Buffalo Gorge
Getting there
The Buffalo Gorge farm is just outside Middelburg. Maps and all the info you need is on the Buffalo Gorge website
Notes
The farm offers various activities and camping spots. See the website or contact Ryk for details. Day visitor fees are R50pp.
Cell reception on the farm is very limited.
There is a longdrop at the top of the crag close to the one 50m abseil point.
Although the website says you'll manage with a normal car, it's probably best to not attempt driving up to the crag without a vehicle with significant ground clearance - the first part of the track is badly eroded(2011-01-29).
The owner is Ryk Diepraam: 013-245 1049 083 528 9586
Route Info
Copied from the Buffalo Gorge website with Ryk's permission.
1) Unforgiven (18) 15m - 9 draws
Description: The route is situated about 20m to the left of the chain ascend on the far right of the 50m abseil crag (facing the crag). The first section of the climb requires a tricky lay-back. The second crux move is to get off the large ledge 2/3 up on the route and then the last crux move is to reach a loose chock stone at the second-last bolt. Climbers and spectators be weary, the chock stone seems a bit dodgy... Opened by Sarel Petrus, Andrew Harvey and Vickus Prinsloo. First Ascent (trad): Sarel Petrus – June 2010 / First Ascent (sport): Andrew Harvey – June 2010
2) Even Cowgirls get the Blues (17) 15m - 9 draws
Description: The route is situated about 10m to the right of the dripping waterfall below Ryk se Klip. The climb offers a nice variety of moves, with a couple of reachy grips that might make it extra challenging for shorter climbers. Opened by Sarel Petrus and Andrew Harvey First Ascent (sport): Andrew Harvey – May 2010
3) Once Upon a Time in the West (20) 20m - 12 draws
Description: This challenging route is situated about 100m to the left of the dripping waterfall below Ryk se Klip. The climb offers a nice variety of moves with a couple of thin sections. To make the climb even more challenging one can climb only the flat face at the start. Opened by Sarel Petrus and Andrew Harvey. First Ascent (sport): Sarel Petrus – June 2010
4) A Man Called Horse (14/15) 30m - 12 draws
Description: This route will be sheer enjoyment for first-time climbers, as well as experienced climbers, especially after the abseil with the adrenaline still pumping through your veins. This route starts about 5m to the left of the dripping waterfall below the ‘Ryk se Klip’ abseil up the left corner of the gully. The first 7 meters might be a bit wet and slippery up to a big tree. From there onwards it’s just fantastic climbing between two spectacular rock faces all the way to the top. * A top-rope can be rigged from the top. Opened by Sarel Petrus, Andrew Harvey and Vickus Prinsloo. First Ascent (trad): Vickus Prinsloo. July 2010 First Ascent (sport): T.B.A.
5) Ballad of a Lonely Mare (16/17) 30m – 12 draws
Description: The route shares the first three bolts with “A man called horse” and then leads up the right corner of the gully above the dripping waterfall. Climb to the bottom of the chimney. Follow the chimney to the top at ‘Ryk se Klip’. This route is one of the favourites at BG offering some good sustaining climbing all the way to the top. * A top-rope can be rigged from the top. Opened by Sarel Petrus, Andrew Harvey and Vickus Prinsloo. First Ascent (sport): T.B.A.
6) Billy the Kid (12) 15m – (Only top-rope anchors at top)
Description: This top-rope route is ideal for first-time climbers, school groups and families. This route is not situated at the same crag as the other climbs, but at the 15m abseil crag (Buffelskloof Berg) about a 500m walk from the campsite.