"The wind was forecast to gust up to 100km.ph but we decided to attempt it and give the mountain our best shot. The wind speed increased significantly as we gained altitude, exacerbated by the northerly direction which funnels the wind over the ridge line on the approach. As we approached the summit the wind was at a sustained (estimated) 100km/ph with even stronger gusts. (My trekking pole flew at a sustained 90 degrees). We were reduced to effectively crawling up the mountain and up a scramble with 100m altitude to go we decided that it had become far too risky to push on as steeper cliff face loomed and the knowledge of a hiker who was blown off the mountain in 2019 sat in the back of our minds. I'd recommend not climbing Kompasberg if high winds are predicted, even if you are an experienced hiker, it can become extremely dangerous on the ridge line. " — CraigBurnsStellenbosch • Sep 13, 2020

"We turned back about 2/3 of the way up as we reached the scrambling sections due to the extreme winds - the strongest I have ever experienced. If you can't afford to go skydiving... climbing the Compassberg on a windy day is a pretty good approximation!" — Jessicawinter • Sep 13, 2020

"The side of the mountain you hike up lies on the Compassberg Farm belonging to Brenda James. You must contact Brenda beforehand on 087 150 4922 to make arrangements. A cash fee of R50 per person is charged, and parking is provided at their homestead. There is a jeep track from the homestead to the base of the mountain that can only be done in a high-clearance vehicle, otherwise it takes about 1h15m to walk. From there, it is a <2 hour hike at a comfortable pace to the summit. It is a steep walk/scramble up the dry rocky slopes, nothing too difficult but with mild exposure at parts. Loose scree makes the walk down a bit tough. There is no path but the route is well marked by cairns. There is also no water on the mountain so be sure to bring as much as you will need. It is recommended that you start early because the peak is prone to very strong winds. My mother and I were staying in Nieu-Bethesda and planned to leave at the crack of dawn to get an early start on the mountain. But when morning came, one of our tyres was completely flat from the rough dirt road. Still determined to do the hike, we replaced it with the dodgy spare, drove 45 minutes to Graaff-Reinet, and waited for t..." — Jessicawinter • Dec 27, 2019

"Parked on farm - R50 donation to farmer. hike to base and assent up very loose round stone scree. about 2/3 of the way up the terrain changes to large boulders. most of our group decided to wait at this point. only 3 of us did the final accent. vey small level top area. box on top to log your accent. Spectacular 360 degree views. look out for the black eagles." — julian-LetsHike • Apr 20, 2019