[jstrongman]

I am going to a geology conference in Cape Town in the middle of November 17-19th and can extend the trip by a few days to fly back on the Sunday 23rd. What are the options for a short 3 day blast at that time of the year. I am hoping not to hire a car but if it is essential I will, I will also not have a pad. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[monkey boy]

Rocklands will be boiling by that time and you will definitely need a car as there won't be many, if any, climbers around. You can boulder in CT all year around because there tends to be a good breeze. There are a couple of areas actually in the city that you probably wouldn't need a car for but the better areas i.e. Topside you will need a car. Pad wise, I am not sure but you could probably hire something in the city or maybe just try and hook up with a local.

Maybe get a thread going on here for more information- http://www.climbing.co.za/forum/

[SA Chris]

What he said. There's also Llandudno, which may not have the same quality of problems or rock (it's granite), has a fantastic setting, stays fairly cool being close to (relatively) cold sea, and has sufficient lowball / easy stuff, and is great for sundowners / chilling.

If you can stretch to it, having a car at your disposal will make geting around a lot easier and your few days there a lot more enjoyable, public transport is far from good, but you might get lucky with a keen local hookup. There are also one or two boulders closer to City Centre, topos used to be on cutloose but aren't anymore; I have downloads saved if you want them. I've never climbed on them, so not sure of exact location, quality or safety, but can email to you if you want.

[jstrongman]

Cheers Monkey Boy & SA Chris, I had a feeling that it might be a bit late for Rocklands. Staying near Cape Town probably makes more sense with the amount of time I have got. Probably will hire a car or nearer the time see if I can hook up with local.

Does anyone have any accomadation recommendation for staying down near Topside, Echo valley etc?

[SA Chris]

Couple of backpacker hostels in Muizenburg, I think the one on the beachfront is a lot nicer than the one run by the drug nutter just back from the beach (although I doubt he's still there, probably died from an overdose).

http://coasttocoast.co.za is a good place to look, the small booklet they produce can be picked up for free anywhere; just go to the main tourist office if you have a break from the conference.

Good spot if you want a shot at surfing too, or chilling. Sea is warmer that side of peninsula.

http://cityrock.co.za/ is good if you have a free evening during the conference, and want to take a break from the drinking and exciting evenings talking about rocks Good place to meet up with any potential partners too.

[SA Chris]

PS if need be, taxis are fairly cheap, especially with the strong pound (nearly 18 ZAR to the pound!). Just make sure it's an official one, and agree a price before you set off. But hiring a car would be better, just beware minibus taxis. Driving is best described as erratic.

[tomtom]

Was over in SA (first time) in June/July and spent 4-5 days in Cape town... Because of the weakness of the rand, pretty much everything was cheap in comparison to Europe.. Car hire (make sure you book), Hotels, Food, Booze... all seemed c.1/2 European prices or even greater..

We just pulled half decent places from Tripadvisor and all were great...

Just don't go to an ATM that doesn't have a security guard standing by/near it...

[jstrongman]

Cool thanks guys 

Been to SA before with work Joberg side and although sketchy in certain places, as long as you followed the rules, and can deal with the striking poverty gap. I found it a beautiful and welcoming country.

[SA Chris]

Cape Town is waaaaay nicer than Joburg. Still keep your wits about you though. There's some great non-climbing / rest day things to do too, although, hopefully you can do a few of these during "quiet sessions" in the conference!