A view of Kings Throne Canyon the first developed climbing in Aussenkehr

Aussenkehr

The farming village on the banks of The Orange River provides access to the spectacular Kings Canyon and it's climbing. Semi desert climbing fused with riverside camping on the border with South Africa.

A view of Kings Throne Canyon the first developed climbing in Aussenkehr

South Africa on the left of the Orange River, Namibia on the right. Norotshama resort, gateway to Kings Throne Canyon, Aussenkehr.

Aussenkehr

The farming village on the banks of The Orange River provides access to the spectacular Kings Canyon and it's climbing. Semi desert climbing fused with riverside camping on the border with South Africa.

South Africa on the left of the Orange River, Namibia on the right. Norotshama resort, gateway to Kings Throne Canyon, Aussenkehr.

Aussenkehr

The farming village on the banks of The Orange River provides access to the spectacular Kings Canyon and it's climbing. Semi desert climbing fused with riverside camping on the border with South Africa.

General
Climbing
Key

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.

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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.

Single & Multi Pitch
Jessie-Lou Workman climbing Purple Haze, Kings Throne Canyon, Aussenkehr. Photo: Trystan Firman
Are these the shortest walk-in's in Africa? The Blockhouse and Enchanted crags seeing from above Enchanted crag.

Kings Canyon

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Boulder
Sport
Trad
Big wall
Alpine
Ice
Extraordinarily beautiful in its desolation vibe. This is true desert area and the climbing is reminiscent of Rum, Utah in its feel.
1
min
-
1
hr
320
m ASL
Single Pitch
Natalie Knos climbing Crowbar Collateral at The Blockhouse, Aussenkehr. 📸: Trystan Firman
Crag and Sector orientation, Kings Canyon, Aussenkehr

The Blockhouse Crags

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Boulder
Sport
Trad
Big wall
Alpine
Ice
Good technical climbs along the Western (East Facing) side of the Canyon shortly after entering Kings Canyon proper.
0
min
-
0
hr
200
m ASL
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No Properties found.
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Icons and Symbols

AM Shade
Morning ; Afternoon ; All Day or NO Shade
10B | Ch
Equipped with x number of Bolts & Chains (lower off rings)
Alpine
Area's or routes located in mountainous regions and requiring multiple mountain skills (navigation ; extreme weather ; self sufficiency ; remote )
Ice
Area or Route requires Ice Climbing and associated Winter skills
Sport
Area or Route is fully equipped as a sport climb. Separate distinction for # of PITCHES
Sport & Trad
Area or Route is a mixture of SPORT & Trad climbing styles
Trad
Area or Route requires Traditional equipment and experties
2 Pitches
Indicates the typical # of pitches of the area or route
Special
Indicates that a specialised Rack or Traditional equipment is typically required and will be mentioned in the Route Description BETA
Standard
Indicates that typically a Standard Traditional Rack will suffice. Typically in ZA that is a 8-10 Cams + 10-15 wires/nuts.
50m
Indicates the minimum length rope needed to typically climb safely.
Double
Typically climbed using half ropes
Corner
Climbs or mostly climbs a corner system. This often requires stemming as a technique.
Crack Climb
Follows a crack-system predominantly and may require good jamming technique.
Overhang
Indicates the overall style. Face climbing is steeper than slab usually on small holds and edges, often feeling delicate / insecure.
Overhang
Overhanging, usually involving roofs.
Powerful
Powerful style is often in conjunction with another style but feeling more powerful than is common for the style.
Slab
Usually not quite vertical and requiring smearing and friction techniques.
Steep
Consistently steeper than Vertical but not overhanging / roof-y
Technical
Additional to general styles, requiring careful sequence and thoughtful climbing.
Vert
General vertical climbing with no other defining style.