General
Climbing
Key

The Amathole Mountains, meaning "calves" in the Xhosa language and referring to the pastoral way of life, lie within the Eastern cape between Grahamstown and Stutterheim. The area contains a variety of biomes and climates from grasslands to forests and is home to many indigenous trees.

The beautiful mountain range is popular among hikers and is well known for its' peaks Gaika's kop, The Hogsback and the Amathole Hiking Trail. The Amathole hiking trail is considered one of South Africas most arduous trails taking typically 6 days to complete 100kms.Hogsback, said to be the inspiration for J.R.R Tolkiens Lord of the Rings, is a must see destination. A small town high in the Amatola Mountains with lush forest and waterfalls, creating a mystical atmosphere, Hogsback offers a selection of sport and traditional climbing with a small collection of boulders. 

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La Sportiva TX 4 approach shoes, your Italian connection on the Via FerrataLa Sportiva TX 4 approach shoes, your Italian connection on the Via Ferrata

Tourism

The district of Amathole is rich in culture being inhabited by Khoisan and Xhosa groups. The arrival of Dutch settlers lead to many now notable wars resulting in many historical sites to visit like Cathcart cemetery, Fort Michell and Keiskammahoek War Memorial which all offer guided tours.

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Seasons

The Amathole climate varies across the different biomes. Coastal areas have a maritime climate while inland and mountainous areas have a cooler climate due to the higher elevations and rainfall. 

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Summer :

The summer season consist of a subtropical climate with rainfall prevailing in this season., thunderstorms can occur due to this berg winds, in January and February. The average temperature reaches a warm 26°C. 

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Winter : 

The winter season is cool with general mild temperature of 20°C but can get cold with the cold fronts.

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Best climbing shoes, harnesses, boulder pads and quickdraws in South AfricaBest climbing shoes, harnesses, boulder pads and quickdraws in South Africa
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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.