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The Exciting World of Kloofing in South Africa

October 9, 2023

3 mins read

Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping adventure in South Africa’s stunning mountain landscapes with kloofing. This extreme sport takes hiking to new heights with cliff climbing, waterfall rappelling, and swimming in deep pools. From beginner-friendly trails like the Riviersonderend Gorge Trail to challenging expeditions like the five-day Witels journey, South Africa offers kloofing adventures for all skill levels. So, gear up and embrace the thrill of exploring the country’s hidden treasures!

Embrace the Kloofing Adventure in South Africa’s Vast Mountain Landscapes

Dive into the thrilling realm of kloofing, a South African extreme sport that takes hiking to a whole new level. Experience the excitement of climbing down cliffs, rappelling waterfalls, swimming in deep pools, and traversing mountain watercourses. It is strongly recommended to engage a qualified guide or join an organized trip, particularly for those new to the sport.

Western Cape: Explore Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve

The Western Cape boasts several magnificent kloofs to explore, with Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve standing out as the most popular and easily reachable. The Riviersonderend Gorge Trail is perfect for beginners, offering a seven-hour trek that starts at the Boland Hiking Trail. With no need for rappelling and a maximum jump height of seven meters, it serves as an excellent introduction to kloofing.

For seasoned adventurers seeking a greater challenge, Suicide Gorge is the ideal choice. Starting with a two-hour mountain hike, this trail includes an optional waterfall slide and a steep downhill with jumps as high as 14 meters. The entire experience takes approximately nine hours. Brave explorers can undertake a 12-hour round trip by going down Suicide and back up Riviersonderend Gorge. Don’t forget to get permits from CapeNature before accessing these trails.

Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area: Journey from De Hel to De Hoek

Embark on a kloofing adventure in the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area, beginning at the famous De Hel rock pool. This expedition demands an eight-hour hike and setting up camp nearby since overnight stays at De Hel are prohibited. Coordinate with the farmer at De Hoek for exit and transportation. Enjoy the sight of black eagles soaring above the cliffs while wading and swimming in waters as deep as five meters. An early start is crucial, as this 9.5-kilometer kloofing journey may take up to three days.

Hex River: Experience the Witels

The Witels in Hex River is considered one of South Africa’s top kloofing destinations, offering a five-day, multi-day adventure. The trip commences with a 1,000-meter climb to Pells Hut from Silkbushfarm, followed by a descent into the kloof. The remaining days involve traversing a marked trail, icy swims, and crystal-clear rock pools. To embark on this exclusive journey, at least one group member must be a member of the UCT Mountaineering and Ski Club.

North West: Discover Grootkloof

Grootkloof provides a popular six-hour experience, complete with waterfall rappels, bum slides, two-meter jumps, and swims. The day begins with a hike up the Magaliesberg range and a scramble into the kloof. After honing rappelling skills, the adventure resumes with a 20-meter waterfall rappel. Access to Grootkloof is limited to Mountain Club of South Africa members or through guided trips offered by Mountain Guide.

KwaZulu-Natal: Traverse Kong Canyon

Uncover the hidden gem of Kong Canyon in the Injasuti Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Choose between a moderately challenging half or full-day kloofing adventure, which includes a brisk walk, scrambling, boulder-hopping, and rappels ranging from five to 25 meters down cascading waterfalls.

Immerse Yourself in South Africa’s Kloofing Adventures

In summary, South Africa’s awe-inspiring landscapes present exhilarating kloofing adventures for various skill levels. Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned thrill-seeker, embrace the challenge and immerse yourself in the country’s stunning natural beauty. So, gear up, muster your courage, and plunge into the exciting realm of kloofing!

1. What is kloofing?

Kloofing is an extreme sport that involves cliff climbing, waterfall rappelling, and swimming in deep pools while traversing mountain watercourses in South Africa’s stunning mountain landscapes.

2. What skill levels are catered for in kloofing?

South Africa offers kloofing adventures for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly trails to challenging expeditions.

3. Is it necessary to have a guide when engaging in kloofing?

It is recommended to engage a qualified guide or join an organized trip, particularly for those new to the sport.

4. What is the Riviersonderend Gorge Trail?

The Riviersonderend Gorge Trail is a beginner-friendly trail that offers a seven-hour trek that starts at the Boland Hiking Trail. With no need for rappelling and a maximum jump height of seven meters, it serves as an excellent introduction to kloofing.

5. What is Suicide Gorge?

Suicide Gorge is a trail for seasoned adventurers seeking a greater challenge. Starting with a two-hour mountain hike, this trail includes an optional waterfall slide and a steep downhill with jumps as high as 14 meters. Brave explorers can undertake a 12-hour round trip by going down Suicide and back up Riviersonderend Gorge.

6. What is the Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area?

The Groot Winterhoek Wilderness Area is a location that offers an eight-hour hike and kloofing expedition from De Hel rock pool to De Hoek. This 9.5-kilometer kloofing journey may take up to three days, and overnight stays at De Hel are prohibited.

7. What is the Witels in Hex River?

The Witels in Hex River is one of South Africa’s top kloofing destinations, offering a five-day, multi-day adventure that involves traversing a marked trail, icy swims, and crystal-clear rock pools. To embark on this exclusive journey, at least one group member must be a member of the UCT Mountaineering and Ski Club.

8. Where is Kong Canyon located?

Kong Canyon is located in the Injasuti Valley, nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It offers a moderately challenging half or full-day kloofing adventure, which includes a brisk walk, scrambling, boulder-hopping, and rappels ranging from five to 25 meters down cascading waterfalls.

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Chloe de Kock
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Chloe de Kock is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from township braai joints to Constantia vineyards, for the Mail & Guardian and Eat Out. When she’s not interviewing grandmothers about secret bobotie recipes or tracking the impact of drought on winemakers, you’ll find her surfing the mellow breaks at Muizenberg—wetsuit zipped, notebook tucked into her backpack in case the next story floats by.

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