The Peninsula Mountain Chain, South Africa
Overhangs and steep sandstone faces on the Table Mountain section of this chain, and a range of fairly easy climbs for the less experienced, make it climber's heaven. Lion's Head, which is granite rather than sandstone, offers some good slab climbs.

Cedarberg, South Africa
Wolfberg, Krakadouw and Tafelberg are all unbolted crags in this mountain wilderness - and are popular with local climbers, notwithstanding the long walk to get to them. Sports climbers will find some interesting pre-bolted routes at Rocklands.

Paarl Rock, South Africa
The huge granite rock is one of three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain and is the site of a number of climbs of varying difficulty.

Montagu Crags, South Africa
This recently opened area near the pretty Boland town of Montagu boasts 17 different crags. The rock faces offer many pre-bolted routes for sports climbers as well as a limited number of routes for adventure climbers.

Towerkop, South Africa
Adventure climbers love testing their skills against this peak which towers above the Little Karoo town of Ladismith. Although the approach is long and tiring, you'll be rewarded by the superb quality of the rock. The weather here is sometimes unpredictable so be prepared.

Magaliesberg, South Africa
This small but beautiful mountain range, within easy driving distance of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, boasts a number of short but sheer rock faces for adventure climbers. It also has several pre-bolted, overhanging crags for sports climbers.

The Restaurant at the End of the Universe, South Africa
This area in Mpumalanga is regarded as a paradise by sports climbers, having more than 500 pre-bolted routes which range from the mildly challenging to the extremely difficult. There is a restaurant and a campsite nearby.

Mount Everest Resort, South Africa
There are some excellent sandstone cliffs in this small private game reserve in the Eastern Free State. They offer 15 pre-bolted routes which range from the easily negotiated to the very difficult, and take you up to where black eagles breed.

Durban, South Africa
You'll find some excellent climbing opportunitites on the outskirts of Durban, with Nonteseel being by far the most popular choice of adventure climbers. Kloof Gorge also has its supporters, while Shongweni (especially with its formidable Wave Cave) boasts some of the hardest climbs in South Africa.

Matobo Hills, National Park, Zimbabwe
Huge granite boulders, seemingly piled haphazardly one on top of the other, make this park a favourite. Panoramic views and many rock paintings are an added attraction for visitors to this mysterious landscape.