PROPERTIES — KWAZULU-NATAL
White Umfolozi
"If you think you’ve peaked, find a new mountain."
Venue Information
Venue Overview | A visit to the White Umfolozi River offers numerous attractions, including over 100 sport and 150 trad routes ranging from grade 8 to 27 on superb rock; swimming and fishing in the river; lounging on the river’s extensive sand banks; an amazing diversity of bird and plant life and a scenic gorge – an ideal family venue. |
Permit / Permission info | For bookings, contact the land owner, Gerhard Greef. |
Approx travel time from Jhb | 4.5 - 5 hours. |
Parking info | Safe parking is available next to the huts; a full time caretaker keeps an eye on things. |
Walk-in | The walk-in takes less than 5 minutes, and is extremely easy. |
Accommodation | Accommodation consists either of camping – there are level spots to pitch 4 or 5 tents and a large sun deck which can accommodate many more; or a choice of two huts, one with 5 beds and the other with two. |
Availability of drinking water | Water is available on tap and for the toilet and solar heated shower. However, you must bring your own drinking water or ask the owner to supply a container of drinking water when booking. |
Climbing route guide | A climbing route guide for the White Umfolozi developed by Gavin Peckham (gavin.peckham@gmail.com) |
Climbing info | Climbing is on the cliffs of the White Umfolozi River, currently there are over 100 sport and 150 trad climbs. Grades range from 8 to 27 with the majority of routes in the 15 to 21 range. Climbs are between 5 and 45 metres long, with most averaging between 15 and 20 metres, so a 50 metre rope is long enough. Because of the different aspects of the various crags you can always find routes in the sun or in the shade, as required. |
Child-friendly | Extremely child friendly venue, but parental supervision is required for little ones that can’t swim. |
Swimming | Yes, there is a large deep pool at all times of the year. |
Camp fires | Yes at campsite. |
Other attractions | There is a huge diversity of bird and plant life, as well as quite a few mammal and reptile species. There are also good hikes through the bush or down the river. Fishing is also possible; the river has Catfish and Yellowfish, though they are generally on the small side. |
Dangers | It is probably best to keep wallets, cell phones, etc locked away out of sight to avoid temptation, but the caretaker keeps an eye on things and wards off trespassers. |
Contact details | For bookings, contact the land owner: Gerhard Greef (082 494 4943). |
Disclaimer
Mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, hiking and other related activities are inherently dangerous and can lead to or cause serious injury, material loss and even death. The Mountain Club of South Africa advises that you only participate in these activities if you are competent to do so, or are under the guidance of an experienced person, and you are using the correct equipment. Any activity in which you participate, is done entirely at your own risk. The Mountain Club of South Africa accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any accident, injury, death or material loss arising from participation in MCSA activities, no matter in what manner caused and whether allegedly due to negligence or not.