 hours before the start.
Private hikes: one group per day. Geoff is the only guide, so once a date is booked, no other tour runs that day.
Every hike has a weather alternative. Geoff checks the forecast the day before and confirms the route, a safer option or another date.
Wet-weather alternative: Skeleton Gorge up, Nursery Ravine down, back to Kirstenbosch.
Safety
Registered guide (WC14954), Wilderness First Responder, route chosen for the day's conditions.