In This Issue

words by Lizanne Tuckerpic by Arvind Varsani Lizanne Tucker and Alison Hughes did the first all-women ascent of the Western Cape big-wall classic – Oceans of Fear. Here is their story We were finally ready, after discussing climbing Oceans of Fear for two years, only to be denied access because of a fire hazard caused …

words by Matthew Lloyd-Simpic by Hilton Davies One of the ‘Last Great Problems’ of the Western Cape lays down its arms. It is done and every muscle in my body is happy that I don’t have to do that slog again. I was reflecting on the route, comfortably ensconced on a soft couch with two …

Read the editorial and check out the contents of the latest issue. With up-to-date news coverage, training articles, gear reviews, celebrity profiles, technical tips covering a wide variety of subjects, event reports, big glossy pics and enthralling articles. [su_heading]SA Mountain Editorial – Issue 72[/su_heading] Crag Etiquette It really baffles me how some people think it’s …

words by Tony Lourenspic by Willie Koen Die TrapSanddrif Campsite, Cederberg Niewoudt had showed interest in having some easy, friendly bolted routes on the little crag immediately opposite the bridge as you drive into Sanddrif Campsite. Routes that would be fun for beginners, families and kids. So, after some discussions, they very generously funded the …

words by Paul Fattipic by Carl Fatti In July last year (2019), during a short climbing trip, I found myself in the Romsdal Valley. We arrived in the late afternoon and pulled into the viewing parking beneath the famous Troll Wall. I had heard so much about this infamous wall, but nothing prepared me for …

A Close Encounter on Balakun in the Indian Himalaya words by Daniela Teixeira and Paulo Roxopic by Daniela Teixeira Saturday – 21st September 2019 For the first time we had a view of the whole line – it was perfect. From the base to the summit, 1,800 metres of snow ramps, gullies, a crest leading …

words by Matthew Holtphoto Mandy Ramsden I crawled up a rock step that broke apart in my hands, then waded through a deep pool of snow with the consistency of shaving foam. It was only about 300 metres to the summit, but I suspected we’d soon have to turn back, like the other teams before …

Read the editorial and check out the contents of the latest issue. With up-to-date news coverage, training articles, gear reviews, celebrity profiles, technical tips covering a wide variety of subjects, event reports, big glossy pics and enthralling articles. [su_heading]SA Mountain Editorial – Issue 71[/su_heading] SA Climing’s Darkest Hour I’m sitting at my desk, just barely …

The first ascent in 1969 a typical epic on a South African big wall words by Mike Scottpic by Nicholas van Doesberg At last the record can be set straight. The Barley brothers (Tony and Robin) generously let me get the credit for this amazing route, but really it was Robin’s brainchild. The two brothers, …

An ascent of the 9 highest peaks across the 9 provinces of South Africa . . . or so we thought! by Alda Waddell In memory of a kindred spirit, Kelly Gielink, who passed away on Gray’s Pass in the central Drakensberg on Sunday 22 September, 2019. Kelly summited Mount Kilimanjaro in September 2018, as hiking …