Cape Town is known for many things, but amongst us climbers, it’s known first and foremost as an epic place to send. There are numerous rock faces across the city where beginners and pros alike can spend an afternoon happily climbing. We are, after all, blessed with a brilliant mountain range.
Fortunately, climbers love to share the stoke. So we’ve talked to a number of passionate sport climbers and boulderers, to find out about Cape Town’s best climbs, what makes them great, and everything else you need to know to get out on the rocks. We’ve also included the climbing gyms you can check out, and some safety info because that’s important stuff.
Best places to climb in Cape Town
In this section of the article, you’ll read a bunch of first-hand recollections of some of the best spots to sport climb around Cape Town and boy, there are quite a few of them (thank you, Cape Town)! You’ll learn a bit about the areas that you can climb in and some of the routes that our community would recommend you check out. This is all to make it easier for you to select from the sheer endless choices of sport climbing, traditional climbing and bouldering in the area we have selected a few highlights for you here.
Silvermine Crags
Location of Lower Silvermine Crags: Here, near the MTB parking lot
Location of Main Silvermine Crags: Here, near Silvermine Dam
Ease of access: Silvermine MTB car park parking for Lower Silvermine Crag and Parking lot for Silvermine Main Crag. These parking lots connect the Silvermine Nature Reserve with the sport climbing crags. A short work from the parking lot will take you around the side of the rockface to the sport climbing area. Easily spotted on Google Maps and signage on the ground.
Entry fee: R95 ($5) per person per day
Now, if you’ve been hearing people talk about their Rocklands or Montague trips at the gym and you’re feeling the itch to touch some real rock my advice is to start locally. I was introduced to outdoor climbing for the first time through sport climbing at the Silvermine Crags. I think this was a great introduction to climbing outdoors as you feel connected to something the entire time and when you fall you are caught straight away, versus bouldering outdoors which involves falling much farther and spotters and a mat that you don’t feel connected to.
Silvermine also has loads of fun beginner routes with the most beautiful view of the southern suburbs and beach. However, the most important thing I can say is that if you’re keen to start climbing outdoors don’t be scared to ask around the gym for a group you may be able to join, climbing with experienced climbers is the best way to learn how to climb safely.
Silvermine Main Crag
When I think of impeccable climbing, combined with unparalleled views & swift ease of access — Silvermine Nature Reserve comes to mind. A gem nestled between the city and the coast, Silvermine truly is a local’s treasure… Climbers take Long, luxurious routes to the peak of each climb and are rewarded with break-taking views of the city below. The best part of these particular crags is that they are for everyone. Grades range from novice to advanced and the only prerequisite is adhering to a high level of safety and stoke alike. And if you’re not a climber, the dams and hikes through this beautiful reserve are just as rewarding.
It’s hard to believe such an oasis exists less than an hour from the city, the harmony of jingling climbing gear amongst the rustling of nature awaits.
Silvermine Main Crag; photo taken by Gigi Birkett
This crag is suitable for intermediate and advanced climbers, but that does not mean you can’t take a beginner here, however, some of the easier routes have quite an ‘out there’ feeling. This is probably my favourite crag at Silvermine, the routes are all fairly long and exciting. The style of climbing is mostly vertical with some overhanging sections so prepare to get pumped!
I haven’t climbed anything too hard here, but I would definitely recommend Argent (16), Pistolero (20), Sterling Silver (22) and Jono Gordon’s Route (22). I have heard that Mercury and No Man’s Land are both stellar 25s.
Recommended climb → Pistolero (20)
(+) Spicey
(+) Endurance
(+) Vertical to overhanging
In contrast to Rasputin, Pistolero at Silvermine Main Crag is closer to what you would expect from a sport route — a long endurance climb with some spicy moves sprinkled here and there to keep things exciting.
Silvermine Lower Main Crag
Lower Main is a great crag, the approach is short and most of the climbing is good. In my opinion, it is a better crag for beginners than Higgovale because the routes are higher quality and the climbing is more interesting, in addition, the views are stunning. Lower Silvermine also has some stellar routes for intermediate climbers.
I would recommend Vlad the Impaler (19), My Precious (20), Snake Tales (21), Alpha and Omega (22) and Spitfire (23)
Blaze of Glory
Blaze of Glory is another great crag in Silvermine often overshadowed by Main Crag. There are not too many routes here, but most of them are great quality! I think that Dropzone is one of the best 19s around. Overall a great place to go if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy some excellent face climbing.
The Mine
Location: The Mine
Ease of access: Park here 34° 5′ 7.1455″ S 18° 26′ 0.4535″ E and look for a short path marked by cairns directly up the mountain to meet up with the jeep track (not along the fence). Walk along the jeep track to the hairpin bend in the road, where a footpath continues straight towards the crag.
Entry fee: No Fee!
Sickle Moon at The Mine; photo by Wian van Zyl
So far the Mine is my favourite sport crag that I have been to. The routes there are all quite steep and pumpy, it is also one of the few places where one can climb in the rain oh and did I mention that it is almost always in the shade?
The mine is best for intermediate and advanced climbers. There are many classics there all varying in grades that will keep you busy for a long time. The Mine is one of those crags you will be unlikely to get bored of. While there are some easy routes at the mine, it might be quite an intimidating place to take beginners, but it is not impossible for beginners to climb there. I have a friend who learnt how to climb at the mine and they are now crushing routes graded 28 and harder.
The only downside of the mine is that it is a terrible place to climb while the South Easter is howling, so be sure to keep an eye on the forecast
Lakeside Pinnacle
Location: Lakeside Pinnacle
Ease of access: Park here and walk up from Boyes Drive
Entry fee: No Fee!