The Rocklands, South Africa

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crusher

climber

Santa Monica, CA

Topic Author's Original Post - Mar 5, 2014 - 01:01pm PT

Hi All,

We have the opportunity to visit The Rocklands in South Africa for a few days in September of this year. I know we will need to get a permit but maybe some of you can help answer these questions:

1. Is it safe to drive oneself around the area (Cederburg)?

2. Or, can anyone recommend a guiding service so we can maximize our time there by not wandering around trying to find stuff? And also we won't be able to bring crash pads with us (this is part of a larger trip). This way maybe we also won't have to drive ourselves (on the "wrong" side of the road)!

3. Any other thoughts/tips?

Thanks!

crusher

climber

Santa Monica, CA

Topic Author's Reply - Mar 5, 2014 - 03:41pm PT

Yeah Ron that's what I think and why I'm asking around. With a limited amount of time I'd rather go with someone who knows the area.

Thanks.

Elcapinyoazz

Social climber

Joshua Tree

Mar 5, 2014 - 04:09pm PT

From some pages I have bookmarked (I really really want to go, love bouldering and it looks so good)

General beta, how to get there, where to stay, car rentals, local gear (nothing about crash pad rentals though):

http://www.savageclimbing.com/2011/02/27/rocklands-the-beta/

Some commentary on the downsides (sharp rock, sponsored scenesters, etc):

http://www.moonclimbing.com/blog/moon-blog/bouldering/the-dark-and-the-bright-side-of-rocklands/

Prezwoodz

climber

Anchorage

Mar 5, 2014 - 06:58pm PT

We went to Rocklands. Forget the guide as you will find tons of climbing, everywhere. It's easy to find and you'll have to actually direct yourself to specific areas if you want because you'll be so distracted by all the rock.

You can rent crashpads there, I think it was $2. Yeah super cheap. It is located at the main climber campground which I can't ever imagine filling up. Although not all the sites are comfortable if its really busy, they just start to let everyone camp in their huge yard area. Its probably a couple acres. All that is located here: http://www.depakhuys.com/ - It's climber central. They also sell gear, guidebooks, and everything you'll need.

We stayed in a different section, a nice little campsite / room area with an older couple that has been there for 40+ years. Really quiet and nice. They don't really even have power at night. We loved it.

The Cederberg area was really safe too as far as SA goes. We had no problems. Especially in the park. We had a rented VW Polo and it got us everywhere.

It's a great place. Have fun!