A Guide to Rocklands

by David Naude

For newcomers, Rocklands can be an intimidating place. Situated 25 minutes from the town of Clanwilliam, Rocklands can be viewed as rather remote. However, with the right information on accommodation facilities, rest day activities and grocery options. Rocklands can become much more accessible for everybody!

Getting there

Rocklands is around a 2.5-hour drive from Cape Town along the N7, taking the Malmesbury, Piketberg route is your best option. Once you arrive in Clanwilliam it is best to sort out your groceries and other supplies you might need for your trip to avoid making the drive back to Clanwilliam as much as possible. There are several grocery stores and eateries in Clanwilliam including a Spar, Pick ‘n Pay and fast-food takeaways.

Continue along the Pakhuys Pass from Clanwilliam for another 25 minutes and let the psych start setting in as you drive through the endless orange boulders you’re soon to be climbing!

There are also several accommodation facilities and types available, so whether you’re into camping, glamping or would rather stay warmer in a stone cottage, the farms around Rocklands have it all for you!

Accommodation Available

• Kliphuis

• Travelers Rest

• De Pakhuys

• Alpha Excelsior

• The Storytellers

• Bushman’s Cave

• Kleinfontein

Kliphuis

Kliphuis, situated on the flower route to the Biedouw valley and Wupperthal, offers an upgraded campsite. Set against the backdrop of the famous Rocklands bouldering site, it is the perfect spot for climbing enthusiasts.

Camping:

The shady campsite lies in the northern section of the Cederberg Wilderness, in the Pakhuis Pass. The 14 sites lie on the banks of the Kliphuis River – an invitingly cool swimming spot in summer.

Sites available: 14 (maximum 6 people and 2 cars per campsite)

Shaded sites: Yes

Power points: No

Ablution facilities: Hot-water showers (gas), no toilet paper provided

Shop on-site: No

Firewood for sale: Yes

Braai facilities: Yes

Pets: No

Find out more

Cottages:

Rhino Boulder, Cedar Rouge and Leopard Cave are fully equipped chalets. Each chalet has three bedrooms, sleeping between six and eight people. One room has a double bed, the other two rooms each have a double bunk and there is one double sleeper couch in the lounge area.