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De Pakhuys is a privately owned guest farm located in the scenic Agter-Pakhuis Valley, roughly 26 km past Clanwilliam. It stands as one of the most central, highly concentrated, and celebrated sub-areas within the greater Rocklands region. Unlike the public CapeNature lands which have strict environmental daily visitor limits, De Pakhuys is a dedicated climber's paradise managed directly on private farmland.

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The property features hundreds of world-class boulder problems scattered across multiple distinct topography styles:

  • The Plateau (Close & Far): A vast, flat, elevated expanse featuring an incredible concentration of classic problems. Access is quick and straightforward from the main campground, making it highly popular.
  • Fields of Joy: Celebrated for its collection of high-quality, approachable lines and intermediate classics winding through open terrain.
  • Arch Valley: Tucked within stunning weathered sandstone geometry, this area features iconic, sweeping testpieces like Arch Valley (7A) and Salty Egg
  • Waterfall Boulders: Located down along the river canyon, providing dramatic shade and highly aesthetic lines.
  • Permit Requirements: All climbers must possess a valid Rocklands bouldering permit to step onto the crags.
  • Tariffs: Permits can be conveniently purchased directly at the De Pakhuys Camp Office or online via Quicket. Standard pricing typically runs R80 for a day permit, R130 for a weekend, and R260 for a full week.
  • Stay-and-Climb Perk: Visitors booked into De Pakhuys accommodation or campsites traditionally gain access to the farm's immediate sectors included with their lodging fees.
  • The Social Hub: The central campsite features a popular communal kitchen, braai (BBQ) pits, and an outdoor climber's bar/lapa which serves as the prime evening social space.
  • Connectivity: While phone reception is highly limited across the valley, free Wi-Fi is provided for guests around the central office and bar area.
  • Approach Times: Most sectors feature highly accessible, easy-to-navigate approach trails ranging between 10 to 20 minutes.

The sandstone formations at De Pakhuys are globally famous for their highly geometric, wind-scoured features. While you can find almost every style of climbing here, the landscape is defined by three dominant physical styles.

Roofs and Power Endurance

The weathered sandstone has created horizontal roofs, horizontal wave breaks, and overhangs.

  • This style requires raw power, strong core tension to keep your feet tracking on the rock, and high power-endurance.
  • You will find yourself dynamic-slapping between massive horizontal shelves, deep pumpy tracks, and bicycle-tokemoving out of deep caves.
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AM Shade
Morning ; Afternoon ; All Day or NO Shade
Trad route with chains
10B | Ch
Equipped with x number of Bolts & Chains (lower off rings)
Alpine
Area's or routes located in mountainous regions and requiring multiple mountain skills (navigation ; extreme weather ; self sufficiency ; remote )
Ice
Area or Route requires Ice Climbing and associated Winter skills
Sport
Area or Route is fully equipped as a sport climb. Separate distinction for # of PITCHES
Sport & Trad
Area or Route is a mixture of SPORT & Trad climbing styles
Trad
Area or Route requires Traditional equipment and experties
2 Pitches
Indicates the typical # of pitches of the area or route
Special
Indicates that a specialised Rack or Traditional equipment is typically required and will be mentioned in the Route Description BETA
Standard
Indicates that typically a Standard Traditional Rack will suffice. Typically in ZA that is a 8-10 Cams + 10-15 wires/nuts.
50m
Indicates the minimum length rope needed to typically climb safely.
Double
Typically climbed using half ropes
Corner
Climbs or mostly climbs a corner system. This often requires stemming as a technique.
Crack Climb
Follows a crack-system predominantly and may require good jamming technique.
Face
Indicates the overall style. Face climbing is steeper than slab usually on small holds and edges, often feeling delicate / insecure.
Overhang
Overhanging, usually involving roofs.
Powerful
Powerful style is often in conjunction with another style but feeling more powerful than is common for the style.
Slab
Usually not quite vertical and requiring smearing and friction techniques.
Steep
Consistently steeper than Vertical but not overhanging / roof-y
Technical
Additional to general styles, requiring careful sequence and thoughtful climbing.
Vert
General vertical climbing with no other defining style.
A bold lead
A bold lead with potentially serious consequences (including a ground fall) to falling off.
Crime
Beware of high incidence of crime
Exposed Sections
Beware of exposed sections
Flooding
Be ware of localised flooding and swollen rivers & river crossings
Highball
Warning - Highball boulder
Lightning
Beware thunderstorms and lightning
Scramble Sections
Sections involve scrambling and may require a rope
Different Start & End Point
The starting and ending points for this adventure are at different locations and may require seperate transport.
Water Shortage
Water can be scarce, be sure to carry sufficient.