General
Climbing
Key

Take a step back in time and culture and escape from the urban sprawls of the Western World. Climbing, biking or simply traveling through offers a refreshing reset in life and it's trappings. Characterised by its stunning landscape of rolling hills and valleys, this area is renowned for its natural beauty of lush green hills, meandering rivers, and traditional Zulu villages that offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Besides the rock climbing at Monteseel and Old Baldy, other activities such as mountain biking, hiking, birdwatching, 4x4 trails and horseback riding amidst this idyllic scenery are on offer.

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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

The Valley is a traditional Zulu area falling under the Zulu King's chiefdom and is a cultural showcase of the Zulu Culture of Chief's, induna's and community land. A modern blend of subsistence farming and Western economy are well showcased here giving a far more realistic view of the South Africa's mix of cultures and economics than, say, CApe Town.

Both the climbing destinations are easily accessed by normal sedan car and accommodation options abound in the formal hamlets above the Valley, with a select offering in the Valley itself as well.

Single & Multi Pitch
Gavin Raubenheimer climbing Toe Jam (17) - 📸 Trystan Firman
Gerald Camp mid Crux on the Classic Hallucination (22) - 📸 Trystan Firman

Monteseel

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Boulder
Sport
Trad
Big wall
Alpine
Ice
The birthplace of hard climbing in the 80's, Monteseel offers some of the finest trad cragging in South Africa. Despite facing North, cool days abound.
5
min
-
0.7
hr
800
m ASL
The lightest full-feature harness on the continentThe lightest full-feature harness on the continent
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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.