Swinburne

Climbing, bouldering and hiking at Swinburne is in the scenic area around Rensburgkop, just off the N3 highway, south of Harrismith. Climbers are able to enjoy a rare combination of trad routes, good quality bouldering, sport climbing and multi-pitch bolted lines – all at the same venue. Access to the crags and boulders is on private property which is shared by the Bald Ibis Wilderness Hiking Trail.

Permit/ permission info

Please contact the property owners prior to visiting the crag. Contact 072 401 6711 to arrange access. Be sure to book before arriving and pay before leaving. A day visitor fee may apply.

Approx 3 hours.

Walk in times vary. Some of the boulders are less than a minute away from the accommodation, while the impressive multi-pitch lines on Rensburgkop are a steep 30 minutes hike away.

A few options available. Contact Appin Guest Farm for more information and latest rates.

• Barn which sleeps up to 25 people. It consists of bunk beds, a gas stove, a fridge, firewood, hot water, hot showers and electricity (Note: You may have to light your own fire for hot water).
• The old farmhouse, which is fully equipped.
• Double rooms sleeping two with private ablutions, bedding, kettle etc. 

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.

Swinburne has a number of short, very scenic hikes, as well as the 2-day Bald Ibis Wilderness Trail, which passes a massive San cave where some paintings have survived – it’s possible to walk part of this trail. Less than 2km from the accommodation area is a vulture restaurant with a natural hide. Raptors that breed on Rensburgkop include Cape vultures, Crown and Black eagles while Bald ibis and Abdim storks are plentiful. There’s also plenty of challenging terrain for mountain bikers.

The soft nature of the sandstone rock at Swinburne means that chunks of rock can, and do, break off. It is therefore highly recommended to wear a helmet for both belaying and lead climbing. Swinburne is within a few kilometres of the Drakensburg escarpment which makes the weather very unpredictable. As a result it can get hot, cold, windy, misty or even snowy all in a day. It is important to plan accordingly – bring both summer and winter clothing.

Appin Guest Farm: 072 401 6711 | appinguestfarm@gmail.com

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.