The second largest city in South Africa, Durban forms an economic hub originally entered around what is now Africa's largest port. The adventure attractions from climbing, hiking and paragliding are, generally, located inland from Durban; as a result Durban itself is more of an access point - unless you surf. A modern international airport, hire-car options and general outdoor stores are well represented.
It is worth researching what equipment or gear you may need on arrival to ensure you can purchase it either at your destination, or in Durban.
From sugar cane plantations, to tropical mangrove swamps, to lush farmland and even bush veld, KZN is a varied and generally very hospitable region (the population density showcases this). Big 5 safari camps, exotic scuba diving and great surfing are added bonuses to the climbing, hiking and paragliding adventures.
Seasons:
Durban is the capital of Kwa Zulu Natal (KZN) which has a wide range of climates specific to zones (mostly altitude related).
The KZN coastline is along the warm Agulhas current. This, coupled with being only 5 degrees south of the Tropic of Capricorn, gives the coastline a very temperate, often humid, climate.
Venturing inland gains altitude and a little respite from the hot humidness of the coast, and can reach -5 degrees regularly beyond Pietermaritzburg during the winter months.
Summer (Nov-March):
Coastal (0m-1000m asl):
Consistently warm/hot day time temperatures with high humidity, nights are not significantly cooler. Not the best season for climbing (this is why many Coastal Climbers are good surfers :-) ), however there are options (Monteseel ; Kloof ; Shongweni) which can work on cooler days.
Midlands (1000m-1800m asl):
Hot day time temps often culminating in spectacular thunderstorms, climbing tends to be restricted to early morning and late afternoon to avoid the heat. The exception being Umgeni Valley which, being South Facing and enjoying a dense tree canopy.
Drakensberg (1800m-3400m asl):
Warm day time temps often culminating in spectacular thunderstorms, summer is not the best climbing season but is a good hiking season. The high Summer Rainfall coupled with the alpine nature of routes/peaks means that Summer often has water-logged pitches or a high probability of rain during the climb where you are exposed to the elements.
The exception being the Harrismith Area which features multi-pitch sport routes which are not as difficult to retreat from.
Autumn (Apr-May):
Coastal (0m-1000m all):
Similar to summer.
Warm/hot day time temperatures with medium humidity, nights tend to cool slightly. Climbing options begin to steadily increase, Monteseel ; Kloof ; Shongweni & Wit Umfolozi begin to become more consistently climbable.
Midlands (1000m-1800m asl):
Warm day time temps with fewer thunderstorms and more consistently stable weather.
A great season for climbing.
Drakensberg (1800m-3400m asl):
Warm day time temps and cooler nights, Autumn is the best season for Alpine Rock routes in The Drakensberg. There is abundant water following the summer rains, the routes are dry and the potential for being caught in a storm while on a route is far reduced (particularly the later it is in the season). Temps are still generally warm enough for pleasant rock climbing.
Winter (Jun-Aug):
Coastal (0m-1000m all):
By far the best season for climbing in the coastal areas! The exception being Monteseel which faces North and, ironically, is hotter in Winter as the sun is lower on the horizon and blazing the crag most of the day.
Winter is the only season for The Wave Cave.
Midlands (1000m-1800m asl):
Mild day time temps with cold nights and crisp mornings, the prime season for rock climbing.
A great season for climbing.
Drakensberg (1800m-3400m asl):
The premium season for winter climbing in South Africa. The ice falls are generally in condition from early June to mid August (better in July). The winter snow gullies and Waterfall Ice routes tend to face South and retain their condition. Alpine Rock routes not facing North will be very cold.
Spring (Sept - Nov):
Coastal (0m-1000m all):
Similar to the Autumn season, but obviously reversed. Better conditions for climbing earlier in Spring, progressively deteriorating as summer approaches.
Midlands (1000m-1800m asl):
Mild day time temps with cool nights, another great time of year in the area. August tends to be a windy month, and The Midlands is often somewhat affected by that.
A great season for climbing.
Drakensberg (1800m-3400m asl):
The second best season for Alpine Rock Climbing in The Drakensberg. August can be VERY windy with minimal water (and resultant high wild-fire danger), but otherwise very similar to Autumn.
Travel:
Durban has a modern International Airport and good road infrastructure. As with everywhere in South Africa, it is very difficult to rely on public transport to get to the crags (and hitchhiking carries its own risks)
Shopping:
Cities and towns have good general shopping centres, however outdoor equipment is not well represented (make sure you get stove gas early in your trip to the area).
Climbing Gyms:
Southern Rock is Kzn’s only commercial climbing gym.
Valley of a Thousand Hills
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Drakensberg
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