SACIN - Guide for Wellington's Dome

Please read our Disclaimer.

This is a new crag near Potgietersrus in the Northern Province. There are several granite outcrops around the countryside. One of these is called 'Blinkkoppe' on the Gillemberg farm which is currently being developed with permission from the farmer. There is excellent potential for good multi-pitch sport routes on this, and possibly other of the granite outcrops. The climbing is good with mainly edges on long faces, usually slighlty on angle. Some of these faces reach 150m in height with very featured rock.

Access

The MCSA, JHB section has secured the access to this area. You can contact the farmer Jaap Möller for more information on 072 425-0349 or email Darryl Margetts or Gareth Frost.

Camping

Please camp in the area provided by the farmer Jaap Möller which is a few hundred metres from his house and a few kilometres up the road from the crag. The camping has ablutions etc. for a small fee, presently R30, please sign the guestbook. Camping MUST be arranged beforehand with Jaap on 072 425-0349 or with Amanda on 084 606-8888.

Directions

Take the N1 to Pretoria to Potgietersrus. Drive straight into Potgietersrus, a short distance into the town you will see a pair of garages on each side of the road, the left one being a Shell. Turn left directly after these into Nelson Mandela Drive (used to be Potgieter Street). Drive for 31-32km avoiding the speed traps about 1-2km past the concrete busstop, (the previous way of access). There is a gate in the newly erected electric fence surrounding the property (on the left-hand side of the road). The gate is locked, the key is available from the farmer (you need to pay a refundable key deposit of R100). Keep on the road along the fence. About 3km along the road you can park for the Sarcophagus area which is on your right hand side. After about 5km you should get to the main wall. The road is now well graded (much better than the previous access road). To get to the house drive a further 7 km from the concrete busstop, turn right just after a small shop/stall. Take the first right after 50-100m and then keep right to the farm house. You can contact the farmer Jaap Jaap on 072 425-0349 for booking and arranging of camping. Be careful as people have reported monkeys in the area that like to aquire things.

Safety & Medical

There is a fair amount of loose rock including large flakes so wearing a helmit is recommended. The closest hospital is in Potgietersrus. At present there is no stretcher or first aid dump in the area. For serious accidents please call the MCSA Rescue team on 011 315-0203.

Weather

The area generally gets fairly hot in summer and warm in winter.

Ethics & Bolting

The rock is granite so good expansion bolts should be fine. Generally Hilti M10x90mm deep stainless expansion bolts should be used. Glue-ins are as yet are untested in this granite so it is recommended that they not be used until testing is done. Remember that top anchors on multi-pitch routs need to be much stronger than all the other bolts so consider M12x90mm for anchors. For more bolting information visit our Bolting page.

Routes

There are currently about 12 routes including 9 multi-pitch routes (upto 7 pitches) all fully bolted. Click on the link above to see the route descriptions. A little bouldering can also be done at the base. Remember to wear your helmits, especially for belaying as there is still loose rock on the faces.

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