Montagu, South Africa - Rock Climbing
Montagu, South Africa - Rock Climbing
Weeks before I left for Africa, I posted on forums, joined SA climbing groups on Facebook and even emailed the owner of the Cape Town climbing gym, Robert Breyer. All in an effort to find climbing partners so I would be ready with options when I arrived. I received many responses..but when it came to actually going out, people were working, busy, unresponsive… Robert did respond right away to say that the gym doesn’t offer tours, but gave me some contacts. It was 3 days into my trip and I was pretty bummed out about having not climbed yet. My coming days were getting booked up with plans, the forecast for the weekend was RAIN RAIN RAIN and my window of opportunity was rapidly closing…but then..! I got a glorious, legendary message, that would stop the world from spinning, ceasing the advancement of time and grasp my destiny by the lower mid pelvic area and say..this way my friend… I saw Roberts name in my inbox.. “Matt, my wife Trish and I are heading to Montagu climbing for the weekend..would you be interested in joining us?” So the story goes…
Chris' n I just finishing up a nice little multi pitch in Montagu
MONTAGU – Gonna rain in Cape Town?
Montagu is a small town in the Western Cape of South Africa. If there is a forecast of rain in Cape Town, consider heading up to Montagu and experience this small town vibe with a surrounding that has a lot to offer. The 1266 m high Bloupunt peak overlooks the village and provides an amazing venue for hiking, abseiling and climbing. There are A LOT of climbing options for all climbers of all skill levels. Here are some resources:
Climbing Guide: Beginner? Need Gear? Goin it Solo?
Justine Lawson has a laundry list of credentials when it comes to his experience as a guide and as a pretty badass climbing dude in general. His company offers:
Beginner Climbs
Half and Full Day sport climbing trips
Muli pitch day trips
Abseiling
Check out the site here: http://www.montaguclimbing.com/meet-your-guide-justin-lawson/
Where to Stay:
B&B
There are many B&B options, but I stayed at a nice little bed and breakfast called ‘Montagu Rose’. Run by Ben and Deoni, this quaint lil guest house has all the amenities, charm and great location that you’ll be looking for…including wifi! Deoni serves up a mean full english in the am. Homemade everything and freshly squeezed OJ.
$30-45rand/night, including breakfast.
www.montagurose.co.za
Montagu is a small town in the Western Cape of South Africa. If there is a forecast of rain in Cape Town, consider heading up to Montagu and experience this small town vibe with a surrounding that has a lot to offer. The 1266 m high Bloupunt peak overlooks the village and provides an amazing venue for hiking, abseiling and climbing. There are A LOT of climbing options for all climbers of all skill levels. Here are some resources:
Climbing Guide: Beginner? Need Gear? Goin it Solo?
Justine Lawson has a laundry list of credentials when it comes to his experience as a guide and as a pretty badass climbing dude in general. His company offers:
Beginner Climbs
Half and Full Day sport climbing trips
Muli pitch day trips
Abseiling
Check out the site here: http://www.montaguclimbing.com/meet-your-guide-justin-lawson/
Where to Stay:
B&B
There are many B&B options, but I stayed at a nice little bed and breakfast called ‘Montagu Rose’. Run by Ben and Deoni, this quaint lil guest house has all the amenities, charm and great location that you’ll be looking for…including wifi! Deoni serves up a mean full english in the am. Homemade everything and freshly squeezed OJ.
$30-45rand/night, including breakfast.
www.montagurose.co.za
Camping – Sites & Bungalows
Friends of friends stayed at ‘De Bos’ camping ground. Reviews were top notch. They offer a variety of accommodation, self-catering rooms and bungalows, back packers barn and camping. Everyone has access to the swimming pool, kiddies playground and undercover courtyard. Looking to find some fellow climbers? Look no further.
http://www.debos.co.za/accommodation/
Climbing Gym – City Rock
Rob and Trish are amazing people and so generous for having Chris and I along on their trip to Montagu. They have a genuine love of climbing and enjoy sharing their passion with others. They also happen to run the climbing gym in Cape Town. If you’re coming to climb, it wouldn’t hurt to start at their gym, meet some people, get a guide book…some chalk (noone packs chalk right?)
http://cityrock.co.za
Friends of friends stayed at ‘De Bos’ camping ground. Reviews were top notch. They offer a variety of accommodation, self-catering rooms and bungalows, back packers barn and camping. Everyone has access to the swimming pool, kiddies playground and undercover courtyard. Looking to find some fellow climbers? Look no further.
http://www.debos.co.za/accommodation/
Climbing Gym – City Rock
Rob and Trish are amazing people and so generous for having Chris and I along on their trip to Montagu. They have a genuine love of climbing and enjoy sharing their passion with others. They also happen to run the climbing gym in Cape Town. If you’re coming to climb, it wouldn’t hurt to start at their gym, meet some people, get a guide book…some chalk (noone packs chalk right?)
http://cityrock.co.za
