Johnson Hut

General information

The MCSA engages in hiking, mountaineering, climbing of all types, bouldering, international expeditions, mountain search and rescue, training, conservation of mountain areas, and procurement of access for mountaineering. Join us, and become part of a network of like-minded people, whatever activity you engage in...

~ Walking, hiking and scrambling - We offer a range of meets, from relaxed, short walks with lots of botanising, all the way through to adventurous scrambling on routes that few venture onto; from half and full-day hikes, to weekend and longer hiking trips in remote ranges of the Cape.

~ Rock climbing (bouldering, sport and traditional) - The MCSA provides a home for all kinds of rock activities, including local and national bouldering and sport-climbing competitions and events, and traditional ('trad') climbing at all grades, from the easy, to demanding, multi-pitch country routes. Training and instruction meets are also offered. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced climber - you will find a home! You'll also have unlimited access to bouldering walls at the MCSA-CT section's clubhouse and at UCT.

~ Mountaineering- expeditions - The MCSA offers sponsorship, gear and support for mountaineering expeditions, as well as a wealth of international contacts – reciprocal relationships with the UIAA (International Mountaineering & Climbing Federation), and with other mountain clubs in Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and more. Keen to plan an expedition? The MCSA-CT section provides access to the most extensive mountaineering library in the country.

~ Conservation - We have many hacking meets - come and flex your muscles while chain-sawing down some pines and hack away at some Hackea.

~ Outreach - Activities involving local youth groups and other appreciative sectors of local society.

~ Search and rescue - Many club members play key roles in Wilderness Search & Rescue, the umbrella body that coordinates search and rescue activities in the Western Cape.

~ Socials - We have an active social programme with weekly talks, slide shows and films in the Clubhouse. These take place on Friday evenings, and then there are the famous 1st-Tuesday of the month events, that cater for the hard-core climbers.

~ Clubhouse - Apart from our hall, social area and lapa, we have an amazing library that houses an incredible archive of mountaineering literature and movies. We also have a very conveniently located bouldering gym - so check with the office between 10h00 and 14h00, and swing by on your way home from work!

~ Mountain huts and properties - We own over a dozen properties and huts in the Western Cape alone, and many more in the other sections! You will be taken to little-known parts of the Cape mountains that few people even know exist, with exclusive access to many pristine areas throughout South Africa. And you'll enjoy reciprocal rights to all 14 sections of the Mountain Club in South Africa and Namibia.

~ Additional benefits - Conditional free entrance through Kirstenbosch in order to access Table Mountain, as well as discounts from leading outdoor-gear suppliers.