Waterval Boven Guide - December 2011.pdf - Climb ZA

THE WONDERLAND CRAGS
This major area is without a doubt the most popular of all with a huge variety of
climbing, away from town and with wonderful views. The raise in altitude out of town
normally makes this area slightly cooler, assisted by a breeze from the valley below.
The crags and climbs are very easy to find and are between 5 and 15 minutes walk from
the parking.
Tranquilitas Crag
Home to some really great easy and moderate climbs. The Creche is one of the best
places to take absolute beginners.
HEIGHT: 12 - 25 Metres
ASPECT: Tranquilitas is visible from the road. It faces north-north-east and so is sunny
most of the time. It can be really pleasant to climb in the sun here on a cold winter‟s day
when the rest of the Wonderland is in icy shade. Also on a summer day late afternoon (4
pm onwards) it is in shade, or on a cloudy day - these times can be perfect.
APPROACH
At the main intersection in town, with Roc „n Rope Adventures on your left, turn right
up the hill past the hospital and past The Elandskrans Mountain Resort. After a couple
of kilometers the road turns into a dirt road and leads over a small bridge then up a long
hill. After 5 kilometres on the dirt road, a „parking‟ sign (also sign with AB9) on the
right leads to a farmhouse, opposite the entrance to Tranquilitas Adventure Farm. Drive
up the rough track and park on the right under the trees. Please respect this property by
keeping noise levels down. Walk back across the main gravel road and follow the path
to the campsite. Alternatively, if you are staying at the Tranquilitas Adventure Farm
(chalets, perma-tents or camping) you will walk from there.
From the Tranquilitas campsite take the path heading northeast through the grass,
starting close to the electricity station. At the cliff edge you will see some large cairns
(piles of rocks) which lead down left to an easy short scramble down to the cliffs. Pass
the Rubiks Cube Block (on the left) then the first climb you will see is Caviars
Whiskers in a large recess on the right. This is the right-hand end of the crag (looking at
the crag). The path leads along the base of the crags for several hundred metres (10
minute‟s walk) until you reach the leftmost lines. Climbs are described from left to right
(east to west).
Note. After heavy rain the dirt road from town can become very slippery and unless you
have a 4 x 4 you might get stuck. If you‟re at the crag and heavy rain looks likely it‟s
wise to head back to town while you can! The road dries very quickly, normally by 9
am the following day if the rain has stopped.
18