Got a call from a friend today saying that the Kliphuis campsite at Rocklands has been closed...
We don't know for what reason and if this will be a permanent closure. There is no gas and no running water (i.e. no toilets)

The alternate campsite is 'Klein Kliphuis' 027 482 2564

_________________
Climb ZA - Administrator

Just spoke to Cape Nature on the phone:
The campsite is closed indefinitely and they are going to try and have it re-opened by June / July 'for the climbing season'.

Two reasons why it closed:
1. Management reasons
2. There is no one to attend to the campsite

If you were there last year you will remember that there was an individual from Clanwilliam running the campsite (as far as I know he had a contract with Cape Nature)
The campsite has been closed for about 2 weeks now.

_________________
Climb ZA - Administrator

That Sucks !!!!

_________________
Feel the Qui

Can you still access the campground boulders through the campsite?

Check out the following link for more details:

http://www.samountainmag.com/news/Kliphuis_closure.php

Is it true that climbers are driving up to Roadside!!? What idiots would do this, does anyone out there know of people doing this?

I seriously doubt that it was climbers cause the gate is locked... unless the lock has been removed?
The community from Heuning Vlei and CNC use the road regularly so i'm guessing it must have been them.

Hi Guys!
Yes it is true about Kliphuis being closed. As far as I know it is going to be permanent. There is no running water because of a burst water pipe and no gas, however, if you bring your own gas we can make a plan for you regarding the water pipe. I can assure you that CNC will not be interested in fixing the pipe.

If I understand correctly Apha farms' campsite is already up and running and so is Travellers Rest's camp site.

I was up in Rocklands this weekend and was quite shoked at the state of Kliphuis Campground.
It is quite clear that there has been NO rubbish removal for a while and because of this, and the fact that the baboons have been pulling it to pieces, it has become quite a mess and there is rubbish flying around all over the place!!
Also, EVEN though the lack of water (which is unacceptable because the local people use on there way to-and-from town), people have been using the toliets and this has created a DISGUSTING situation!
We are heading back up there next weekend and if given permission I will personally fix the water and rubbish situation.
Please contact me on:
scottnoy@yahoo.com

Hi Guys

This is Indeed a sad situation especially with the season fast approaching. In the past I have been in touch with the CNC business manager for the area who was very helpful and open to proposals regarding the campsite and the surrounding areas. I am presently trying to get in touch with him again in order to try and clarify the situation and see if we can come up with any positive measures which will be to the advantage of all interested parties. I will let you all know as soon as I do.

Thanks technocat, you seem to talk with some authority. May I ask how you might be involved?

I would like to second Scott's comments about being prepared to offer our services to assist in cleaning up and fixing (with CNC permission) anything that may need attention in the campsite with the goal of regaining at least some degree of access to this facility. I hope I speak on behalf of all climbers who have spent so many happy nights camped out at Kliphuis?

More news soon I hope....

Has there been any joy with regards to speaking to CNC about the campsite?

Also, where are people currently staying when they head to the Rocklands?

_________________
Open hand, open mind...

I know there is a climbing crew in Rocklands at present - they intend to clean up the campsite.
Hopefully robsherpa will have some news for us soon.

There are however two other options:
DePakhuys: http://www.depakhuys.com (With access to the De Pakhuys bouldering They expect to have camping facilities ready within 5 weeks.
&
The Klein Kliphuis Campsite: Contact Joan +27 (0)27 4822564

_________________
Climb ZA - Administrator

Hey Im with Rob and Scott. If CNC doesnt mind we should get the water back on. Ill pitch in to help pay for any pipe repairs. The water would be nice for climbers of course but as Scott points out many locals walk from the farming communities on the other side of the pass into town and use the site as a water break. Its a long enough walk as is.

Also we/me/us should get the MCSA involved as according to the Cederberg management plan they are the \"go between\" for climbers and CNC.

Well guys news is that water and gas have been switched back on for the weekend at least. This is probably temporary as word is there is some kind of tour group that may be there.

I have now been in contact with the CNC manager and he has once again informed me that the campsite is a thorn in his side as it is costing them a lot to maintain and CNC is in serious financial difficulties. If a solution cannot be found the possibility exists that the campsite will be closed permanently. He does agree however that this would be a sad turn of events and is open to any and all reasonable suggestions as to how we can keep the place open.

I have arranged to contact him again after the weekend and will be putting some proposals to him to see if we can come to an arrangement. Any suggestions are of course welcome and we may well be in need of people who are seriously prepared to commit themselves to playing an active role in the maintenance and upkeep of the campsite. The proposal will probably be along the lines of myself and one or two others signing on as service providers to the CNC whereby we will run and maintain the campsite for the climbing/busy season and then shut the place down completely over summer when no one is there. We will see what transpires once I have another chat with CNC, they could well have other ideas....

I am heading up there to meet the Scotts and some others over the weekend where no doubt options will be discussed after some hard cranking, with cold beers, round a big campfire. If anyones wants to join me I am leaving from CT tomorrow evening. Tel 073 682 4241.

Will let you all know as soon as we hear anything...

May I suggest that someone volunteers to represent the MCSA in trying to negotiate a solution to this problem? That person would have the backing of the MCSA [money, contacts, clout etc]. Its all great and well if individuals phone the CN manager, but I'm sure he is tired of dealing with many different individuals and it makes sense for us to approach CN as one body.

Come on people - make it happen and put a couple of good hours of community service in. I certainly commit to support that person.......

Contact Mark Jonson - he is the MCSA rocksubcom chief pasta maker.

See you there this weekend

_________________
AndyDavies

Thanks Andy

I don't think there is any confusion in this chaps mind about who he has been talking to or who is being represented. Certainly though it would be a good idea to have MCSA backing and involvement. I for one would be happy to volunteer myself to help in this regard if others think it a good idea.

Psyched to see you all there this weekend!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The sign on the campsite gate reads:


Phone the number to find out if the campsite has been opened (please will you also ask when they expect it to be open & let us know!)

Check out Climbing at Rocklands for other camping sites, under Food and accommodation

_________________
Climb ZA - Administrator

Hi All

Well the commercial Director of CNC has finally gotten back to me on this issue. As far as I know the campsite is still closed. Apparently CNC were in talks with the Clanwilliam Municipality to take over the running of the facility. This has not happened and CNC do not appear particularly keen to deal with the municipality.

CNC have requested that we sit down and look at proposals as to how we may be able to assist them with a view to taking over the tender for the campsite and running it ourselves. They are open minded and prepared to consider opening the campsite during high season and simply closing it during the off-season.

Considering that we are now well into the season and I have struggled to round up people who would be prepared to commit fully to this project, it seems, for the time being, that at this stage it is going to amount to more of a headache than it's worth.

I have just this morning advised CNC that for the time being it appears that we will not be able to assist in the actual running of the site. We are however still hopefull that some solution may be found and that we will certainly volunteer our efforts in any way that we can to this end.

If anyone has any comments or bright ideas then it would be great to hear them. I think we would all love to see our favourite campsite back in action again as soon as possible!

If anyone needs to contact me personally then they can mail me at robsherpa@yahoo.co.uk

I was wondering if the situation in terms of the Kliphuis campsite is the same (i.e. still closed)?

I haven't been to Rocklands for ages, and am planning a trip there in December. Which of the other two campsites (Klein Kliphuis and De Pakhuis) would you guys recommend?

De Pakhuys

so, we decided to take a stroll through the campground area on our way out of rocklands yesterday, and were greeted with an open gate and a maintenance crew hard at work.. after chatting to them, it seems that the campsite is going to be re-opened, but they didn't know when. my guess is it'll probably be just before season next year, if not a bit sooner

Hi guys,

Any news on this?

thanks

Was in Rocklands during last week. There are major roadworks going on at the moment and it seems like the kliphuis campsite is being used as a temporary roadworks site (parking for the construction vehicles?)
It doesn't look as if there is any current work being done to reopen the campsite but I could be wrong.
A couple of other great campsites in the area though so not too fussed.

_________________
...Chalk is cheap...

ah OK. Yea have been to Pakhuys and really like the campsite there.
Although It's not too close to the actual Rocklands climbing.

What would be the best campsite closest to Rocklands at the moment?

thanks appreciate the info

http://www.depakhuys.com/camping.html
cheers
Scott

Anyone know when Kliphuis is reopening? Is de Pakhuys still the best camping option?

Drove past the old campsite last Sunday, the closed sign is still up, however there appears to have been some movement there (new fence and gate).
No idea when/if they are re-opening.

Depakhuys will be your best option.

_________________
Climb ZA - Administrator