Justin Lawson

I’ve been climbing for more than 37 years. I was formally introduced to rock climbing by a friend from Scouts when I was 11, but my mom will tell you I had already started climbing by the time I was three year old.

After high school, while I was studying Information Technology, I worked as a climbing guide and instructor and as river guide. In 1996, I qualified as a SARA river guide and in 1997. A couple of years later, in 1999, I became one of the first people in South Africa to qualify as a Single Pitch Supervisor and things continued up from there.

I've climbed across much of the globe including the USA & Europe. In Africa, I've summited Mount Kenya & Spitzkoppe, put up new routes in Malawi & Angola. I serve on the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) Rock Sub-Committee and am a member of MCSA Cape Town Rescue Team.

I am never happier than when I am out climbing mountains. I love helping other people to explore and enjoy the crazy craggy beauty of the Cape.

Justin Lawson is a registered Adventure Guide (Tourist Guide Registration number: WC 7055). He holds a First Aid Certification and is fully insured to operate as a hiking, abseil and rock climbing guide.

Book your Cape Town climbing adventure with Justin

WhatsApp

+27 72 676 9326

Justin.climbza@gmail.com

As a climbing guide/instructor, Justin is also..

  • A proud member of the Mountain Club of South Africa since 1997
  • A respected gear reviewer for local and international climbing brands
  • An occasional a stuntman and rigger for film, TV & print media
  • A published climbing photographer
  • Experienced in all aspects of climbing: trad, sport, boulder, multi pitch and big walls
  • Involved in developing and bolting new routes and the upkeep of existing routes
  • Co-founder of ClimbZA (www.climbing.co.za)
  • Member of the Mountain Club of South Africa (MCSA) Rock Sub-Committee
  • Member of the Mountain Club of South Africa Search & Rescue Team
  • Design / construction of Via Ferratas

More About Your Tour:

What to bring:

  • Clothing – Be sure to wear comfortable clothes that will not restrict movement.  Cargo pants, capris, or mid-thigh length shorts work great.  Layering works good if the weather turns cold.  We recommend bringing a light base layer (such as a t-shirt), then one or more insulating layers and perhaps a windbreak, depending on the season.  Be sure to wear footwear you are comfortable hiking and scrambling in, for approaching climbs.
  • Food and water – Food is not provided, so be sure to bring enough for the day.  We also recommend you bring at least two liters of water per person for a full day trip.
  • Gear : Bring a daypack for carrying food, water, camera, sunscreen, etc.  If you do not have one we can provide a pack for you.  We also supply all necessary climbing equipment, unless you prefer to use your own.

Required Forms:

  • All participants must sign a waiver and medical release before we climb.  Minors will need these signed by their parent or legal guardian.  The forms can be downloaded (Indemnities Form) or they can be provided when you arrive.

Climbing Schedule:

  • Half-day trips are approximately four hours long, meeting at the time of your choosing.
  • Full-day trips are approximately seven hours long.

Age Concerns:

  • A day of rock climbing is the perfect family activity, and is something the kids will love telling their friends about. 
  • We have specialised equipment for small children, and can take kids as young as four out climbing on sports routes. 
  • As for a maximum age, if you can still make it up a ladder, there is plenty in Montagu and Silvermine that you can climb. Our oldest person was 76 and his sister was was 65!

Questions?

We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.