Late May into June 2025 was an unforgettable stretch for climbers across Southern Africa. The first-ever Namibian Climbing Festival rolled seamlessly into the second edition of the Angolan Climbing Festival, creating nearly a month of climbing, community, and adventure for the lucky few who made the journey to both.
One of those few was Kahla Hackner, a physiotherapist and long-time climber, who presented at both festivals on climbing injuries — talks that drew in curious and sore attendees alike. Kahla sat down with me (Allister 😉) afterward to share her experience, and it’s clear these two events are just the beginning of something special for climbing in the region.
View the Climb Namibia Story Highlights
Namibian Climbing Festival: Spitzkoppe’s Granite Playground
The Namibian leg of the adventure took place at the iconic Spitzkoppe, often called the “Matterhorn of the desert” — a massive granite island rising from the golden grasslands of central Namibia. Just a few hours’ drive from Windhoek, Spitzkoppe feels like something from another planet. As you approach, sandy roads wind through vast plains of waving yellow grass, which eventually creeps into your sleeping bag and snacks once you arrive at camp. But waking up to the sun cresting over those ancient domes makes it all worthwhile.
The festival was intimate and international — just nineteen climbers from seven countries. Coincidentally, the Mountain Club of Namibia was also hosting a meet at the same time, so over forty climbers in total filled the dusty basecamp. With the towering granite walls as a backdrop, there was everything from single-pitch sport to sprawling multi-pitch trad, some bouldering sessions, and even a few hiking excursions for rest days (or for those chasing shade).
The mood was relaxed, exploratory, and collaborative — exactly what you’d hope for from a grassroots climbing gathering. Everyone I spoke to said they’d return in a heartbeat. Spitzkoppe, with its wide-open skies and endless rock, leaves a deep impression on the soul. Maybe I’ll see you there next year?
Angolan Climbing Festival: Highlines, Hard Sends, and Jungle Vibes
As the dust settled in Namibia, the psych shifted northward — to Serra da Leba in Angola. This year’s Angolan Climbing Festival ramped things up: highlining, bolting workshops, freshly established routes, and some seriously impressive first ascents. The stoke was sky-high, the conditions were amazing (especially for those escaping winter down south), and the energy was electric.
The festival was an amazing opportunity for international and local people to engage with the country’s amazing natural environment. Over seventy people from eighteen countries attended along with two hundred Angolans who came to try climbing and highlining. Thirty new routes were opened, bringing the range of routes from super accessible 5a (14) up to the very respectable grade of 8c (34). With single and multi pitch routes in both sport and trad, the one hundred and twenty different routes make this an exciting destination with lots of potential for enthusiastic developers.
Among the attendees was Georgi Dorward, part of the festival’s media team. Her journey was an adventure in itself: a delayed flight that turned into a two-day airport wait, followed by a last-minute road trip to Angola that included running out of petrol en route. But the grit paid off. Georgi’s night-climbing shots and portraits from the fest capture the magic of Serra da Leba — misty cliffs, glowing tents, and climbers perched high above the jungle canopy.
Community, Connection, and Climbing for a Reason
One of the standout stories from Angola was the presence of the Climbing For a Reason crew from Cumbira II who received sponsorship from Climb Angola to attend the fest. This local climbing community has been steadily growing thanks to years of support, mentorship, and pure love for the sport. At the festival, they showed up and absolutely crushed — both in climbing and in spirit. Psyched to bolt, eager to share, and sending hard, their attitude was infectious. The cross-cultural connection, language barriers aside, was a reminder of what climbing festivals are all about.
The Road Trip: Angola’s Hidden Gems
Following the main festival, a portion of the crew kept the good times rolling with the Climb Angola Road Trip — a wildly popular addition introduced in previous years. First stop: Cumbira II, a zone nestled beneath giant granite domes, with the crew staying at Fazenda Rio Uiri, a lodge that feels like a climber’s dream basecamp. Think cold drinks, warm showers, and easy access to perfect stone.
Next came Pedras Negras, towering conglomerate spires that jut out of the lush jungle like something out of Jurassic Park. These wild formations, still largely untapped, are ripe for development and offer a unique adventure for anyone willing to bushwhack a bit.
The trip wrapped up with a shuttle back to Luanda, and for many, a promise to return next year.
More Than a Festival
These two festivals — Namibia’s inaugural effort and Angola’s steadily growing celebration — are more than just climbing trips. They’re the beginning of something bigger: a movement of community-powered, locally rooted, globally connected climbing culture in Southern Africa.
Whether you’re in it for the granite, the jungle towers, the sunsets, or the new friends — make a plan for next year. Your adventure might just start with a dusty road to Spitzkoppe or a misty jungle morning in Serra da Leba.
We’ll see you out there.
