The MCSA promotes the sustainable use of our mountain resources and facilitates access to our natural heritage in a friendly and supporting way, by:
Hiking and scrambling
A wide variety of outings are offered – from relaxed, short walks with interesting botanical challenges in our fynbos floral kingdom, to the adventurous hiking on routes where few people ever venture; from half day and full day hiking trips, to weekend and longer hiking routes in the isolated mountain ranges of the Cape. As part of our hiking and peakbagging activities we have the “10-Pieke” challenge, i.e. to climb 10 (out of 23) specific peaks in the Stellenbosch and Cape Fold mountains. See more details here: 10 Peaks Stamp Project
Rock climbing
The MCSA offers a home to those undertaking various rock climbing activities, including local and national bouldering, sports climbing and traditional (“trad”) climbing in all grades, from the easiest to the most demanding routes.
Kloofing
During the summer months the Western Cape can get hut, so you either have to get high in the mountains (and stay there) you have to get wet. Kloofing is the descent of mountain ravines or gorges (called kloofs in South Africa) by hiking, scrambling, jumping and abseiling. It is the perfect mountain sport for those who like to keep cool during summer while still having great mountain adventures. The MCSA Stellenbosch section has a strong kloofing community and many experienced kloofing leaders.
Mountain rescue
Many club members play key roles in Wilderness Search & Rescue, the umbrella body that coordinates search and rescue activities in the Western Cape. We are part of our neighboring rescue team in the Hottentots Holland-afdeling.
Community
We are actively involved in community outreach activities at local youth groups; we give children access to our beautiful nature and teach them appropriate behaviour in the mountains while having a lot of fun. The community programme is run by MCSA members with support non-members, all volunteers. The MCSA has a safeguarding policy that volunteers must adhere to, and for some activities, a police clearance certificate is required.
Conservation
There are many members who are actively involved in a wide variety of conservation initiatives, such as the eradication of alien vegetation.
Socials
From time to time we hold social events or presentations in different venues in our area. Keep an eye on our calendar and newsletter for information.
Expeditions
Via the MCSA national body we offer opportunities for members to partake in local and international expeditions. See the MCSA National Expedition page for more information.
