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Mount Krobo Rock Climbing

Climbing Area Map

Areas in Mount Krobo

10 Minute Boulders 5

Animal Boulder 1

Caveman Boulder 8

Fudge Boulders 8

Lonely Boulder 1

Main Wall of Mt Krobo 4

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Elevation:	1,023 ft	312 m
GPS:	6.08022, 0.05054 Google Map · Climbing Area Map
Page Views:	18,100 total · 98/month
Shared By:	Ian E. Morales on Mar 7, 2010 · Updates
Admins:	Gunkswest Page Updates (admin only)

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Access Issue: Details

This climbing area is at the base of the Krobo people's sacred mountain. It could be very disrespectful to be climbing on the mountain or at its base. You must cross farms and rangeland to access the SACRED mountain.

I strongly strongly recommend asking to see the chief of that area (ask for him when you get out at Akuse junction (see directions)).

Let him know your purposes, how long, and where you are staying. Give him a gift (a traditional practice), usually monetary (like 5-10 Ghana Cedis, about $3-$7, just for speaking to him and asking him permission) and if they ask, give them anything for the privilege of being on their land (you can negotiate). The people are very kind, so there should be no issue for the bouldering at the base of the mountain. It may or may not (depending on their mood and your attitude (be pleasant)) on whether climbing on the mountain itself will be an issueafter all it is a sacred mountain.

Be respectful. If they say no, please do not go. Try making some local friends and ask again later.

Description

This 1,100-foot (340 meter) mountain is about 1.5 hours drive northeast from Accra. The mountain is considered sacred by the Krobo people. There is a long history of human habitation here, evidenced by pots, pot sherds, rock terraces, and old houses. Please be respectful - do not disturb any of the remains you see - it is historical and sacred.

A very early start is advised, as most of the climbing has intense sun (even if it is cloudy). There are a handful of routes in the shade, but most are sunny, so be prepared with sun protection. There is no natural water nearby, so come prepared with lots of water (water and snacks can be purchased at Asutsuare Junction just south on N2).

The rock is a dark metamorphic material (gneiss or schist) and of good quality. It rough, hard and hot (yes, the rock can get quite hot from the sun). The boulders range in height from about seven to 30 feet. The larger routes are generally one or two pitches in length.

Climbers come from Accra almost every Sunday to climb. Typically, an access fee is paid to a local farmer. Climbers have an agreement to pay 7.50 GHC (about 2 USD) in exchange for him watching the cars and maintaining the trail.

Not too far to the south of Mt Krobo is Stone Lodge, a delightful place to stay. There is also lodging in Akuse to the east.

Getting There

Driving:

The mountain is located just east of the Tema-Akosombo Road (N2) roughly 1.5 hours drive northeast of Accra. The turnoff from the N2 is north of Asutsuare Junction at 6.070239, 0.042272. After turning off the N2, drive generally east on a dirt road (high clearance vehicle useful) for about 1.24km to a fork. Bear left at the fork, going past a ruined concrete wall and small building. Follow the road for roughly 270m to a clearing that has a palapa and a couple of other dilapidated buildings. The parking is located at 6.073143, 0.054706.

It is also possible to get to the turnoff on the N2 by public transportation from Tema.

Approach:

From the palapa at the end of the dirt road, you will see an obvious, wide trail just north. Follow this very steep and rocky trail upward for about 10-15 minutes to reach the first huge boulders with some climbs (the 10 Minute Boulders). The trail is steep and slippery enough that poles or a walking stick will likely be appreciated, especially on the descent.

The trail continues through a chasm between the first two boulders and then takes a left turn and continues upward. Roughly 150m above the first boulders, look for a trail on the left. This trail may be quite overgrown with tall grass, but if you look at the ground you will see the compacted soil. The trail leads roughly west and is flat. In about 50m, two large boulders will appear on the left (slightly downhill to the south; the Fudge Boulders). Another cliff (Caveman Boulder) will be to the right of center (west) another 30m. It takes about 20-30 minutes from the palapa to reach these two crags (10-15 minutes above the first boulders with the chasm).

The main cliff is still some distance above the second set of huge boulders. The brush and grass is quite thick, so you will likely want a machete. If you are hoping to climb something on the main cliff, plan on one morning to figure out how to get to the route and another morning to actually climb.