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Summary
Sandstone
Table Mountain is the iconic backdrop to Cape Town CBD It covers a large area. Most routes are multipitch trad climbs, with the upper sections of the mountain offering better quality sandstone.
Description
Overhung
Roof
Vertical
For the most part, all the climbing is traditional, unless otherwise specified. There are some bolted rappel stations to facilitate safe descent (50/60m 1/2 ropes needed).
It is common to catch the cablecar up and abseil down to the start of your chosen route (The Ledge/Africa Ledge areas). Otherwise it is a 1hr hike via the India Venster trail, which involves some easy scrambling. The routes on the lower buttresses are also accessible via the first part of this trail, taking approximately 20-30mins to reach from the lower cable station.
Access to Nursery Buttress is via Kirstenbosch Gardens. The Boulders in Newlands Forest are tricky to find unless you have a local guide.
Some lesser known routes on the edge of Orange Kloof.
Access issues
There is an entrance fee to Kirstenbosch.
A permit is required to access Orange Kloof.
Approach
1-2 hour
If climbing at Fountain or Africa Ledge, and the cable car is your choice to reach the climbs, pre-book cablecar tickets online so you do not have to queue up for a ticket.
Kirstenbosch's Rycroft Gate is the closest point of access for Nursery Buttress. Follow the signs for Nursery Ravine. Approximately a 1hr approach. The Classroom in Newlands Forest is about a 15-20min hike from the Firebase. Deadwood Boulder is a 3min walk from where you park your car.
25-35min hike to the Lower Buttresses.
Hike or via cablecar for Fountain Ledge.
Where to stay
Cape Town has a huge range of accommodation to fit every budget. Area that are close to the crag include the City Bowl and the Atlantic Seaboard.
Ethic
No bolting.
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Selected Guidebooks more Hide
Author(s): Tony Lourens
Date: 2015
ISBN: 9780987040343
This is a selective guidebook describing the best sport climbing found in the Western Cape of South Africa, covering over 1,350 routes
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