kloof

American  

[kloof] / kluf /

noun

1. (in South Africa) a deep glen; ravine.

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kloof British  

/ kluːf /

noun

1. a mountain pass or gorge in southern Africa

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Etymology

Origin of kloof

1725–35; < Afrikaans; akin to cleave ²

Explanation

When visiting South Africa, you might hear the word kloof used for a deep, narrow ravine, gorge, or valley. Some examples of kloofs are Riviersonderend, near Capetown, and Oribi Gorge, near Durban. At the bottom of a kloof, there is usually a river that carved through the rock to form the gorge. Kloofing is an adventure sport in which people follow the river's path through the kloof — hiking, swimming, jumping from rocks into river pools, and rappelling down waterfalls or steep rock faces. You can go kloofing in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve near the town of Kloof, named for its deep gorges. The word kloof is from Afrikaans, a language related to Dutch, and one of the official languages of South Africa.

Example Sentences

The sun was sinking in blood-red splendour behind the mountains, and the kloof and rock-walls were literally aglow with the parting blush of day.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

A moment later and they were out of the kloof, and riding at full speed across the open.

From The Curse of Carne's Hold A Tale of Adventure by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)

The spoor had told the hunters very plainly that the antelopes had entered the kloof.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by Bryden, H.A.

What beautiful views of kloof, valley, and mountain presented themselves everywhere!

From Through Shot and Flame The Adventures and Experiences of J. D. Kestell Chaplain to President Steyn and General Christian De Wet by Kestell, J. D. (John Daniel)

They paused at the entrance to each kloof through which they had to pass, and the Fingoes went cautiously ahead searching through the bushes.

From The Curse of Carne's Hold A Tale of Adventure by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)