Hello out there! We're planning a trip to SA in July, August, and part of September. Anywhere dry and warm enough to climb?
We'd prefer sport so as to not have to travel with a rack, but are open to both.
From the little information we've been able to find, CT is probably too wet. Is this true?
How about east?
Can anyone recommend the names of guide books?

Thanks so much for the beta. Laura

Hi Laura

Possibly the best spot in SA is Waterval Boven - with over 500/600 sport climbing routes. THe weather is cold but stable, in winter (May-Sep) it drops below freezing most evenings, but rain is very scarce in winter. Daytimes are great for climbing once you thaw out of bed.

check out the wiki on this website - waterval boven - it has the new routes only. the route guide is out of print but there are always many people there to ask, and the local guide company is very friendly (Gustav and Alex) and you could borrow a guidebook I'm sure. camping is cheap (R50/night/person(Dont know where you are from? abot 7USD/person)), and chalets available at tranquilitas campsite for a bit more.

http://www.rocrope.co.za or climb (at) rocrope dot com

Good trad in vicinity as well - within 2 hours or so. some nice trad routes at waterval boven as well.

shout if any more questions. We're in the area but moving soon!

Ray

most of south africa gets summer rainfall - you can really climb anywhere. the western cape is a winter rainfall area but still does not get a great deal of rain, especially when you move inland (to the karoo).

and jip, waterval boven is the berries for sport climbing in SA.

if you're around for 2+ months i would strongly suggest a trip to the western cape, especially the cederberg and montagu - both areas get very little rain (even during the rainy season) and long-term weather forecasts will give you reasonable idea of what to expect. the cederberg has arguably the best trad in SA; world class bouldering at rocklands (prime bouldering season is june - september) and some fine sport climbing. montagu is SA's 2nd best sport climbing area.

a trip to eagle mountain near harrismith (free state province) and natal will also add some unique and great experiences.

Just remember that climbing around Harrismith is at altitude and howling winds and belting snow have made climbing here interesting in winter. So leave this area for September, unless you love climbing in plenty layers and getting your rope wrapped around chicken-heads!

_________________
Gustav
Roc 'n Rope Adventures
Waterval Boven
013 257 0363
rocrope dot com

yep, good advice Gustav,

I was in Harrismith twice the past few weeks. With the first trip the wind was buffeting so strongly that it made any climbing practically impossible. With the second trip we were met by temperatures well below freezing, -9 degrees, to be precise.

Leave Harrismith for September, but go there - it's quite something.