Invite to Rocklands Highline Festival 2025

Bring your harness and your talents to De Pakhuys this Easter weekend, April 18 – April 21st, for an unforgettable highline gathering. Set amongst the orange sandstone boulders of Rocklands, this festival welcomes both first-time highliners and experienced athletes. It is a free festival the only thing to do is book your camping at De Pakhuys.

Continuing to Defy Gravity

Rising above De Pakhuys campsite via Sylvain’s Trail, you’ll find yourself at the heart of South African highlining history. Since 2014, when Sylvain Burki established the first lines, countless slackers have taken their first steps into the void here. The legacy lives on through the SlackGear-rigged lines and the supportive community that continues to grow this remarkable sport.

Jeff Van Breda standing in exposure – Photo by Bridget O’Connor

Perfect for Beginners

First time highlining? This is your moment. The 20-meter beginner lines, specially rigged with nylon for comfort, provide the ideal introduction to the sport. While practicing on a ground-level slackline helps, nothing compares to stepping out with the support of experienced highliners and an enthusiastic crowd cheering you on.

Sunset session – Photo by Gianluca de Gasparis

Rocklands Highline Festival Highlights

Three-full-days of highlining above breathtaking sandstone cliffs, community-led workshops and skill-sharing sessions. Last year we enjoyed outdoor yoga sessions at sunrise, flow arts demonstrations, breathwork, tie-dye, drumming, and acro workshops, evening bouldering sessions under the stars, an open-mic music session, a boogie in the dust, and a communal fire-lit dinner on Sunday.

Crafts and jamming during the afternoon – Photo by Su

So, What Will You Need?

While there is access to an on-site shop (daytime) and a weekend bar servicing drinks, it is important to bring everything you’ll need for a typical weekend of camping plus some essential gear.

Essential Gear (if you have it):

  • Climbing harness (plus personal tether if you have)
  • Protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, sun hat, cycling shorts can help too)
  • Yoga mat
  • Climbing shoes and boulder pad (You can rent boulder pads from De Pakhuys)
  • Headtorch
  • Complete camping setup (unless you book a cabin/AfriCamp)
  • Cooking equipment and food supplies (there is a fridge and a 4 plate gas stove at De Pakhuys kitchen but it will likely be in demand over the Easter Weekend)
  • Firewood
  • Drinking water (The water at the kitchen and campsite is safe to drink but we suggest bringing enough drinking water)
  • Waste disposal bags (De Pakhuys accepts organic waste but asks you to take your own waste out with you)
  • Personal toiletries (including toilet paper to be on the safe side)
  • Musical instruments (Djembes prove to be a vibe)
  • Swimming stuff
  • First-aid starter kit

Important Details

Lines will be rigged on Thursday, April 17th, and will come down on Monday, April 21st. The festival is community-driven, supported by De Pakhuys campsite. Experienced riggers are welcome to contribute – contact the organizers to get involved.

Leighton walking the 200m line – Photos by Bridget O’Connor

Community Spirit

This gathering thrives on collective energy and shared responsibility. We invite you to bring your own slacklines to share around camp (mark your gear), participate in workshops, and contribute to the welcoming atmosphere that makes this festival special.

Join us this Easter as we celebrate the joy of highlining in one of South Africa’s most spectacular settings. Whether you’re taking your first steps, rigging lines, or hosting workshops, there’s a place for you in our community.

For the latest updates and announcements, follow the festival event Instagram. Questions? Reach out to the organizers through the event page or comment them below.

Hiking up to the bowl – Photo by Gianluca de Gasparis


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Comments

2 responses to “Invite to Rocklands Highline Festival 2025”

  1. Michael Avatar
    Michael

    Hi, is there a group for people wanting to attend? I am interested, but would like to join up with anyone else heading from Cape Town.

    Do we need to book camping beforehand, or is just pitching up and paying sufficient?

    Thanks 🙂

    1. ridingthehighline Avatar

      Hey Michael, there is a whatsapp group. Email us your number and we can add you to it. ridingthehighline@gmail.com

      Camping can be paid upon arrival

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