Skeleton Waterfalls, Giant Forests and mountain paths to Kirstenbosch Gardens

Skeleton Gorge on Table Mountain is named for the skeletal animal remains, including the bones of indigenous Khoi people, that were once found along its path. The trail has been known by this name since the late 1800s. While the precise origin of the name is unknown, it's assumed that the remains of a human skeleton were found in the gorge sometime after 1850.
Join us for an epic 14 km hike from Constantia Nek to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to explore the most beautiful waterfalls, indigenous forests, lush vegetation, mountain pathways and an abundance of mountain streams on the eastern side of Table Mountain. This intermediate grade 2B hike requires good fitness to complete the 14km circular trail on easily-accessible paths with some strenuous steps at certain places like Spilhaus Ravine, reaching a total accumulated elevation of 580 meters.

Highlights:

• Cecilia Waterfall
• Waterfall and Bathtub at Spilhaus Ravine
• Amazing views over the southern suburbs from Cecilia Ridge.
• Vaalkat Waterfall
• Skeleton Waterfalls
• Part of the Yellowwood trail
• Part of the Stinkwood trail
• Part of the Boekenhout Trail
• Short section of Smuts Track
• Wandering on a large section of the Contour Path in lush forests and vegetation.

Basic agenda:
Our hike starts at Constantia Nek, where we'll join a brief section of the Hoerikwaggo Trail, leading us to the cement Bridal Path. This path gently climbs to the turnoff for Spilhaus Ravine, home to Cecilia Waterfall. After a short pause to enjoy the waterfall, we'll tackle a series of steps that reward us with a magnificent view of the southern suburbs and Rooikat Kloof.
Next, we'll discover the hidden Vaalkat Waterfall and, soon after, Skeleton Waterfalls, where the Contour Path meets the Skeleton Gorge River. From there, the trail meanders through a lush forest until we reach Window Gorge. We'll then turn right, exploring parts of the Yellowwood and Stinkwood Trails through dense indigenous forests.
The paved Smuts Track will guide us around Kirstenbosch Gardens and onto the Boekenhout Trail. This trail gradually ascends back to the Contour Path via more steps, complete with benches to rest and soak in the stunning scenery above the botanical gardens.
Finally, we'll follow a gravel path for over 2km through a pine plantation, returning us to the parking area at Constantia Nek.
For some context, "Hoerikwaggo" is the original Khoi-San name for Table Mountain, meaning "Mountain in the Sea" or "Sea Mountain," reflecting the mountain's significance to the indigenous people of the Cape.

Hike Details:
- Distance: +/- 14km
- Elevation gain: 580m
- Grade 2B hike
- Duration: approximately 5-6 hours, depending on length of rest breaks.
- Difficulty: intermediate hike.

Fee to join hike: R50. Cash on the day or EFT on the day:
Name of Acc: Boland Adventures
Capitec Savings account nr: 173 138 2780
Branch code: 470010
Reference: Your name, surname and skeleton.
Bring along: Hat, food, coffee/tea/cooldrink/2 lt water, first aid kit, Rehidrat sachets, sturdy hiking boots.
Indemnity: When attending this hike you indicate that you have read and accepted our Indemnity as below.
Please inform Marius or Elaine of any medical conditions before the hike.
WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND INDEMINITY AGREEMENT
This agreement includes a release of liability and waiver legal rights and deprives you of the right to sue Boland Adventures, and other parties.