
Kloofing invites adventurers to dive into South Africa’s hidden canyons, where every moment promises an adrenaline-fueled connection with nature !
If you’re an adventure enthusiast seeking a unique and exhilarating outdoor experience, kloofing in South Africa might just be the perfect fit for you. An exhilerating fusion of hiking, swimming, rock climbing, and cliff jumping, kloofing offers an unforgettable way to explore the breathtaking canyons and gorges of this beautiful country. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most captivating kloofing spots in South Africa.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s unpack some key kloofing terminology to ensure everyone’s on the same page:
ABSEIL: A controlled descent down a rope, typically used to navigate steep sections or waterfalls in a canyon.
BOULDER-HOPPING: Moving through a canyon or riverbed by jumping or stepping from one large rock (boulder) to another, often used to navigate through shallow water or rocky terrain.
CLIFF-JUMPING: A thrilling activity where participants leap off cliffs or rocks into natural pools or bodies of water, often practiced in kloofing.
COMPULSORY JUMP: A jump that is required as part of the kloofing route, typically into a pool or body of water. The height of the jump can vary.
KLOOF: The South African term for a canyon or gorge, which is the primary environment for kloofing.
KLOOFING: Also known as canyoning or canyoneering in some regions, kloofing is an adventure sport that involves exploring canyons, gorges, or ravines by a combination of hiking, swimming, climbing, and sometimes rappelling or jumping.
RAPPELLING: A controlled descent down a rock face or cliff using a rope and specialized equipment, typically practiced when encountering steep sections during kloofing.
SCRAMBLING: Climbing or moving over rocky terrain using both hands and feet.
TRAILHEAD: The starting point of a hiking or kloofing trail.
WILD CARD: In South Africa, a Wild Card is a membership card that grants access to various national parks and nature reserves. It can provide discounts on park fees.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s explore five of the most exciting kloofing destinations in South Africa:
1. Kong Canyon
Heading to theLocated in the stunning Injasuti Valley, Kong Canyon is a moderately strenuous kloofing adventure nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg. You can choose between a half-day or full-day adventure, depending on your preference. The journey begins with a challenging walk, followed by thrilling scrambling, boulder-hopping, and a series of abseils ranging from five to 25 meters. Add in a few refreshing waterfall encounters, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable day in nature.
2. De Hel and De Hoek
Heading to the Western Cape, we find ourselves in the remarkable Wilderness Area, home to the awe-inspiring De Hel and De Hoek. The kloofing adventure here is nothing short of spectacular. It kicks off with an eight-hour hike to De Hel, where you’ll likely need to set up camp nearby since overnight stays at De Hel aren’t allowed. Exiting the area involves coordinating with the friendly farmer at De Hoek, affectionately known as Oom Gideo.
As you explore, be sure to watch the skies for black eagles soaring above the cliffs. You’ll wade and swim through waters of up to 5 meters deep, making this a refreshing and invigorating experience. To make the most of your adventure, start early in the morning, as some adventurers who aim to finish in two days find themselves extending to three due to the sheer beauty of the place.
3. Riviersonderend & Suicide Gorges
In the same Western Cape region, we have the renowned Riviersonderend and Suicide Gorges. These destinations, situated in the Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve, are among the best-known and most accessible kloofing spots in South Africa.
Beginners can start with the picturesque Riviersonderend Gorge Trail, a seven-hour route that offers a gentle introduction to kloofing. This route doesn’t involve abseils, and the highest compulsory jump is a manageable seven meters.
For those seeking more challenge, Suicide Gorge awaits. This adventure begins with a two-hour hike into the mountains and an optional waterfall slide. It’s followed by a steep downhill with numerous jumps, including one as high as 14 meters. Plan for a full day, as the journey typically takes around nine hours. If you’re up for an ultimate challenge, consider descending Suicide and ascending Riviersonderend Gorge, a demanding 12-hour adventure.
Obtaining a permit for your adventure is essential through CapeNature. If you hold a Wild Card, you can secure your permit at the reduced rate.
4. Witels
Last but certainly not least is the renowned Witels in the Hex River region, known as one of the finest kloofing destinations in South Africa. This is a multi-day adventure that starts with a 1,000-meter ascent to the top of a mountain, beginning from Pells Hut near Silkbush Farm (located between Worcester and Ceres).
Day two is when you’ll descend into the kloof, following a marked trail and taking refreshing swims in icy waters. The third day is all about exploring the kloof and enjoying crystal-clear rock pools. In total, you’ll cover around 38 kilometers over five days.
It’s worth noting that for this hike, at least one person in the group must be a member of the UCT Mountaineering and Ski Club, as the initial section of the route belongs to them, making it quite an exclusive adventure.
5. Grootkloof
In the North West province, adventure seekers will find Grootkloof, a popular six-hour kloofing experience. This journey combines waterfall abseils, fun bum slides, compulsory two-meter jumps, and refreshing swims. The day starts with an easy hike up the open slopes of the dramatic Magaliesberg range, followed by a scramble into the kloof. A 20-meter waterfall abseil marks the point of no return, but the rest of the day is filled with thrilling experiences.
Please note that individual access to Grootkloof is allowed only for members of the Mountain Club of South Africa. Guided trips are available for those who are not members.
South Africa’s kloofing adventures offer something for every level of thrill-seeker and nature enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an introduction to the sport or an experienced “kloofer” seeking the ultimate challenge, South Africa’s canyons and gorges have it all.
Remember, while the thrill is undeniable, safety and responsible exploration are paramount. Always plan ahead, prioritize safety, and respect the environment to ensure that your kloofing adventure is not only thrilling but also safe and sustainable.
Why not take the leap and embark on your own thrilling kloofing adventure in one of these remarkable South African locations? This is an experience that will leave a lasting impression. If you’re looking for assistance in planning your next great adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the knowledgeable team at Where It All Began !
For more information and resources on kloofing in South Africa, check out the links below:
Happy kloofing !
Image Credit: Image courtesy of pixabay