Hike to Kirstenbosch Gardens in Cape Town

Witness Table Mountain’s unique biodiversity on this hike through Kirstenbosch Gardens.

A botanical garden on a grand scale, Kirstenbosch is home to some of South Africa’s rarest and most interesting flora and fauna. Nestled against the eastern slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain – pass the infamous Skeleton Gorge to reach fields of fragrant Fynbos on a challenging trail that takes both skill and determination - climbing over high ladders, rushing waterfalls and boulders…

Location
Kirstenbosch Gardens is a protected biosphere as part of Table Mountain National Park. This activity follows Skeleton Gorge to Table Mountain and descends via the Nursery Ravine route – it starts from within the Botanical Gardens and takes in all the floral zones on the mountain - leading across the length of the famous ‘Table’.

Activity
Meet your guide in Cape Town for this scenic hike to through Kirstenbosch Gardens. Considered one of the most impressive botanical gardens in the world, his 6.2 km (6 hour) trek follows a lush jungle-like route before heading up and over the breathtaking summit. Travelling through Kirstenbosch Gardens, hike Skeleton Gorge, a challenging trail that takes both skill and determination to climb high ladders, rushing waterfalls and boulders. Suitable for anyone of moderate physical fitness (and a good head for heights), this route showcases the eastern side of the mountain – navigating lush flanks of Fynbos and Proteas (the national flower of South Africa). A stunning route for naturalists – whatever the season, the wild meadows are a vibrant kaleidoscope of red, white and pink shades – and the occasional ‘Dassie’ or Hydrax sunbathing on a rocky escarpment. After reaching the slightly higher summit (about 20 meters / 70 feet higher than the rest of the ‘Table’), mark the moment with a few photos before retruning via the Nursey Ravine route, where your transport will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

Conditions
The route involves some light, non-exposed scrambling. One section requires you to negotiate a series of wooden ladders lightly exposed to heights - more challenging during wet conditions. In winter (June to August), the route gets very wet and quite treacherous, especially directly after rain. Suitable footwear is recommended.