Rock Climbing in Cape Town

Cape Town, the port city of South Africa, is one of the most loved tourist destinations in the world. Known for its gorgeous natural splendor, coupled with a multitude of myriad adventure, cultural and social activities, Cape Town is the one-stop destination that is an ideal getaway for different types of tourists. However, if you are an adventure junkie then the city offers one of the best outdoor activities – Rock climbing.

Rock climbing is popular in South Africa, especially in Cape Town because of the several mountain ranges that surround the city. Besides, the beautiful highland topography along with the waterfalls, valleys, forests, etc. make the rock climbing experience an absolute delight.

Here is all you need to know about rock climbing in Cape Town.

Types Of Rock Climbing

Rock climbing may seem like the simple act of climbing on the face of a rock, however, there are various types, styles, and ways to do so. Experienced climbers would understand climbing-related jargon. But those who have never tried a hand at it can find the terms and types a little confusing. So to make it simpler, here are a few types of rock climbs.

Trad Climbing

Trad or traditional climbing refers to climbers carrying with them equipment, such as hexes, nuts, and cams that they place into the rock crevices to protect them from falling. These accessories are removed after the completion of a pitch. While putting the gear into the cracks the climbers attach the rope to them as they continue upwards. The second climber following them removes the gear. This ensures that the rock face is not contaminated with leftover gear. Trad climbing requires a lot of experience and understanding of the rock face, climbing technique, and teamwork.

Sports Climbing

Unlike trad climbing, sports climbing is when a route is already laid out over the rock surface. Bolts are placed into the rock and the climbers need to carry with them quickdraws (equipment that allows the climbing rope to freely pass through). Sports climbing is a safer method and useful for beginners. In both trad and sports climbing the leader or guide ascends first.

Bouldering

Climbing on smaller rocks or boulders is known as bouldering or boulder climbing. Since these are not always too elevated, one can climb boulders without harnesses and ropes. The duration of the climb is also less when compared to trad or sports climbing.
There are also indoor rock climbing types that include bouldering, top roping, and lead climbing.

Rock Climbing Terminology

Certain terms are specifically associated with rock climbing. For example, there are routes along the rock surface for climbing with different points along the way. A pitch is the length of the climb that requires or is achieved with a single rope. A muti-pitch climb means stopping once or more than once at a belay station, where each section from the start to the belay stop is a pitch. Belaying is the technique used by climbers, such as applying or removing tension on the rope so that the climbing partner doesn’t fall. Of course, each of these are very basic definitions and need to be understood in depth if you wish to climb.
Also, climbs are assigned different grades according to their difficulty. Grade 1 is an easy route, Grade 2 is not technical but might have a few sharp-edged outcrops, Grade 3 is a moderate to slightly difficult climb and Grade 4 is a highly technical and hard route to pursue.

Best Rock Climbing Locations in Cape Town

There are several opportunities for rock climbing in and around Cape Town. Table Mountain dominates the overall upland terrain, however, there are also many other ranges, peaks, and boulders that are ideal rock climbing locations. Most of the rock climbing in Cape Town is traditional. However, there are also around 350 sports routes.

Below are some of the mountain landscapes that are popular rock-climbing spots in and near Cape Town.

1. Table Mountain

Undoubtedly, Table Mountain is the city’s landmark. Standing at a height of 1085m the mountain is known for a number of activities including hiking, abseiling, cable car riding and rock climbing. A national park and a heritage site Table Mountain offer traditional rock climbing. Though only trad rock climbing is allowed, there are multi-pitched routes, and both beginners, as well as experienced climbers, can enjoy a climb. The sandstone rock surface can be scaled with the help of professional guides and the views from atop are breathtakingly beautiful.

2. Cape Peninsula

A whole range of rock types and grades for rock climbing are found in the Cape Peninsula. Some of these high-quality rock climbing spots include the quartzite rocks of Peer’s Cave and Trappieskop or the steep crags of Lower Silvermine, Higgovale Quarry, and Lakeside Pinnacle. The sporting routes on Silvermine crags are also quite popular with adventure lovers.

3. Paarl Rocks

The majestic granite domes of the Paarl Rocks are a magnificent rock climbing destination. Located 60km north of Cape Town the Paarl Rocks Mountain Reserve offers both multi-pitched and single-pitch routes. The surroundings are tranquil and the rock climbing experience is both fun and unique with trad and sport climbing available. The popular individual boulders to climb are Gordon Rock and Britannia Rock. Some of the routes and sections include the Belly Button Slab, Two Cents Slab, Crank Prank section, and more.

4. Hellfire

A great sport climbing spot, Hellfire has around 160 traditional routes and 45 sports routes. Located in the Limietberg Reserve one needs to obtain a permit to climb in the area. The routes are usually single or double pitched and the rough hard red sandstone merits experienced climbers to conquer the slopes and crags.

5. The Cederberg

Around 2/3 hours away from Cape Town, the Cederberg is a uniquely distinctive ochre rock that is in fact, a piece of rock art built by the ancient San community. There is something for all levels of climbers with trad, sporting, and bouldering rock climbing available. The Rocklands is most famous for sport climbing in Cederberg and the Pakhuis Boulders are popular bouldering sites. Rough, red sandstones make up most of the Cederberg climb.

6. Lions Head

Located close to Table Mountain, Lions Head has both sandstone and granite outcrops to climb. Most of the routes are trad multi-pitched routes. However, one can find single-pitched sports routes on the granite crags too. Lions Head has routes for all levels of climbers and can also be climbed during the rainy winter months, as it dries off quickly and is not frequented by strong winds.

6. Du Toit’s  Kloof

Located between Worcester and Paarl Du Toit’s Kloof is home to magnificent valleys and sandstone slopes. With more than 65 traditional routes and boulder climbing, one needs a permit from the Cape Nature Conversation before climbing in this area. The routes are not for beginners, especially the Newborn. Exposure in F major, Prime Time, and North by North-West.

7. Montagu

A two-hour drive from Cape Town, Montagu’s sandstone mountains offer some of the best rock climbing opportunities in South Africa. With routes for all levels of climbers, there are more than a total of 500 routes that climbers can choose from. Some of the most popular routes include Eagles Folly, Cool Like That, Chocolate Speedway, Thruster, and more. Also, Montagu receives very little rainfall making it accessible even during the wet winters.

Some of the other areas in and around Cape Town to try rock climbing include the Garden Route (along the southern coastline), Kleinmond (sea village), Oudtshoorn (only limestone climbing in South Africa), and more.

Indoor Rock Climbing in Cape Town

Those who don’t want to venture out immediately into the outdoors for rock climbing can also try their hand at indoor rock climbing clubs and gyms. It is also a good way to understand the methods and styles of climbing and learn about the sport. Some indoor parks you can try include CityRock, Bloc11, Hangtime Gym, Rock Valley Climbing, and more.

Best Time

The best time to visit Cape Town for rock climbing is during spring and autumn. Hence, September to November (spring) and March to May (autumn) are the ideal months to plan a trip to Cape Town. During summers (December – February) the temperatures may rise to above 30 degree Celsius making the climb rather tiring for the rock climbers. Also, the rock surfaces tend to get hot during the summer. The rainy winter season from June to August is not advisable for rock climbing, considering the slippery slopes, as well as the risk of climbing during heavy rainfall. However, if you are keen on climbing during the winter, you must closely watch the local weather before starting the climb.

Tips

• Be educated and aware of what rock climbing is all about. For beginners, it's absolutely essential to understand the basics of rock climbing. You can read up or search online to get a good hang of rock climbing terms, styles, and concepts.
• Choose an authentic and experienced rock climbing company. There are many operators available both online and offline.
• Listen and follow instructions closely. Your climb leader or guide will explain the workings of the equipment and safety instructions. Know exactly how to operate the gear, when to use them, and follow all safety protocols as advised by the climbing company.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for the climb.
• Many of the rock climbing locations also offer other activities, such as hiking, camping, etc. You can plan the climb in accordance with other adventure activities too.
• There are simple and easy rock climbing locations for children too. Most indoor climbing gyms have special kid sections and facilities for climbing. Besides, relatively easy outdoor rock climbing areas are perfect for children, such as the Deer Park City Vista Boulder in Table Mountain.
• Certain climbs require explicit permission from Cape Nature Conservation. Ensure you have all the required documentation and permissions before planning the climb.
• Rock climbing requires focus, diligence, and a basic understanding of the sport itself. Cape Town's perfectly set terrain is ideal for rock climbing for all levels, grades, and types.