General
Climbing
Key

Port Elizabeth (PE) is the nucleus of climbing in the Eastern Cape with surrounding areas boasting a variety of rock types and climbing styles. Those who venture here will find a quieter yet wilder experience. It is also near to those classic South African tourism spots such as Jeffries Bay surfing, The Garden Route and Addo Elephant Park.

Seasons:

The Mediterranean Climate means that from an adventure / climbing point of view the dominant considerations for us are avoiding the heat of summer and to a lesser degree the winter rain.

Summer (Nov-Apr):

Dominated by the South-Easter (a gusty and low-level wind) PE can be climbed in summer though one should definitely aim to climb or hike in the shade of the day. Locals usually avoid climbing venues that are further inland as they are considered too hot.

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The lightest full-feature harness on the continentThe lightest full-feature harness on the continent
Autumn  (Apr-Jun):

Our preferred season for general climbing and adventuring. The days do start to get short but the wind and heat go away. The only real note is the saying: It always rains over the Easter Weekend.

Winter (Jun-Oct):

Historically PE was known for its long periods of rain in the winter, however global weather change has caused a severe drought through recent years. Early winter (1st 2 weeks of June) often has some of the finest days of the year! Winter is not over until end September with September actually offering some of the worst as far as storms go. Winter is the season to take advantage of Alicedale, the countries second largest boulder venue.

Spring (Oct - Nov):

We've given Spring a very short window primarily because of the late September winter storms and the arrival of the South Easter in late November. The difference between Spring and Autumn, from a climbing point of view, is related to the high water table / saturation after the winter rains which in extreme and rare cases impacts crag seepage. Other than that, a fine time of the year to adventure.

Travel:

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). It is advisable to rent a car or meet up with some locals.

Shopping:

Many shopping malls and so forth cater very well to the shopping needs. Climbing gear stores are limited (due to South Africa's small climbing community), but the available range is remarkably wide and comprehensive. Visit our store here.

Climbing Gyms:

Port Elizabeth's one and only climbing gym is Valley Crag, where you meet many friendly faces some of whom may invite you to climb at their impressive home walls.

Makana

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Boulder
Sport
Trad
Big wall
Alpine
Ice
km
-
100
km from
Port Elizabeth
m ASL
Faye Brouard climbing at Van Staadens River. Photo: Trystan Firman

Nelson Mandela Bay

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Boulder
Sport
Trad
Big wall
Alpine
Ice
The scattered climbing one can reach in an hours drive from Port Elizabeth.
3
km
-
30
km from
Port Elizabeth
0
m ASL
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the most affordable 'laminate' style harness on the market. Comfortable, light and good-looking.the most affordable 'laminate' style harness on the market. Comfortable, light and good-looking.
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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.