Peak Formosa is known to have unpredictable weather, and it is thus difficult to make plans to climb. The scheduled climb this weekend was proof of this. Climbing this weekend was totally unsuitable with much cloud cover, rain, and in particular, gale-force winds from the west. The meet was thus moved to Monday, the lull after the storm. The change of date was not suitable for all those interested in climbing, so the number joining was unfortunately reduced.

The night before, we camped in the orchards below Peak Formosa. The winds had dissipated, in the clear skies the stars shone brightly, because of the new moon. The temperature plummeted. At 7am in frosty conditions we were on the dam wall ready for the climb.

From L to R, Clive Louw, Erica Davies, Chris and Kim Kruyshaar (Cape Town section) and Peter Pyke

Pic taken by David Collett, who had come to take pics of the Peak Formosa area and explore. He brought a drone along, and took a video of PF, which he has kindly offered for us to view, and it will be distributed separately. Credit also to Kim who contributed some stunning pics.

The climbing started well, apart from some wet vegetation from the earlier storm. What was of more concern is the noticeable growth of the fynbos since this PF climb I did last year. This thick and tall fynbos is starting to hinder progress on the path. The fynbos is beautiful, but the time is right for rejuvenation, typical after a normal fynbos fire.

Tea break with view over Nature’s Valley beach, Robberg and Outeniquas in the distance

As we climb up to the knife-edge, the PF summit appears on the right, while the tricky ascent gully is seen on the left in the pic

Climbing through the crux, where the moves are somewhat off balance

PF has been on Peter’s bucket list and he was very keen to climb it, but not sure whether he was fit enough to do it. At this point he felt he had come far enough, had enjoyed it, but felt it best to wait for us to come down.

Completing the climb to the top of PF at 1675m, as the highest point of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, with the traditional summit pic.

To the south were views over Formosa Bay, Plett and Robberg. As we arrived, clouds started to roll in from the ocean. To the east, Cockscomb stood out at 1758m as the highest point in the Grootwinterhoek Mountains. To the west Cradock Peak at 1578m stood boldly as the highest peak in the Outeniquas. To the north is the Baviaanskloof and Kouga Mountains. There are many other mountain ranges to name, but the Swartberg, peeking out in the distance was of note.

The views from PF are outstanding, and must present one of the best mountain views in the Garden Route.

Time to turn around, and descend the long path down to the dam. It was a good choice to climb shortly after the cold front, because this descent down the westerly ridge is usually a hot sweaty affair, but was pleasant this time.

We arrive at the base after 9 hours’ climbing. We had the opportunity for a farewell view of PF, with the interesting massive cave visible on the subsidiary ridge.

PS: Dave Collett was at the start of the Formosa peak climb. He took a video of the mountains using a drone and has shared it with the club:


Meet Leader ~ Clive Louw