Bouldering at

Chimanimani

A seldom visited climbing paradise

chimanimani home of bouldering in africa

What is Chimanimani?

Unless you are deep in the bouldering world you are unlikely to have
heard of the mystic bouldering destination located deep within Africa.

“The potential for new boulders and entirely new sectors in Chimanimani is unlike anything I have seen before, the density and quality of rock is quite mind-blowing. Those that make their way to Chimanimani will be rewarded with some of the best climbing of their lives!” – David Naude

Where is chimanimani?

13 hours from Johannesburg and 7 hours from Bulawayo Chimanimani is remote but not inaccessible. The roads to Chimanimani are surprisingly good compared to much of Zimbabwe’s roads.  

A 4×4 isn’t needed, but high-ground clearance is a must.

boulderers at Chimanimani in south africa
rock climbing paradise deep in africa
two young rock climbers hike up to the chimanimani bouldering
chimanimani, zimbabwe bouldering destination

What is the Bouldering like?

The climbing is world class and if the venue wasn’t so remote it would undoubtedly be one of the most renowned bouldering destinations in the world. 

The almost marble rock (Pre-Cambrian quartzite) allows for a wide range of climbing with most of the open routes being between V3 and V5 but caters for the harder end of the spectrum with routes open up to V12 and many potential routes on the high-end of the range.  

 

Where to stay?

Most groups choose to make the Mountain Hut the base for the trip, but you might want to consider bringing tents to stay on top of the mountain to avoid having to walk up each day. 

Beware, Chimanimani is one of the coldest places in Southern Africa so make sure you pack warm.

sunrise in Chimanimani rock climbing area
boulderers rock climbing in Zimbabwe, africa

How many boulder pads should one bring?

Chimanimani has some mega highball boulders… so if you want to give some of those classics a go, you will want as many pads as you can carry up. However, the walk-in isn’t short and so we only carried one pad per person. You can hire porters to help out (it’s great to support the local community so we recommend doing this) 

rock climbing paradise deep in africa

What does it Cost?

The fees are a little complex with the National park – there are different prices for locals, regional and international visitors. These are the regional fees,

Conservation fee – $4per day

Park fee (accommodation)- $10per day

Porter fees- $20per trip

Ranger fees- $25per day

david naude climbing a boulder at chimanimani in zimbabwe

What about Food?

We recommend bringing as much of your food as possible to Chimanimani as there aren’t very well-equipped stores near the mountains. Freeze-dried meals are a lifesaver as they will enable you to hike up with much lighter backpacks. 

However, you can get absolute basics in the town of Chimanimani if need be. 

If you are flying in you can get almost everything in Bulawayo or Harare.

climbing friends eating dinner in zimbabwe

Download the Chimanimani
Guide Book here:

Some of the gear used at chimanimani

  • BD Trucker Hat

    In stock

    R699.00
  • W LS Alpenglow Hoody

    In stock

    R1,999.00
  • W Crux Bra

    In stock

    R1,099.00
  • CIRCUIT CRASH PAD

    Out of stock

    R3,799.00
  • Mondo Chalk Pot

    In stock

    R679.00

Contributors:

David naude

david naude climbing a boulder at chimanimani in zimbabwe

Georgi Dorward

young woman bouldering in Chimanimani
Join Waitlist We will inform you when the product arrives in stock. Please leave your valid email address below.

The Edge Newsletter Signup

When you sign up to our mailing list you will hear first about exclusive offers, product launches and more stoke!

black diamond sport climbing gear

Contact us

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

the world's best headlamps