Hi all, My boyfriend and I will be visiting your lovely country (specifically: KZN) in May and have our eyes set on Kloof Gorge, Monteseel, and Shongweni as climbing destinations. First thing is, though, it looks like camping opportunities are few and far between in that area of KZN. Are there any good, safe campgrounds around or is it better to do a B&B type thing? That hut at Monteseel sounds like a great stay-over option and we will try to take advantage of that. The second thing is regarding Shongweni - is the info that it is closed due to crime still up-to-date? Would be sad to hear it, but if that's how it is, then so be it. Thanks in advance for the infos!

I don't think KZN climbers use this site much. Try some of the sites under Links

Your best bet is to contact one of the guys at the KZN MCSA. http://kzn.mcsa.org.za The climbing in KZN is amazing. I think Shongweni has been re-opend however it is probably advisable to join the MCSA on one of their meets as it will be safer in bigger crouds. If you will have a car then u can book the hut. Number 27-31-7672319 Apparently there is a Caravan park called \"Queensburgh Caravan Park\" where you can camp. If you want a back packers lodge (not sure how close to kloof gorge) Tekweni Backpackers lodge 27-31-3031433. Anyway good luck.

You can climb at Shongweni but have to organise with the ranger dudes for an armed guard to accompany you.

Thanks for the info, guys, and grigri, I'm laughing and shuddering at the same time over here.

I really recoment Witt Umfalozi. Awesome spot! quite safe. Good camping and Africa feel. see KZN MCSA site

For climbing in Kloof Gorge, Shongweni (you CAN climb safely there) and Monteseel, Wildways at Monteseel is definitely a good base. To get the most from your visit, hook up with the local climbers at the University of KwaZulu-Natal climbing wall in Durban on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Maps at http://www.ukzn.ac.za/climb/