The most popular starting point is Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Alternatively, you can access it via Newlands Forest or Cecilia Forest, which might involve a longer initial walk to reach the contour path.

Yes, you can start from Newlands Forest, but it adds about 6km to your hike. This allows access before the gardens officially open at 8 AM.

Parking is available at Kirstenbosch Gardens (paid) or at the trailheads for Newlands Forest and Cecilia Forest. Constantia Nek is another option for accessing the contour path.

Using a reliable offline map app like Forge, Maps.me, or Google Maps is highly recommended. The trails can be challenging to follow at times.

While direct public transport to the trailhead is limited, you can take a MyCiTi bus or taxi to Kirstenbosch Gardens or nearby areas like Newlands.

If you start from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, you will need to pay the garden's entrance fee. Starting from Newlands or Cecilia Forest may not require an entry fee for the forest itself.

Kirstenbosch Gardens opens at 8 AM. The mountain trails themselves are generally accessible at any time, but it's advisable to start during daylight hours.

Yes, several tour operators in Cape Town offer guided hikes up Table Mountain, including Skeleton Gorge. This can be a good option for first-time hikers or those seeking more information.

It's possible to hike down Skeleton Gorge, but it's generally considered more challenging and steeper than ascending. Many hikers opt to descend via Platteklip Gorge or the cable car.

You can avoid the Kirstenbosch entrance fee by starting your hike from Newlands Forest or Cecilia Forest, though this adds to the overall distance.

Skeleton Gorge is considered a difficult hike due to its steepness, rocky sections, and occasional ladders. It requires a good level of fitness.

The hike to the summit via Skeleton Gorge typically takes 3-5 hours, depending on your fitness level and how long you spend at the reservoir or summit.

Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, comfortable athletic clothing, and layers as the weather can change. A hat and sunscreen are also recommended.

While generally safe due to its popularity, especially on weekends, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Hiking with a companion or joining a group is often recommended.

The hike offers increasingly stunning views as you ascend, culminating in panoramic vistas of Cape Town, the ocean, and surrounding mountains from the summit of Table Mountain.

Look for dramatic shots of the ladders and rock formations within the gorge itself, the serene reservoir, and the expansive views from the summit.

Early morning light offers softer shadows and fewer crowds. Late afternoon can also provide beautiful golden hour light, but ensure you have enough time to descend safely.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the gorge and the landscape. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures.

The contrast between the lush greenery of the gorge and the rugged rock faces, as well as the unique 'rainbow lake' at the reservoir, offer distinctive photo opportunities.

Include people in your shots to give a sense of scale to the steep ascents and the vastness of the mountain landscape.