Rocklands Farmers Need More Than Just Rain

How Climbers Are Uniting to Support Locals in a Beloved Bouldering Area

By Nicki Simon | May 17, 2020

Located 250 kilometers north of Cape Town, South Africa, nestled among the Cederberg Mountains, is an incredible desert landscape dotted with perfect sandstone boulders. Since climbing development began in the 1990s, Rocklands has become a world-class bouldering destination, attracting an estimated 3,976 climbers per year. The main climbing areas are found on private land owned by local farmers, who have generously worked with the climbing community to allow access to the boulders and crags. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the livelihood of these farmers—and consequently, climbing access—is being threatened.  

Farmers in the Northern Cederberg area used to rely predominantly on agriculture for their income, but have since grown to depend on a steady stream of visiting climbers who spend money on lodging, food, and other goods and services. “Climbing and tourism has had a remarkable impact on the area's economy, and has shifted the income in the area to relying on tourism to 85 percent” says David Naudé, a Cape Town local who has been climbing in Rocklands since he was a kid. With the country on lockdown and international travel at a standstill, these farmers are grappling with the possibility of having to sell their land to make ends meet without revenue from climbing tourists.

Last week, Naudé teamed up with another South African climber named Tony Flynn to launch the Save Rocklands initiative. “The very first time I visited Rocklands I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the area,” said Flynn. “These amazing boulders have never left my mind since the first time I saw them, and this is a place I will always call home.” The love these climbers have for Rocklands inspired them to take action for the local community. “I have grown up with the farmers and farmworkers who make this beautiful area climbable and who support the development of bouldering,” said Naudé. “I will never stop coming back to Rocklands and it will always be my happy place.” 

According to Naudé, the goal of the campaign is to raise enough funds to allow the farms to retain all of their staff for the next 4 months until the South African government declares that the tourism sector can reopen, as well as keep all of their land. They have also made an agreement with the farmers that funds raised beyond the initial goal will be used as loans towards the Rocklands Association for Development for the farmers to repay once they can afford to do so.  

Rocklands is much more than just a climbing area. To Naudé, Flynn, and so many others from around the world, it represents a home and a family, which is largely a result of the relationships built between climbers and farmers in the area. “We wanted to ensure that everyone will be able to experience the same Rocklands we are lucky enough to experience,” said Naudé. “From the world class boulders, amazing wine, and down-to-earth people, everything is worth saving!”

Thank you to Naudé and Flynn for taking action to protect this awe-inspiring area and the invaluable community around it.

To learn more about Save Rocklands and to donate to the cause, visit the website here.