Take the plunge Kloofing in South Africa

Winona Griggs

Go for It: Explore Kloofing in South Africa

Have you ever heard of kloofing? It’s a thrilling adventure sport that takes you on a journey through majestic watercourses in the mountains. You get to scramble down cliffs, abseil down waterfalls, and even take refreshing dips in deep pools. It’s not for the faint of heart, though, as it requires physical fitness and proper preparation. If you’re a beginner, it’s wise to go with a qualified guide or join an organized trip.

Just imagine the breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter along the way! The Western Cape region in South Africa is known for its stunning landscapes, and it offers some of the most incredible kloofing experiences.

Discover Riviersonderend and Suicide Gorges

When it comes to exploring kloofs in the Western Cape, you’ll find plenty of options. However, the ones in Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve stand out as the most well-known and easily accessible. If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with the breathtaking Riviersonderend Gorge Trail. This seven-hour route begins near the main Boland Hiking Trail. Don’t worry, this trail doesn’t require any abseiling, and the highest mandatory jump is only seven meters. Although, when you haven’t tried it before, that might still feel pretty high!

If you’re an experienced and brave adventurer, the neighboring Suicide Gorge is perfect for you! To start, you’ll need to hike up into the mountains for two hours, but don’t worry, there’s an optional waterfall slide to spice things up. Once you’re ready, get ready for a steep and thrilling downhill ride, featuring plenty of jumps (the highest one is a whopping 14 meters!) and refreshing swims along the way. This whole journey will take you about nine hours, so make sure you’re prepared for the challenge.

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But wait, there’s more! If you’re really looking to push yourself, you can go down Suicide Gorge and then make your way back up Riviersonderend Gorge. It’s a true test of skill and endurance, and it can be completed in around 12 hours. Are you up for it?

To obtain permits for this unforgettable experience, you’ll need to get in touch with CapeNature. The cost is R160, or if you have a Wild Card, it’s only R120. Give them a call at 021-483-0190 or visit their website at www.capenature.co.za.

And don’t forget to capture the memories! Take a look at the picture from the Getaway Gallery to get a taste of the adventure that awaits you.

Now, let’s move on to another exciting trail called De Hel to De Hoek.

Hey there! Located in the beautiful Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, the Kloofing adventure begins at the famous De Hel rock pool. It’s quite a trek to get there, taking about 8 hours, so you’ll want to find a spot to camp nearby (just remember that you can’t camp at De Hel). Don’t forget to make arrangements with the farmer at De Hoek, lovingly called Oom Gideo, to arrange a lift back to your car when you’re done.

Keep your eyes peeled for majestic black eagles soaring high above the cliffs as you trudge through waters that can reach depths of up to 5 meters. This 9.5 kilometer kloofing experience is no joke, so make sure to start bright and early in the morning. Many people who try to complete the Kloof in just two days often end up needing three. It’s definitely a thrilling challenge!

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Take the plunge Kloofing in South Africa

Wow, have you heard of the incredible Witels, Hex River kloofing experience? Let me tell you all about it!

Imagine scaling a massive mountain, 1000m high, to reach the top. You start your adventure at Pells Hut near Botha, which is between Worcester and Ceres in South Africa. It’s quite a challenging climb, but trust me, the stunning views are totally worth it.

But that’s just the beginning. On day two, you get to descend into the kloof itself. Following a well-marked trail, you’ll have the opportunity to take refreshing swims in the icy waters. The kloof becomes your home for the next three days, until day five rolls around. And let me tell you, the rock pools you’ll discover are practically magical. They’re so clear and beautiful, you won’t want to leave!

Now, let’s talk about day two in more detail. This is when you start the descent into the actual kloof. The trail is clearly marked, but don’t let that fool you. It’s still quite a challenge, especially for your ankles. It’s a real balancing act, especially since your packs are still quite heavy on this day. But trust me, the whole experience is absolutely worth it.

In total, we hike about 38 km over 5 days. To join the hike, you need to be a member of the UCT Mountaineering and Ski Club. They own the first part of the route, so it’s quite an exclusive opportunity. But it’s definitely worth putting on your bucket list.

Let’s start with the North West region.

North West

Grootkloof

Image: Mountain Club of South Africa – Johannesburg

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The well-known adventure in Grootkloof is a challenging journey that involves abseiling down waterfalls, slides, jumps, and swims. It takes about six hours, but the thrill is worth it.

I start my day with an easy hike up the open slopes of the breathtaking Magaliesberg range. As I make my way into the Kloof, I have the chance to test my abseiling skills before facing a 20-meter waterfall abseil a little further down. Once I reach that point, there’s no turning back, but there’s nothing too frightening awaiting me for the rest of the day. This adventure is exclusive to members of the Mountain Club of South Africa, so I’ll need to join their ranks to gain access. Alternatively, I can sign up for a guided trip with Mountain Guide at www.mountainguide.co.za.

Now, let’s move on to KwaZulu-Natal and explore Kong Canyon!

Join me on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking Injasuti Valley in the majestic Drakensberg mountains. This thrilling kloofing expedition is available for half-day or full-day excursions. The adventure commences with an invigorating hike, followed by a series of exciting challenges including scrambling, boulder-hopping, and exhilarating abseils ranging from five to 25 meters. As we make our way down the valley, we’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of cascading waterfalls and the soothing sound of trickling water.

Stay updated and get inspired by following us on social media. Don’t forget to tag us for a chance to be featured!

Leave a Comment

Go for It: Explore Kloofing in South Africa

Have you ever heard of kloofing? It’s a thrilling adventure sport that takes you on a journey through majestic watercourses in the mountains. You get to scramble down cliffs, abseil down waterfalls, and even take refreshing dips in deep pools. It’s not for the faint of heart, though, as it requires physical fitness and proper preparation. If you’re a beginner, it’s wise to go with a qualified guide or join an organized trip.

Just imagine the breathtaking scenery you’ll encounter along the way! The Western Cape region in South Africa is known for its stunning landscapes, and it offers some of the most incredible kloofing experiences.

Discover Riviersonderend and Suicide Gorges

When it comes to exploring kloofs in the Western Cape, you’ll find plenty of options. However, the ones in Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve stand out as the most well-known and easily accessible. If you’re a beginner, I recommend starting with the breathtaking Riviersonderend Gorge Trail. This seven-hour route begins near the main Boland Hiking Trail. Don’t worry, this trail doesn’t require any abseiling, and the highest mandatory jump is only seven meters. Although, when you haven’t tried it before, that might still feel pretty high!

If you’re an experienced and brave adventurer, the neighboring Suicide Gorge is perfect for you! To start, you’ll need to hike up into the mountains for two hours, but don’t worry, there’s an optional waterfall slide to spice things up. Once you’re ready, get ready for a steep and thrilling downhill ride, featuring plenty of jumps (the highest one is a whopping 14 meters!) and refreshing swims along the way. This whole journey will take you about nine hours, so make sure you’re prepared for the challenge.

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But wait, there’s more! If you’re really looking to push yourself, you can go down Suicide Gorge and then make your way back up Riviersonderend Gorge. It’s a true test of skill and endurance, and it can be completed in around 12 hours. Are you up for it?

To obtain permits for this unforgettable experience, you’ll need to get in touch with CapeNature. The cost is R160, or if you have a Wild Card, it’s only R120. Give them a call at 021-483-0190 or visit their website at www.capenature.co.za.

And don’t forget to capture the memories! Take a look at the picture from the Getaway Gallery to get a taste of the adventure that awaits you.

Now, let’s move on to another exciting trail called De Hel to De Hoek.

Hey there! Located in the beautiful Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, the Kloofing adventure begins at the famous De Hel rock pool. It’s quite a trek to get there, taking about 8 hours, so you’ll want to find a spot to camp nearby (just remember that you can’t camp at De Hel). Don’t forget to make arrangements with the farmer at De Hoek, lovingly called Oom Gideo, to arrange a lift back to your car when you’re done.

Keep your eyes peeled for majestic black eagles soaring high above the cliffs as you trudge through waters that can reach depths of up to 5 meters. This 9.5 kilometer kloofing experience is no joke, so make sure to start bright and early in the morning. Many people who try to complete the Kloof in just two days often end up needing three. It’s definitely a thrilling challenge!

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Take the plunge Kloofing in South Africa

Wow, have you heard of the incredible Witels, Hex River kloofing experience? Let me tell you all about it!

Imagine scaling a massive mountain, 1000m high, to reach the top. You start your adventure at Pells Hut near Botha, which is between Worcester and Ceres in South Africa. It’s quite a challenging climb, but trust me, the stunning views are totally worth it.

But that’s just the beginning. On day two, you get to descend into the kloof itself. Following a well-marked trail, you’ll have the opportunity to take refreshing swims in the icy waters. The kloof becomes your home for the next three days, until day five rolls around. And let me tell you, the rock pools you’ll discover are practically magical. They’re so clear and beautiful, you won’t want to leave!

Now, let’s talk about day two in more detail. This is when you start the descent into the actual kloof. The trail is clearly marked, but don’t let that fool you. It’s still quite a challenge, especially for your ankles. It’s a real balancing act, especially since your packs are still quite heavy on this day. But trust me, the whole experience is absolutely worth it.

In total, we hike about 38 km over 5 days. To join the hike, you need to be a member of the UCT Mountaineering and Ski Club. They own the first part of the route, so it’s quite an exclusive opportunity. But it’s definitely worth putting on your bucket list.

Let’s start with the North West region.

North West

Grootkloof

Image: Mountain Club of South Africa – Johannesburg

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The well-known adventure in Grootkloof is a challenging journey that involves abseiling down waterfalls, slides, jumps, and swims. It takes about six hours, but the thrill is worth it.

I start my day with an easy hike up the open slopes of the breathtaking Magaliesberg range. As I make my way into the Kloof, I have the chance to test my abseiling skills before facing a 20-meter waterfall abseil a little further down. Once I reach that point, there’s no turning back, but there’s nothing too frightening awaiting me for the rest of the day. This adventure is exclusive to members of the Mountain Club of South Africa, so I’ll need to join their ranks to gain access. Alternatively, I can sign up for a guided trip with Mountain Guide at www.mountainguide.co.za.

Now, let’s move on to KwaZulu-Natal and explore Kong Canyon!

Join me on an exhilarating journey through the breathtaking Injasuti Valley in the majestic Drakensberg mountains. This thrilling kloofing expedition is available for half-day or full-day excursions. The adventure commences with an invigorating hike, followed by a series of exciting challenges including scrambling, boulder-hopping, and exhilarating abseils ranging from five to 25 meters. As we make our way down the valley, we’ll be surrounded by the serene beauty of cascading waterfalls and the soothing sound of trickling water.

Stay updated and get inspired by following us on social media. Don’t forget to tag us for a chance to be featured!

Leave a Comment