All Rocklands permits purchased online will remain unchanged for 2022. Rocklands partners viz. CapeNature, Travelers Rest, de Pakhuys, Agterpakhuis and Kleinfontein have deliberated and considering the increasing cost of living, collectively decided to ensure tourists can still enjoy climbing in the Cederberg Wilderness by keeping the Rocklands Bouldering permit fee unchanged.

The pandemic derailed the growth of niche adventure tourism in 2020. Although recovery is in full swing, the recent petrol hikes and record high inflation rate has an impact on affordability. Together, we have looked at how we can make rock climbing more accessible to local travellers and fitness enthusiasts.

Just over three hours from Cape Town, you will find Rocklands, an area in the northern Cederberg fondly known as the world’s premier bouldering destination. Here, a timeless landscape of rugged rock invites outdoor adventurers to explore. The current bouldering season is officially underway in the majestical Cederberg mountains. Local partners have developed more than 1 500 invigorating climbing “problems” for avid climbers to immerse themselves in.

Globally famed, the northern Cederberg gem is the absolute quintessence of first-class bouldering for both seasoned and novice climbers. The rugged landscape is the best place to determine your reputation as a ‘sender’ or ‘chuffer’ where climbers are able to test their skills on the boulders. With endless views accompanied by the deep quiet of the Rocklands landscape, the location also serves as a peaceful retreat into nature should you wish for a breakaway into this lesser-known, one-of-a-kind wilderness.

According to CapeNature’s Executive Director for Eco-Tourism and Access, Mr. Sheraaz Ismail, Rocklands is “famous for its world-class bouldering and offers excellent quality sport climbing and trade routes on the West Coast of South Africa. If you are an adventure seeking and nature loving traveller, we encourage you to test your skills on the boulders, rope up for sport climbing or go for an invigorating walk this bouldering season.”

Mr. Mathys Kruger, Chairman of the Rocklands group and owner of De Pakhuys added that “the COVID-19 pandemic saw visitor numbers plummet and a slow recovery was mainly driven by local support. The “price freeze” is a token of appreciation to our local climbing community and we thank them for their wonderful support since the pandemic.”

For bouldering enthusiasts, a permit is essential and can be obtained online through Quicket by following these three easy steps:

1. Create a Quicket profile.
2. Search for “Rocklands Bouldering Permit” in the search bar.
3. Click on “Tickets” and choose the type and amount of permits you require.
4. Alternatively, you can also purchase a permit on-site from one of the Rocklands partners including de Pakhuys’ office and campsite, CapeNature’s Kliphuis campsite as well as the shop at Travelers Rest.

After purchasing your permit, make sure to print a hard copy of your permit and keep it with you throughout your expedition. Find out more on what to do during a week of exploration here.