This hike starts out from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and follows Skeleton Gorge’s steep rocky footpath up the mountain, through the forest and into the stream-bed before getting to the top. Passing the Heli-Hutchinson Reservoir, the route continues through the lesser-known Backwater Ravine, where one can take a dip in the rock pools during tea-break. From here the trail leads back via the historic Aqueduct, and onto the Smuts track before descending the mountain via the steep rock steps of Nursery Ravine, passing some magnificent king proteas and some more Afro-montane Forest and waterfalls further down, the hike ending back at Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. 

• DURATION - 5 to 6 hours

• DIFFICULTY LEVEL - Intermediate hike on a rocky footpath with some mild scrambling on rocks and ladders with height exposure

• DISTANCE- 10 km

• ELEVATION GAIN - 710 m up, 710 m down

• LOCATION - Cape Town, South Africa

This hike is part of the - NIMBLE - series of medium-length adventurous GROUP HIKES. It can also be booked as a PRIVATE GUIDED HIKE on a date and time that suits your itinerary.