Ascend
the Stairway (Via Ferrata) on Shelter Rock to the
summit of the Magaliesberg
The Stairway or Via Ferrata (Iron Way) to the
summit of the Magaliesberg on Shelter Rock provides you
with the opportunity to escape to a world where only the now and how
matters.
You visit with relative safety sites and experience the
thrills
previously
reserved only for ardent rock climbers on the Magaliesberg.
A
unique feature of our Stairway is that you have a choice to return to
Base Camp
via a 100 meter double pitch abseil or a leisurely scenic walk down the
Magaliesberg.
It might
just be the most intense extreme sport and adrenalin
packed
experience that you have ever had.
From our visitors book:
"This
was great - never
done any rock climbing before; the Via Ferrata was a brilliant
introduction!" T W from Benoni.
The
Via Ferrata Adventure
You arrive at base camp
where you register and coffee/tea is provided. A
briefing on what to expect and safety issues is conducted in the
reception area at Base Camp. Gear is
issued before you
are transported to the end of the mountain road from
where you walk to The Shelter Rock.
From
Shelter Rock you walk
on our hiking trail to the base of the cliff face to ascend the 100
meter Stairway.
Halfway
up is a hollow in the mountain where The
Shelter Rock and Little Rock were dislodged 10 000 years ago. This is
now a safe place
where you can relax,
take photographs and admire the view of the valley before
proceeding to
the summit.
At
the summit you visit Boer war fort
ruins
and
visit a viewpoint with incredible panoramic views before
returning either
via our 100 meter double pitch abseil or take a leisurely walk on the
Mountain Trail
back to Base Camp.
Click here to go to
the abseil from the summit.
Allow
at least 6-7 hours for the adventure.
Not
recommended for children less than 10 years and 1.2meters in
height.
(Bookings by different
parties may be combined)
Please
note : This activity depends on the weather.
Requirements
Anyone
in good health and fit enough to handle trail hiking,
can do the Abseil and Via Ferrata. Wear
loose fitting clothing and good shoes (tennis shoes, light hiking
boots etc.; no sandals). Long hair must be secured. Use lots of
sunblock. Bear in mind that it becomes exceptionally
hot on the Magaliesberg.
Bring your own refreshments
Booking is essential to
ensure availability of an instructor and
gear:
For more information and
to book in advance phone Corry at
071 473 6298
or send an e-mail to info@shelterrock.co.za.
For availability on the day phone Corry at 071 473 6298
History
of the Stairway (Via Ferrata or Iron Way in Italian)
Via
Ferrata's have been used in Europe for a century or more. The first
were probably built by alpine guides to allow their clients access to
more challenging mountaineering routes. During the world wars, they
were used to move troops easily through high mountain terrain and were
rediscovered during
the 1990's. Safety measures were
installed and it has become the fastest growing outdoor activity in
Europe. There are more than 300 Via Ferrata's worldwide and some can be
found as
far afield as the USA, New Zealand, England and Malaysia.
Initial construction and
decommission studies were
done by Roland Magg and Gareth Frost.
As
the Via Ferrata would be constructed on the Magaliesberg within the
Magaliesberg Natural Protected Area an environmental Impact Assessment
had to be done. It took 4 years to obtain all the permissions required
before the Record of Decision approving the activities on Shelter Rock
was issued by the Northwest Department of Agriculture Conservation and
Tourism.
Oom Sarel J van Rensburg, an engineer and mountaineer,
and his intrepid sons were responsible for the final route taken by the
Stairway (Via Ferrata). In recognition for his contribution the Via
Ferrata was
named after him.
The construction of the Via Ferrata and abseil anchors were
completed in 2009 by Louis of Coring Solutions.
