A rough guide to rock climbing in Cape Town

With the towering Table Mountain ever presents and various other breathtaking mountains not far from the centre of the city it’s no wonder that rock climbing is a popular pastime in the mother city of Cape Town, South Africa.

From indoor climbing gyms to challenging ominous peaks and cliffs to more friendly climbing areas suitable for the whole family it’s no wonder there is a lot to offer the urban adventurer, we decided to pick 5 just to make your decision that much easier next time you’re looking for a bit of climbing adventure not far from the urban life of one of Africa’s most sought after tourist destinations.

Getting there

When you arrive at Cape Town International Airport, you’ll need transport to transfer you to your accommodation. However, Car hire Cape Town Airport, South Africa got a rental car to accommodate your travel.

City Rock – Cape Town

Last night’s top rope tough guys and lasses in action! #TRTG #tough

A photo posted by CityROCK CPT (@cityrock_cpt) on

Nov 14, 2016 at 10:38pm PST

City Rock situated conveniently in Observatory Cape Town is a great place in which to really engage with the climbing community of Cape Town it’s also indoors so your climb will never be dictated to by unfavourable weather patterns.

The venue also has a coffee shop and climbing gear store so you can pick up any specialist climbing paraphernalia that you might need as well as socialising with fellow climbers. They pride themselves in being passionate about climbing with impeccable service. For more information visit their website.

Hangtime gym

A young #flashbackfriday to the time I did #indoorclimbing ������ #hangtimegym #fitness #itsnotaseasyasitlooks ��������

A photo posted by Aimee Kelly Goliath (@aimeegoliath) on

May 5, 2016 at 10:35pm PDT

This is a Cape Town climbing gym like no other boasting both indoor and outdoor climbing facilities for all levels and expertise and what’s also nice is they have branches in both Pinelands and Bellville respectively catering for the climbing community of these two particular areas.

This makes it a breeze if you don’t live near to the foothills of any other mountains or other indoor climbing establishments, according to their website they ‘aim to take the intimidation out of climbing and offer a friendly, safe, supportive environment for you to enjoy this fantastic sport. With experienced staff, and coaching available, we want to help you be the best climber you can be. We also offer kids’ parties, corporate days and team building’. For more information visit their website.

Silvermine Crags

This lady from #Canada visiting #Capetown #southafrica… Admiring her insane #rockclimbing at #silverminecrags https://myhikingmylife.wordpress.com/2016/01/11/my-maiden-rock-climb/ #cityofcapetown #capetownetc #capetownmag #amazingcapetown #allcapetown #lovecapetown #instagram_sa #capetowninstagram #sonymobile #m4aqua #natgeo

A photo posted by Fatima Sait (@fatinsta_gram) on

Jan 11, 2016 at 10:04am PST

This is widely regarded to be one of the best if not the best climbing areas in the whole of the Cape Peninsula area. This is widely due to the variety and vast assortment of climbing areas within the location. The Silvermine Crags consists of somewhere around 80 routes to choose from they all have different grades for the various levels of climbers.

Table Mountain

Reaching for new heights… “It’s not the mountain we conquer, it’s ourselves” ~ Sir Edmund Hillary Felt so accomplished after climbing up Table Mountain & comparing how different the experience would be just riding the cable car to the top. #climbinginAfrica #rockclimbinghigh #worththeviews #climbcapetown #AdventuresinSouthAFRICA #howwehoneymoon #KloostersinAfrica #climbtablemountain #optoutside #wildme #rockon

A photo posted by Kristen Shaw Klooster (@kristenshawyoga) on

Jan 25, 2016 at 10:32am PST

The famed Table Mountain really has a world of quality outdoor rock climbing places just below its towering peaks. Providing some of the most breathtaking views you might ever see anywhere on the face of the planet.  No bolting is allowed due to Table Mountain being a national monument so this is something to bear in mind before you go climbing in this area.

Lions Head

Wanna go back to ☀️ and ? #flashback #missingcapetown #takemebacktosummer #climbinglionshead #tablemountain

A photo posted by @nr____ on

Apr 27, 2016 at 6:42am PDT

Lions Head is one of the most popular hiking areas in the city of Cape Town for various reasons. Yet there are also great places in which to do some rock climbing. Its close proximity to the central business district of the city makes it an extremely accessible place in which to rock climb so get out there and experience this iconic part of Cape Town.

If you plan on starting your journey from another location, you might want to have a look at car rental South Africa for the best option to get you to these amazing locations.