[Rocketman Rob Smith]

Hi, does anyone have any useful info on the Rocklands, such as recommended problems, best areas, online topo's etc.. I'm off there for three weeks to sample some hardcore bouldering action. Will also be doing routes so any info on the trad/sport around capetown and the surrounding areas would be cool.  Thanks

[SA Chris]

Ok, here's a couple of downloads to get you started, and an overview map.http://www.bouldering.co.za/ and a bagload of info here http://www.saclimb.co.za/cip_westerncape.html

There is really good trad stuff at Wolfberg Cracks, which is quite a bit further South than rocklands. Nice campsite, winery and tons of boulders you drive through on the way to Sanddrif, the campsite.

Get the Julian Fisher "Cape Rock" Guide too. It's a selct guide to routes, but has stacks of info. I think Guy Hollwill has published a Western Cape Bouldering guide too.

Digest all that info and come back if you have any more specific info.

[hongkongstuey]

after years of inactivity you've finally prompted me to add the following to my site - enjoy

http://www.hongkongclimbing.com/gallery/southafrica/sa.html

p.s. Chris, if you can fill in any of the blanks on route names it'd be good

[Rocketman Rob Smith]

Thanks for the info guys its much appreciated. Will try and get hold of the guide books on arrival. Quite keen for sport climbing as well, don't know if you can recommend any particular routes that just have to be done..? Montagu looks very good.  

The photos are very inspiring Stu, what's energy crisis like? Definately plan on doing this while I'm there..bout E2?

[hongkongstuey]

The photos are very inspiring Stu, what's energy crisis like? Definately plan on doing this while I'm there..bout E2?

Exactly E2 and a damn fine one at that - The Knobless Robot and Red Rooster are also worth doing if your at Wolfberg. Celestial Journey looks pretty funky too (although we didn't get round to that unfortunately)

[the_dom]

SA Chris has it right on the guides, but PM me as I'm putting together a little guide to out of the way problems... I'll email it to you when I get it done.

Look, there are so many good problems, and so many of them aren't in the guides. My recommendation is not to aim to do specific problems (apart from one or two of the real quality ones), and rather to wander around and find problems that appeal to you. There are millions of hidden gems.

My favourite areas are the Campground, Roadcrew and the Fortress - there are so many awesome problems in those areas.

Have a look at http://www.0friction.com/thumbz.php?area_id=30
for some photos too..

AS I said, feel free to PM me on any info you need.

dom

[SA Chris]

For Sport, Montagu is a good spot, although I'm not mad about the rock; some pretty slippery quartzite. The Mine and The Hole near Cape Town are good, but steep and pumpy, with very little below F6b. Silvermine is better for sport routes, but don't get locked in (its a nature reserve). More vertical and easier grades. Sterling Silver is a must!