Set on the lagoon just outside Stanford is the picturesque Rivers End Farm Campsite. Johannes the co-owner and manager was there on our arrival to show us around this rustic resort.
Rivers End has various different accommodation and camping options for holidaymakers. Nothing is too much trouble for Johannes and he’ll gladly take you to the various campsites and show you to the accommodation offerings. The lower main campsite offers both shaded and non-shaded stands that are within walking distance of the surrounding wetlands and lagoon. There is fynbos as far as the eye can see. The wild camping campsites are set on the hill overlooking Rivers End and these campsites have brilliant views and are completely secluded. The wild campsites are great nature retreats with exceptional vistas.
Things to do in the area
A stone’s throw away from this resort is Cape Nature Walker Bay that covers over 17km of pristine shoreline. The beaches remain largely untouched and clean. We set up in the Blue Gum campsite that is situated under large trees that offer good shade during the hot summer months. There are portable braais available for campers to use at their leisure in the lower campsites.
Stanford is a quaint town with many eateries, shops and points of interest and is a few minutes from Rivers End. We enjoyed an excellent lunch at the Ou Meul Bakery. Don’t pay your bill before adding some of their home bakes and fresh breads to your basket. Hermanus is only 30 minutes from Stanford and also offers a large variety of shops and points of interest for holidaymakers. Also within easy driving distance of Stanford are De Kelders, Gaansbaai and Franskraal, all offering their own small town charm.
Leave your spouse at the braai fire in Rivers End with his favourite double beverage in hand and go and explore. Walk along the wetland and lagoon, take a picnic blanket, a pillow and your favourite book for some quality “me time”. When you’re on holiday, there should be no real urgency to do anything. Often it’s best just to sit in the shade, with nature on your doorstep, and contemplate nothing in particular. Let your thoughts wander on the sweet song of local birdlife and your dreams waft gently on the invigorating aromas of the endemic fynbos. Holidays, and more particularly camping, offer the perfect opportunity to recharge one’s battery. This is a given at Rivers End Farm Campsite.
There are numerous campsite options and Rivers End
- Mount View campsite: Take in the majestic Overberg Mountain Range, wetlands and lagoon from this secluded site. 3 caravans/RV’s max.
- Wilderness campsite: Totally wild and secluded, located in a cleared area with stunning views of the lagoon and mountains. 4 caravans/RV’s max.
- Oppikoppi campsite: With views over the Walker Bay Nature Reserve, this site offers views for days, a chance to detox and become one with nature. 5 caravans / Rv’s max.
- Guinea Fowl campsite: Here you’ll find lush green vegetation within walking distance from the Klein River and wetlands.
- Corner Camp campsite: This is a secluded site within walking distance from the Klein River and wetlands.
- Finch Nest campsite: Sleep under the stars at night and watch the very busy finch community in their communal nest above you, all within walking distance from Klein River and wetlands.
- Blue Gum campsite: Shaded by giant blue gum trees, this site offers excellent views, lots of shade and is within walking distance from the Klein River and wetlands.
- Milkwood campsite: These newly established campsites have 4 stands that are totally secluded and offer nature camping at its best.
- Wetlands campsite: Camp in the bird sanctuary which is as close to the wetlands as you can get.
Rivers End caters for large groups at the log cabin and a stay at the Black Eagle bus converted to accommodation is a unique experience. Rivers End remained largely untouched for over a decade, and now with the input and direction of Johannes and his wife Adri, Rivers End is in a constant state of transition, offering great camping and accommodation.
The Main Cabin is a must for larger groups in search of complete solitude & fun.
Main cabin
The log cabin is ideally suited to 4 adults and 4 children but bigger groups can camp around the grassed cabin by prior arrangement. It is set within walking distance of the lagoon and wetlands, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains. The log cabin is a two story affair, and the views from the large balcony are simply incredible.
The main log cabin has all the amenities required for the most comfortable self-catering stay. During our stay, the Main Cabin was abuzz with guests who were clearly having a great time.
The Black Eagle Bus
Sometimes the best bus experiences are in busses that don’t move. This is the case with the Black Eagle Bus accommodation at Rivers End. It’s certainly a unique experience to spend a holiday in a converted bus that has everything you need at your fingertips.
Though the wheels on this bus do go round and round, and the bus is operational if it ever needs to be moved, it prefers to stay rooted to its scenic spot at Rivers End, with its raised balcony overlooking the wetlands and lagoon.
Have a braai and watch the evening sunset. It’s on our bucket list and should be on yours. The Black Eagle Bus has all the creature comforts required for a wonderfully private, self-sufficient, self-catering stay.
I imagine that in a few months, when we revisit the Stanford area, Rivers End will be a thriving hub for campers and accommodation seekers who want to get away from it all. The picturesque setting, close to the lagoon, is one that needs to be revisited.
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