PROPERTIES — FREE STATE
Mount Everest
"If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain."
Venue Information
| Venue overview | Located on a private game reserve just north of Harrismith, Mount Everest has over 140 sport routes, 12 multi-pitch bolted routes, about 20 traditional lines, and some 120 boulder problems. Most climbing areas are suitable for beginners and advanced climbers alike and the views, particularly on the multi-pitch lines are spectacular. |
Permit/ permission info | All visitors must proceed to reception to sign in. Day visitors are charged R60 per person. |
| Approx travel time from Jhb | About 3 hours. |
| Parking info | Parking is available at the campsite or outside your chalet. Most climbing areas have designated parking spots for ease of walk-ins. Please make sure that you park off the road and do not block entrances to chalets. |
| Walk-in | Most areas are within easy walking distance from designated parking spots. |
| Accommodation | Accommodation is available either in the campsite, which has full ablution facilities (including hot water), or in self-catering chalets. |
| Availability of drinking water | Drinking water is available at the campsite or from the chalets. |
| Climbing route guide | Order Rock Climbing at Eagle Mountain by Gavin Peckham by contacting him directly: Email: gpeckham@pan.uzulu.ac.za | Tel: 035 792 4543. Alternatively, you can purchase the guide at Mount Everest’s reception. |
| Climbing info | The grade range of the 140 sport routes is 8-28, while the multi pitch bolted lines range from 11-28. Most of the routes are in the beginner/ intermediate range, making Mount Everest an ideal destination for less experienced climbers. In addition, there are excellent traditional lines but the rock is soft, so one must make sure of gear placements. The 120 odd boulder problems vary from easy (3) to very hard (7C). Currently there is no route guide for the boulder problems. Similar to Swinburne, the rock is relatively soft and friable, with a good possibility of holds breaking off. Wearing of helmets, especially for belayers and people at the base, is highly advisable. |
| Child friendly | Yes. |
| Swimming | There is a pool area and a dam. The pool area has picnic spots, braai facilities, swings and a jungle gym for children. |
| Camp fires | Chalets and the campsite have braaing facilities. No other fires are allowed. |
| Other attractions | Apart from climbing, the hiking and mountain biking (bring your own bike) at Mount Everest are excellent. In addition, one may fish for bass or go bird/ game watching. All activities are in a magnificent setting with stunning views. |
| Dangers | Other than the rock, the only danger is from the volatile weather. Summer can be extremely hot, while winter can bring snow and very windy conditions. Come prepared for all possibilities, i.e. from down jackets to sunblock and shorts. |
| Contacts | Tel: 060 533 3992 | Email: mounteveresths@gmail.com | Web: www.goeverest.co.za |
| 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. |