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This is a trad climbing area at the confluence of the Hellspruit and Olifants River upstream of Loskop Dam offering about 41 multi-pitch climbs, usually 4 to 5 pitches long. It is in a beautiful wild setting with an abundance of animals including fish eagle, buffalo, eland, giraffe, ostrich, crocodile, hippo and leopard. The area gets very hot, making it a perfect winter venue.
Description
Access issues
Access, including permits, must be arranged with the Mpumalanga Parks Board Tel: 013 262 4190.
For more information on routes, access and permits please see the following websites:
Approach
Two to two and a half hours, including about 20 km of dirt roads, which can be very sandy and rutted so it’s advisable to travel in a car with 4 wheel drive.
The length and difficulty of the walk-in depends on where you climb, if on the cliffs below the camping then a short 5 minute walk. However, if on the spectacular North and West faces of the Hell Gorge – separated by the Hellspruit – then the walk in is a much steeper hour or more, including wading the Olifants River.
Where to stay
Camping is on the cliffs above the Olifants River, which offer many shady spots. While there are long drop toilets, they are seldom used and never cleaned, so using the bush is a cleaner option – don’t forget a spade to dig a hole though. There’s a good camp-fire area.
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Tue 25 Apr
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