Rock Climbing
Push your limits or find your flow on the rugged rock faces scattered across our bushveld sanctuary. Thabaphaswa offers real adventure — no crowds, no waiting in line — just you, your gear, and the African sun.
Experience
Thabaphaswa’s climbing is wild, varied, and deeply rewarding. From beginner slabs to technical multi-pitch lines, there’s something for every climber with a spirit for granite. Routes have been bolted by experienced climbers and the Mountain Club of South Africa, with some pitches reaching up to 150 meters. Whether you’re staying in the treehouse or hiking out to Kanniedood, the crags invite you to explore the vertical.
- Note: This is a bring-your-own-gear experience. No equipment rental or guides are available on-site. Routes are bolted, but climbers must be fully self-sufficient and follow safe climbing practices.
About This Activity
Free Cancelation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Educational Resources Available
Optional downloadable rock climbing guide.
Who Can Do It
Experienced climbers only
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with mobility limitations
Equipment
BYO sport climbing gear (including a 70m rope recommended)
Duration
As long as your grip lasts — from short sessions to full-day projects
Location
Across the sanctuary at designated climb points.
Highlights
- 20+ bolted routes across various grades (Grade 11–26)
- Multiple crags including Kanniedood, Elephant’s Head, and Dome Rock
- Quiet bushveld setting far from busy gyms and tourist traps
- Stunning views, natural shade, and challenging routes
- Stay nearby at our climbing-friendly huts and campsites
Includes
- Access to all bolted climbing areas within the sanctuary
- Informational guide with sector descriptions
- On-site parking and trail access to crags
- Meals and drinks (bring your refreshments)
- Rock climbing gear
Important Info
- Bring your own camera
- No supervision provided: You must know how to belay, lead climb, and safely operate in a wilderness climbing setting
- No rental gear available
- Climb at your own risk
- Cell signal is limited in some climbing zones — plan accordingly
- A high-clearance 4×4 may be needed to reach remote crags
- Crags are in a natural bushveld setting — expect thorns, sun, and wildlife
Additional Resources
We’ve put together a downloadable and printable Rock Climbing Route Guide that includes maps, grades, sector breakdowns, and insider tips from local climbers.
- Tip: Print it out before arriving or save it to your phone before heading into the bush — signal may be limited in some areas.
Contact Information
Send Your Message
Lets Talk Rocks
Already downloaded the printable climbing guide? Great — this section gives you a high-level taste of what’s waiting out there on the granite. Get a feel for the zones, plan your day, and discover which sector suits your style. Tabs below give you a sneak peek of our major climbing areas.
The Mountain Club of South Africa has developed a 150m sport route here (graded 17–26), and local climbers have added dozens more
- For full route details, grades, and safety notes, be sure to download the guide above.
Kanniedood Crag
Kanniedood is the main climbing area and offers the most developed sectors. To reach it, exit via the North gate from the farmhouse and take the first left. After passing a few intersections and a gate, you’ll reach the “Climbing Parking” sign. A high-clearance 4×4 is recommended. From the parking, it’s a 10-minute walk to the crag — or 30 minutes uphill if you park before the bad road.
This sector features beginner-friendly slab climbs:
Just for Fun (Grade 11) – Short, on-angle slab.
Loula (12) – Gentle line right of Just for Fun.
Surami (13) – Crux near the bottom.
Just for Kicks (14) – Crack corner with a leftward finish.
Summer Vibes (13) – Playful route with ledges.
Bloustert Akkedis (14) – Needs more bolts.
Shongololo (14) – Can be top-roped; runout on lead.
Skoenlapper (16) – Crack line with shared anchors.
Super Cool Nifty (21) – Face climb just right of Skoenlapper.
Miena se Muis (20) – Over the top using the crack.
Elephant’s Head
This dramatic multi-pitch line follows a prominent recess near the “elephant trunk” formation. Five pitches (grades 15–23) offer sweeping views and unique features — including a cave that peers under the mountain’s “ear.”
Kanniedood Mountain Hut
Routes just next to the treehouse cabin:
Swart Mamba Anchors (17) – Used for abseiling and top rope setups.
Pofadder (12) – Ideal for first leads on granite.
Dome Rock (at Dome Rock Camp)
Whistling in the Wind (19) – Fun, windy ridge route.
Monkey See Monkey Do (15) – Beginner-friendly face line near Kiepersol Unit.