Henley-on-Klip is a charming, rustic village situated 45km south of Johannesburg, South Africa. The Klip River (stone river) runs through the village studded with large unfenced properties set amongst green spaces.

Upon entering Henley-on-Klip, the eye is immediately drawn to vast green fields and old, established trees. One can see why the original landowner saw a likeness to his pretty English hometown of Henley-on-Thames and decided to substitute the word Thames with Klip. A weir was built in 1904 to provide space for a regatta, possibly in the hope of mimicking the UKs Henley Royal Regatta, a rowing event that began in 1839.

Henley-on-Klip strode onto the international stage when Oprah Winfrey opened a Leadership Academy for Girls in 2007 after her inspirational visit to the country in 2000. Academically gifted students are invited to attend the elite school.

The village is popular for outdoor activities and simply to enjoy a relaxed country getaway.

Top 6 reasons to visit Henley-on-Klip

1. Find a shady spot under the weeping willows along the Klip River banks where Early Stone Age implements and fossil plants were discovered, and drop a line to catch barbel (catfish) and carp commonly found in the river.

2. Walk the town to appreciate the open spaces and birdlife. Fraser Park has acres of grass for an impromptu game of soccer or cricket. Henley-on-Klip is included in the Vaal Birding Route, take along a pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of the long-crested eagle that nests in the area.

3. Bass Lake is best known as a training site for scuba diving, however, the lake and surrounding areas offer various activities including boating, fishing, mountain bike trails and hiking routes. The lake is 23m deep and divers have reported seeing all manner of vehicle at its base!

4. Visit the stone Witkop Blockhouse constructed during the South African War to protect the railway line and the cemetery at the Church of St Pauls to see the old graves of those that died in the war’s concentration camps.

5. The River Square Mall in Vereeniging has 93 stores and several movie theatres for a fun shopping outing. Children’s entertainment is on offer at the mall.

6. Missing the big city lights? Travel the 40km stretch into Vanderbijlpark to visit the Emerald Resort and Casino to chance your luck at the tables and enjoy a meal at one of the two onsite restaurants.

Transport

Henley-on-Klip is 60km via a toll road from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Chartered flights are available at the Vereeniging Airport, 25km out of town. Several car hire companies are based in Vereeniging and OR Tambo airport or you could order a rental online. Metered taxi operators are available in Vereeniging, however, it’s best to hire a vehicle.

Did you know?

In 2010, a mainstream Afrikaans movie was released called Henley-on-Klip and based on a 1970 tragedy that occurred in the town. A school bus stalled on a level crossing and was hit by a train, killing 23 students on board.

Henley-on-Klip is sometimes spelt Henly-on-Klip. English is mostly spoken in the village.