Yes, you need a permit, and it costs R80 for a day. A CapeNature bouldering permit — the same climbing permit, by either name — is required to climb anywhere at Rocklands — reserve land and partner farms alike. The season runs 30 April to 1 October, daily access is capped at 100 climbers, and you must carry the permit on you while you climb.
Do you need a permit to boulder in Rocklands?
Yes — everywhere, every day of the season. One CapeNature permit covers the whole of Rocklands, reserve land and the four partner farms alike, and it has to be on you while you climb. There is no free corner and no grace day.
| Day permit | R80 — week R260, direct from CapeNature |
|---|---|
| Season | 30 April to 1 October, every year |
| Daily cap | 100 climbers per day |
| Carry it | On you, at all times — landowners do check |
Where do you buy a permit?
Online in advance, or at five places on the Pakhuis Pass road. Book direct through CapeNature Central Reservations for the lower price, or through Quicket for the ticket in your inbox in seconds. In person, these five sell permits:
- Kliphuis — CapeNature's campsite office, ~17 km from Clanwilliam, just before the top of the pass.
- de Pakhuys — the campsite office, ~25 km out in the Agter-Pakhuis valley.
- Traveller's Rest — the farmstall and restaurant. Your permit with your morning coffee.
- Kleinfontein — the farm at the eastern foot of the pass, on the R364.
- Agter Pakhuis — the partner property in the valley beyond the pass.
CapeNature Central Reservations: 087 087 8250, or reservation.alert@capenature.co.za.
How much does a Rocklands permit cost?
R80 for a day, R260 for a week — CapeNature's published tariffs. Quicket costs a little more for the convenience.
| Permit | Covers | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Day | 1 day | R80 |
| Weekend | 2 days | R130 |
| Week | 7 days | R260 |
| Monthly | 30 days | R950 |
| 3-monthly | 90 days | R2 250 |
| Annual | 365 days | R4 500 |
For a two-week trip, two week-permits beat fourteen day-permits. Over three weeks, the R950 monthly wins outright.
Prices as published by CapeNature and current at August 2026. Tariffs are theirs to change — confirm the amount at the moment you buy.
When is the Rocklands bouldering permit season?
30 April to 1 October — CapeNature's dates, and the window a permit is issued for. Prime months are June to August, when the cold, dry winter gives the sandstone its best friction. Outside the season the boulders are shut. The month-by-month season guide →
Is there a limit on how many climbers per day?
Yes — access is capped at 100 climbers a day. Rarely a problem outside the peak, but through June to August it is worth buying online ahead rather than driving up and hoping.
Access rules and closures change — parts of Rocklands have been shut for wildfire recovery before. Confirm with CapeNature before you travel; they are the source of truth, not this page.
Do the private farms need a separate permit?
No — one CapeNature permit covers all of it, but you still need it on the farms. Rocklands is CapeNature's Kliphuis plus four partner farms — de Pakhuys, Traveller's Rest, Agter Pakhuis and Kleinfontein. There is no corner of it you can climb without a permit.
What varies is access: farms can close a sector at short notice. Ask wherever you are sleeping which of their boulders are open this week.
Last updated September 2026 · permit prices, caps and rules are set by CapeNature — confirm current details there