Right Face - Arrow Face
Location: Spectacular rock traverse across the Africa amphitheater between Arrow Buttress and Right Face Buttress
OSM map (the path shows Union Ravine, Yellowstone Gully and Right Face - Arrow Face)
Overview: B grade scrambling requiring a good head for heights and sure footing. Over weight and large persons should not attempt this route as there are tight squeezes.
The traverse can be done from either direction but if doing it for the first time, the approach up Union and Yellowstone is advised as it is more difficult to find the way down Yellowstone than India Venster.
Left to Right traverse:
Route Description: Via Union and Yellowstone Ravines to the traverse from Right Face to Arrow Face. From the lower cable station, go up to the contour path and traverse 1km east across Africa Ravine and Union Ravine. Immediately after crossing Union Ravine, go up on the left hand side to bypass the overhanging waterfall.
Ascending traverse right above the overhang to gain the start of Yellowstone Ravine. Follow Yellowstone all the way up until it tops out on the buttress overlooking Africa Ravine, scrambling up several rock steps. Traverse left around the base of Right Face and up a rock step. Above the step, ascending traverse right up and around the buttress to the start of the traverse across Right Face above Africa Ravine.
At the end of the grassy ledge, go up a 3m step to the start of the first tunnel. At the end of the tunnel, drop down 3m and enter the next tunnel almost immediately. A tight squeeze out of this tunnel onto a narrow ledge brings one out onto the grassy ledge leading to the top of India Venster.
Descent: The shortest is down India Venster but one can also continue up on Fountain Ledges to the top of TM and descend either via Platteklip or the cable car. If doing the traverse in the opposite direction (Arrow Face to Right Face) the only option is down Yellowstone and Union.
Right to left traverse: