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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

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