Situated in the stunning Namibian desert along the banks of the Orange River, the climbing area is surrounded by striking desert landscapes, including red sand dunes and dramatic canyons. The rock in Aussenkehr is predominantly sandstone, with only a fraction of the cliffs developed thus far. The sandstone cliffs provide an excellent mix of face climbing with the occasional crack climbing pitch. The rock quality is generally good, but climbers should exercise caution and be aware of loose rock in areas that are yet to be developed, and anything above the 1st pitch.
Centered around one of the worlds largest table grape producing farmlands, and the river-rafting activities of The Orange River. Infrastructure is very limited (as at 2023 there is no common fuel station) with the Sapr Supermarket being somewhat basic. The camping and accomodation options are good and plentiful however.
Aussenkehr enjoys a hot desert climate, making it a river-rafting destination in summer and a climbing destination in the winter. Winter nights can be cold as is typical of the desert (down to 5degC).
Aussenkehr is flanked by the Transfrontier National Park, and visitors to the crags and desert may encounter animals such as baboons, small antelope, dassies (rock hyraxes), and various bird species. A 4x4 is not needed to access the climbing in Kings Canyon, but if you are travelling by 4x4 the Quiver Tree trail is worth the drive (and takes you through a quiver tree forrest.
Kings Canyon
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The Blockhouse Crags
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