What We're About: HikingThe majority of our members are hikers and walkers. Club hikes are done in a variety of areas of the province including the Drakensberg. These are great outings to get to know our local mountains and trails. Rock-climbing and mountaineeringMany of our members are avid climbers on rock, snow and ice. Although there are many Club organised trips to all areas of Southern Africa, a great advantage of membership is the opportunity to meet other climbers and join them on privately organised outings. Sport and Competition ClimbingClub members are involved with promoting and participating in sport and competition climbing. Several meets and competitions are organised each year. Members have access to the use of a Club drill and a bolting fund. Search and RescueThe Club has over many decades, and in co-operation with conservation bodies, EMRS, the SAPS and the SAAF helped to organise mountain search and rescue operations. Members of the rescue team give up many hours to provide this voluntary service to the community. The team welcomes newcomers and practices are held at local cliffs and in the Drakensberg. National MeetsThe Club organises meets in different parts of the country in which members from all sections are invited to participate. This affords members the opportunity to experience the fantastic diversity of mountain ranges in SA. International ExpeditionsThe Club organises expeditions throughout the world. Members have climbed and even made 1st ascents in ranges in New Zealand, Antarctica, North and South America, the Himalayas, Europe and in other African countries. July CampThe KwaZulu-Natal Section organises and runs a two week camp in the Drakensberg every year starting on the first Saturday of July. This camp has become an institution in its own right with members from all Sections throughout SA, as well as overseas visitors, participating every year. While in base camp all meals are cooked by the camp staff. Leaders take both rock-climbing and hiking parties out on sub camping trips for either several days, or for day trips returning to base camp each night. Social FunctionsDurban: Our clubroom and library are in the Berea Rovers Club in Jacko Jackson Drive (off NMR Ave, behind the Kings Park stadium). Talks/slide-shows are held in the club room at 19:30 on the first Wednesday of each month. Pietermaritzburg: A social evening and slide/video show is held on the last Wednesday of each month at the Old Main Brewery (previously known as Crossways Hotel) in Hilton commencing at 7.30 pm. |