PROPERTIES — LIMPOPO
Makapansgat
"If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain."
Venue Information
Venue Overview | Kransberg offers good quality multi-pitch climbing at moderate grades. With routes of between 3 and 6 pitches long and grades from 11 to 22 it is a great place to hone your multi-pitch skills before heading off to Blouberg. The exposure is excellent, and the birdlife unrivalled. The cliffs can be a little cold in winter so the area is best visited in warmer months. |
Permit / Permission info | Due to the paleontological sensitivity of Makapansgat, the MCSA was denied admission for almost twenty years. However, access to Makapansgat was granted based on the goodwill of the Limpopo Provincial Government following hard work by the MCSA JHB Section. Access is granted on the following conditions: 1) Only MCSA members and guests allowed. Each party must have at least one MCSA member present. 2) Before visiting, contact the Site Manager Makapan Valley World Heritage Site on 015 293 8443 to confirm your attendance. Contact Neil Margetts on info@saclimbingacademy.co.za 3) No bolting allowed. 4) No littering, including cigarette butts. 5) No unnecessary damage to plants. 6) No animals, including dogs. |
Approx travel time from Jhb | 3 to 3 ½ hours. |
Parking info | Shady parking available about 10 to 15 minutes walk from camping. |
Walk-in | It’s a 10 to 15 minutes walk to the base of the climbs from the campsite, with no path. From the parking walk North West up to a shallow neck, then walk North past a tall old Aloe and down through scrubby thorn trees until you run out of ground at the cliffs. |
Accommodation | The campsite is about 10 to 15 minutes walk from where cars are parked. Camping is right on the lip of the cliffs, offering many superb spots. |
Availability of drinking water | The river is perennial but the water quality is not guaranteed. Recommended to bring your own water. |
Climbing route guide | Route guide: Makapansgat – A Climber’s Guide to Limpopo Cragging, South Africa by Hector Pringle available at www.climb.co.za |
Climbing info | There are 5 climbing areas with a range of multi and single pitch routes:· The Gulley: 20 to 50m high, 16 climbs ranging between grades 9 and 22, in the shade. Twin Cracks: 50 to 100m high, 7 climbs ranging between grades 16 and 19, north facing so in the sun.· Waterfall Area, Left: 70m high, 1 climb, a grade 19, north facing so in the sun. ·Waterfall Area, Right: 50 to 80m high, 4 climbs ranging between 17 and 23, east facing so gets morning sun. Jackal Pinnacle: 20 to 60m high, 13 climbs ranging between 15 and 22, east facing so gets morning sun, though many of the shorter routes are in the shade. |
Child-friendly | Not suitable for young children as camping is within 5m of cliff edge. |
Swimming | Yes. |
Camp fires | Fires are allowed but bring your own wood and keep fires controlled. |
Other attractions | Wild and beautiful setting, deep pools and high waterfalls. |
Dangers | None. |
Contact details | To arrange access please contact JT Mmako, Site Manager Makapan Valley World Heritage Site (Tel: 015 293 8443). Or contact MCSA Jhb Section for more details. |
Disclaimer
Mountaineering (climbing and hiking) is de facto an activity which carries certain inherent risks. Neither the MCSA, nor any of its members or representatives accept responsibility for any deaths, injury or illness sustained or suffered by any person or for any theft, loss or damage to any property that result from participation in MCSA activities, no matter in what manner caused and whether allegedly due to negligence or not.