Skeleton Gorge: A Beautiful, Grueling Adventure in Cape Town

By: Jeanne d'Arc Koffi

Hiking Skeleton Gorge in Cape Town was an experience I’ll never forget. The guidebooks warned it would be challenging, but as someone with hiking experience, I figured I could handle it. Turns out, I was in for much more than I expected!

The trail is essentially all elevation, and it doesn’t waste time easing you in. From the moment we started, my legs and lungs were working overtime. But what made it truly unforgettable was the diversity of terrain. The trail winds through lush woods with trees forming a canopy overhead, transitions into sandy paths, then opens up to desert-like landscapes before you’re clambering over jagged rocks. Each step felt like walking through a new biome entirely.

Midway through the hike, we stumbled upon a breathtaking lake surrounded by striking red and orange rocks. After hours of exertion, diving into its cool, clear water was nothing short of magic. It felt like a reward from nature for all the effort we’d put in.

At one point, we lost our way and ended up wandering through the bush. It was stressful, but we stuck together, retraced our steps, and eventually found our footing. That small detour made the moment we returned to the trail even more satisfying. The feeling of accomplishment that washed over us when we finally reached the summit was indescribable, a mix of relief and awe at the panoramic views of Cape Town below.

After six or seven grueling hours, I was exhausted but deeply grateful for the experience. Skeleton Gorge is not for the faint of heart—Cape Town hiking in general isn’t—but it’s worth every drop of sweat. The hike pushed me to my limits, reminding me of how rewarding it feels to persevere through something truly challenging. For anyone considering it, my advice is simple: come prepared, be ready to work hard, and don’t forget to soak it all in. Every step is an adventure, and every view is a gift.

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