Oudtshoorn Limestone

Oudtshoorn is South Africa's only limestone climbing venue. The climbing often has many tufas with pockets scattered here and there. Some lines are incredibly long, requiring at least a 70m rope, but many have alternative lower-off chains. The grade range varies from 5b to 8c but there is somewhat of an entry barrier as the best routes start at 6c.

‍

Access to the crags currently has no restrictions, but was compromised in the past due to bolting too near to bushman paintings. Interfering with the paintings is illegal and comes with a hefty fine.

No items found.

Oudtshoorn has great conditions year round but can get quite hot in Summer. With crags facing all aspects, there are many shady spots to pick depending on the time of day you wish to climb.

‍

Most people stay at De Hoek Campsite when climbing at Main Wall as it is walking distance from the crags and offers camping and chalets at reasonable rates. However there are many accommodations around depending on your taste and price range.

Single Pitch

Climbing Topo's for the crags and sectors at Main Wall, Oudtshoorn

Main Wall Crags

This is some text inside of a div block.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

This is some text inside of a div block.

Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Where Oudtshoorns premiere tufa crag is

min

0.3

750

m ASL

Single Pitch

Short Circuit

This is some text inside of a div block.

Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Very steep, almost roof tufa climbing

min

0.5

750

m ASL

Single Pitch

Initiation Walls

This is some text inside of a div block.

Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Uncharacteristicly slabby climbing.

min

740

m ASL

Single Pitch

Chick's Dig It

This is some text inside of a div block.

Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

A handful of climbs, including 2 of Oudtshoorns most trafficked easier lines.

min

750

m ASL

No items found.

Single Pitch

Boomplaas

This is some text inside of a div block.

Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Pocketed limestone climbing, on private land.

min

750

m ASL

Single Pitch

This is some text inside of a div block.

Boulder

Sport

Trad

Big wall

Alpine

Ice

Short, lesser climbed crag in need of some attention.

min

750

m ASL

GAIA GPS

Click to see the GPX track.
Requires GAIA GPS App

Google Maps

Click to see the Parking Area . Requires
Google Maps

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.

Oudtshoorn Limestone

Oudtshoorn Limestone

Oudtshoorn Limestone

Main Wall Crags

Short Circuit

Initiation Walls

Chick's Dig It

Boomplaas

Boomplaas

Freedom Wall

Short Circuit Cave

Main Wall - Oudtshoorn

Behr Hug

Watch Tower Walls

Blue Wall

Super Hero Walls

Barrier Reef

Interactive Icons

Icons and Symbols

VERTIGO GEAR

Vertigo Adventures