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

BOCMA Capacity building Rhett Smart
3 Jul 2025 by Rhett Smart
BOCMA and CapeNature join forces to build capacity for sustainable water use

On 8 May 2025 a capacity building event was held at the Barn Owl Conference Venue in Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve provided by the Breede Olifants Catchment Management Agency (BOCMA) to CapeNature staff from Landscape South and Central. BOCMA are responsible for implementing the National Water Act (NWA) within the Breede and Gouritz catchments, which regulates water use. A similar event was held in Oudtshoorn with the Landscape East staff on 23 May 2025. Water is an essential natural resource that requires responsible management to ensure the sustainability of the resource both for human use and ecological function.

Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA Marine Impact Award Image 1
1 Jul 2025
Marine Dynamics crowned winner of the ATTA® Marine Impact Award

Marine Dynamics Shark and Whale Tours has been honoured with the ATTA® Marine Impact Award during the Experience Africa Travel Conference in London on 23 June 2025. The award recognises organisations making a tangible difference in protecting Africa’s marine and coastal environments while fostering long-term community benefits.

Conservation Review 2025 Group Image
27 Jun 2025
Conservation Review 2025 highlights Western Cape’s biodiversity and conservation resilience and adaptability

CapeNature showcased its significant achievements in conservation operations and exceptional biodiversity protection over the past year.

The central message throughout the event and central to the theme was an emphasis on the successful partnerships the Entity has cultivated with stakeholders. Many of these partners were also in attendance, showcasing delivery on collaborative projects. The Entity relies on the productive co-operation of many partners to successfully execute its mandate in the Western Cape.

De Hoop Nature Reserve Bontebok
26 Jun 2025
2025 State of Conservation Report highlights progress and priorities in protecting Western Cape biodiversity

CapeNature launched the 2025 State of Conservation Report this morning at its annual Conservation Review, offering a clear, evidence-based view of the Western Cape’s biodiversity and how conservation efforts are measuring up.

Key themes emerging from the report include sustained efforts to build biodiversity resilience in the face of climate change, the value of strategic partnerships, and the growing integration of monitoring data into planning and policy.

20160529 072239 W12 1921
19 Jun 2025
A Win for Renosterveld Conservation as Haarwegskloof Declared a Provincial Nature Reserve

In a major victory for biodiversity conservation, Haarwegskloof, which includes the largest remaining connected stretch of renosterveld left on Earth has officially been declared a provincial nature reserve.

The reserve is owned by WWF South Africa and managed by the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring the fragile renosterveld ecosystem that once covered large parts of the Overberg.

Tegansmithphotography damaratrail 8
12 Jun 2025
Damara Trail Wins Silver Award at International Tourism Film Festival Africa 2025

CapeNature is proud to announce that its Damara Trail video series has won the Silver Award in the Tourism – Products category at the prestigious International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025.

CapeNature’s videos stood out for their compelling storytelling, visual excellence, and ability to capture the essence of nature-based tourism in the Western Cape.

“We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps to underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings. Much like the Damara Trail itself, the video helps to tell the unique history and story of the Waenhuiskrans area to visitors both far and near,” said Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director: Eco-Tourism and Access.