Kloof gorge - nice spot for day hiking

I went climbing at Kloof Gorge today, I have to say that I am surprised that this isn't a KZN classic spot. Saw some zebra on the way in, beautiful view looking over the gorge. Looks like a nice spot for picnics, day hiking and naturally its a great climbing spot. Entrance is free (but you have to sign in if you are rock climbing), its a 30km drive from Durban, 50km from PMB.

Climbed (struggled up) 2 "easy" routes at the Rumdoodle crag and had lunch on top of "The Island", a great spot to enjoy some winter sun and views - only accessible by climbing though.

I would be curious to find how the Island was formed - its a massive outcrop separate from the ledge behind it, it clearly was connected to the mainland in the past.

Smurfatefrog wrote: Its not free Ghaz, I think its R15, but if you use the Uve road entrance by Rumdoodle then you can just walk in.

I signed in at the EKZN offices, maybe its free for climbers?

Still a very reasonable price though.

Smurfatefrog wrote: Now you see if you posted this in the upcoming hikes (ja ja it wasn't a hike) thread then I coulda popped in there & cheered you up or thrown some pebbles down (mood depending)

Valid point, although the venue was Monteseel until the guy bringing a trad rope pulled out yesterday afternoon (Monteseel has a "very strenuous" flat 50m walk in). With a sport rope we had to head to a bolted spot, hence Kloof. I'll post a heads up next time...

Sadly they don't put bolts on my kind of (really easy) routes

Probably trad-ing at Monteseel some time next weekend. My trad rope should arrive some time this week.

It is a beautiful spot. Just beware that if going down to the bottom, go in a group. I was training in the gorge on my own (probably a stupid thing to do) and was held up by 3 youths who stole my backpack and boots. Was not a pleasant experience but was unharmed. I still love the gorge but no longer go down alone.

I'm taking some people to Kloof gorge tomorrow, any routes that are highly recommended?

Smurfatefrog wrote: ah sorry, been away this weekend!
I would've recommended from main car park along to the orange trail towards Uve Road, go down the gorge before Rumdoodle, lunch at the bottom at Splash rock, back along thru the bottom of the gorge and up before Kloof falls. You could also carry on to the falls & back track

No problem - we didn't end up going anyway.

Smurf, Jon Wells, Hobbit and myself went to Kloof Gorge for a day hike earlier today:


Beautiful area, definitley worth a visit