New Routes in Namibia

US climbers Majka Burhardt, Kate Ruthford and Peter Doucette have climbed two new routes on the granite domes on the Brandberg. The Brandberg is Namibia’s highest point at 2606m and prior to their visit only had one route on it, climbed in 1974.

Climbing in this area requires a strong spirit of adventure. Getting to the Brandberg is hard enough with several days of driving on unmade roads. The rock is often flaking on the granite faces, the wild life (trees and animals) are both particularly aggressive. Climbing anything here represents a significant achievement. Southern Crossing was only made realistically possible by the discovery of water at the base of the cliff.

Southern Crossing
First ascent: Majka Burhardt, Peter Doucette, Kate Rutherford, 06/2009
Grade: 5.11+, V.
Length: 450m

Painted Giraffe
First ascent: Majka Burhardt, Peter Doucette, Kate Rutherford, 05/2009
Grade: 5.9, V.

To read more and to see a video of these two ascents visit www.planetmountain.com and www.climbing.com

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