UKC

Hi

Was looking to plan a trip to Rocklands in SA next year, just wondered if anyone has some good advice?

Flights? Accomodation? Do's and Don'ts? Routes?

Thanks

In reply to grady_9:

This might be of interest: -

http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=68246

In reply to MJ: That was one of the first article's that came up in my search, i was just wondering if anyone had some first hand experiance they might want to share. Thank you for the link!

In reply to grady_9: Fly Emirates from a number of UK airports. I found them close to £100 cheaper for return Glasgow-Joberg. Watch stopover times in Dubai. Internal flights in SA very reasonable with a number of competing airways.

In reply to grady_9:

Whatever you do, don't think saving £125 by flying Turkish airways with a stop in Istanbul and refueling in Jo'berg is a good idea after 37 hours travel you will not be happy! I can't recommend Alpha Excelsior enough, great big farm house that can work out cheaper than camping if there are enough of you and right in the middle of all the climbing. We stayed at travellers rest as well for a couple of nights but the place felt like something out of a horror film, comfy though and very entertaining. The other option is De Pakhuys camping or lodges, right in the middle of things and has the bonus of not needing to purchase a climbing pass if you are staying there. Depending on what time of year you go make sure you are prepared for the temperature changes, we were waking up to frost on the ground in the morning but it was up to mid twenties later in the day. Don't buy the guidebook here get it from De Pakhuys it's about £35 here and about £15 there. Do go to Lamberts bay on a rest day especially if it is drizzling with rain, so depressing it becomes a great laugh!

In reply to grady_9:

We flew with Virgin as it was a good schedule but were disappointed with the food/leg room for the price. You can fly more cheaply to Jo'Berg but remember if you book separate internal flights (as suggested above) and your int flight is delayed and you miss them, tough luck. I'd buy a through ticket personally.

Stayed in the Lavender Cottage at Alpha Farms, which was perfect for us. Hire pads were OK, but next time I'd take my own.

My recommendation would be to head straight to Rocklands, then plan to have at least some rest days/wet weather days in Cape Town or the Winelands as there's v little to do in Rocklands other than climb.

In reply to grady_9:

We hired a little cottage at De Pakhus (the farm where Rocklands is situated) which had a shared pool with another holiday cottage - great to chill out after a day on the rocks. The owners are nice people and you are on a Roibos farm, which has now become my favourite tea.

As has been said there isn't much to do in the area other than climbing or walking, although a visit to the Mission settlement of Wuppertal is well worth it on an off day.

Stock up with food and booze in Clanwilliam.

I find that SAA or BA are the two best carriers to Cape Town. They are more expensive than some of the others which have been suggested, but the flight is direct, so there is no frigging around with meals and accommodation if you do a 1 or 2 stop flight which can wipe out what you save on a cheaper flight. Both have good on board entertainment, service and food.

If you are hiring a car at CT check the excess wording re accidents on unmade roads - you may NOT be covered. The road from Clanwilliam is unmade*. It's worth investigating insurance4carhire before you go for your excess because the compulsry excess in SA is very high and accidents on unmade roads common.

* It was on this road that I lost a hub cap which then overtook me! See previous thread on this subject.

In reply to grady_9: Thanks for all in the info folks!

Will be doing some investigating over the coming weeks! would probably prefer to pay a bit more and just fly direct instead of having to change. Haven't checked BA or Emirates so that's my first call.

All the Best, Connor

In reply to grady_9:

Hey Grady, we made a video specifically for people making their first trip to Rocklands recently, check it out!

http://www.epictv.com/media/podcast/best-rocklands-bouldering-guide---climb...

In reply to jenran: Hi Jen

Yeah i watched this on the Mountain Equipment Page! my bouldering ability reaches 7b+ at my limit so i thought i'd waste my time in Rocklands tryna work some mad line.

But your video was great! some good looking boulders i want to get on!

Fingers Crossed next year!

Thanks

In reply to jenran:

Yup, great wee vid. I've added it to the ammunition I'm aiming at my partner in the "I really want to go climbing in South Africa next year" battle.