Image related to website content

What you need to know: Bouldering in Rocklands Cederberg, South Africa

5 Jul 2024

It’s a crisp, sunny Winter’s morning in a far-flung corner of the Western Cape.

Despite the early hour and the cold conditions blanketing the Pakhuis Pass, at the northern-most tip of the Cederberg mountains, the air is filled with cheering and whoops of elation.

The landscape here is punctuated by countless free-standing sandstone boulders, intricately carved into fine-featured natural sculptures by the elements of wind and water that have battered these formations for millenia.

Gathering between these sculptures are climbers who’ve flocked to the region from across the country - and from around the world - to see if they have what it takes to get on top of these behemoth rocks.

The Pakhuis Pass as well as the Agter-Pakhuis valley beyond it, are known as Rocklands: one of the world’s premier bouldering destinations.

Here, a timeless landscape of rugged rock invites outdoor adventurers to explore; to test their skills against the multitude of bouldering challenges; to rope up for some world-class sandstone lead-climbing; or simply to go for a walk through the ancient and unspoiled landscape.

This treasure-trove of natural wonders is just over three hours from Cape Town - putting you well withing reach of experiencing this one-of-a-kind wilderness first-hand.

There are also several accommodation facilities and types available, so whether you’re into camping, glamping or would rather stay warmer in a stone cottage, the farms around Rocklands have it all for you!

Rocklands also includes the areas at CapeNature’s Kliphuis, and partner properties at de Pakhuys, Traveller's Rest,Kleinfontein, Eight Day Rain.

For bouldering enthusiasts, booking accommodation online ahead of time offers convenience, peace of mind, and the opportunity to better plan and manage your bouldering adventure in the Cederberg.

All areas within Cape Nature and on Private property in Rocklands are accessible only with a valid permit. After purchasing your permit, make sure to print a hard copy or keep a digital version of it handy on your phone so that you have it with you throughout your expedition.

Get your permit now: https://tinyurl.com/2ssp37de

Image related to website content
Share:

Related News

Wilderness Nature Reserve
5 Aug 2025
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared

A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).

MPA Day Rocherpan 2
1 Aug 2025
Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations

CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.

Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas Image 2
1 Aug 2025
Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas

Our marine areas are teeming with life and a variety of protection measures are used to protect the ocean, such as precautionary fishery management principles (bag limits, size limits, catch limits and closed seasons) and shipping and pollution regulations. But at the heart of the protection efforts, are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are demarcated areas to conserve this incredible biodiversity. MPAs can form critical refugia for some more resident species, which may become extinct without protection. All species and ecosystems form part of the overall functioning marine ecosystem and its ability to sustain direct and indirect use. The need to conserve MPAs is based on scientific evidence as well as frequent public engagement and participation in active protection of these areas.

Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve Image 1
30 Jul 2025
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat

The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.

Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Outdoors
28 Jul 2025
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating

Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.

Minister Anton Bredell at EPWP Event July 2025 1
22 Jul 2025
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape

CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.

A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.