Tafelberg, Trad climbing

Map

9 1 2 8 4 6 5 7 3 10

1 Scout Camp 2 Main Wall 3 South Wall 4 East Wall 5 Descent Gully 6 Apathy Wall 7 Pillar Box 8 Oxy Wall 9 Parliamentary Wall 10 The Spout

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Summary

Excellent climbing and wild camping in a spectacular setting.

Description

Single and multipitch trad climbing.

Access issues

A permit is required: www.capenature.co.za

Approach

Leave Cape Town via the N7. After Piketberg, you will drive over a mountain pass and head down towards Citrusdal. This is the last stop for provisions. Approximately 30kms after Citrusdal, take the Algeria/Cederberg turnoff on your right hand side (dirt road begins here). After two mountain passes you will see Tafelberg high up on your left. Continue on the dirt road, turning left at Driehoek. Follow this road, keeping left at the fork. Park under oak trees.

The trail to Tafelberg/Spout takes approximately 3hrs with a heavy pack. Follow the trail up Welbedacht Kloof (1hr). At the head of the kloof, turn right and follow the jeep track for a short distance until you see a path heading up to the left. Follow the ever steepening trail through a shale band and onto a higher plateau (1hr from the top of Welbedacht) You will now have a clear view of Tafelberg and Spout. Follow the trail, aiming for the neck between Tafelberg and Spout. Very near the top of the neck, keep a look out for Spout Cave on your right. (1hr from the top of the shale band).

A fairly reliable water drip (built up basin) can be found on the south side of Spout (approximately 20mins from the cave).

Where to stay

Spout Cave.

Ethic

Tafelberg is a pure trad area. No bolting is allowed at all.

There is an existing bolt and chain at the top of the ascent/descent gulley and (to my knowledge) only one old route (Oscillation) that has an ancient, hand drilled, small bolt. This in no way means that any more bolts may be placed. There are also a few old pitons scattered around but even this is seldom necessary. Modern removable gear allows virtually all climbable parts of Tafelberg to be adequately protected.