Kliphoek River Resort was another campsite not too far from home that we wanted to experience properly. Instead of waiting for a weekend, we packed the Prado during the week, pointed it up the R45 towards Hopefield, and turned an ordinary work week into a few days beside the water.
A Campsite on the Water
The resort sits alongside a broad stretch of water, with reed beds, a small jetty, and open space between the campsites and the river. Our site had a shade structure, a braai, and enough room to settle the rooftop tent and the camp kitchen without feeling cramped. It was the kind of setup that makes arriving midweek easy: open the tent, unpack the essentials, and camp is ready.
Work From Camp
This was not a trip where everything stopped. I worked from camp during the day, then stepped away from the laptop into the quiet of the campsite when the work was done. That change of scenery made a real difference: the same commitments, but with water, bird calls, and a braai waiting at the end of the day instead of the usual rush home.
It is exactly the kind of place that makes a midweek escape possible. You do not need a long leave window or a big route plan; you can keep work moving, then use the early mornings and evenings to enjoy being outside.
Time Around the Resort
There was plenty to do at a slower pace. The sandy river edge has a beach-volleyball court, while the jetty and reeds keep the water interesting to watch. We spent time walking around the resort and watching the birdlife on the water, including cormorants gathered on the jetty and ducks moving through the reeds.
The small moments were part of the appeal too. A tortoise making its way through the coastal vegetation was a reminder that the campsite is not just somewhere to park up; it is part of the surrounding West Coast landscape.
A Proper Midweek Break
By the time we packed up, Kliphoek River Resort had proved itself as more than a place to inspect for a future trip. It gave us a quiet riverside camp, time outdoors, and a practical place to work from while still feeling away from the normal routine. For a short West Coast break during the week, it is one we will keep in mind.
The full visit to Kliphoek River Resort is on the YouTube channel. Watch the video above.