Kloof

A kloof is a geographical term used in Southern Africa to describe a steep-sided valley or gorge, typically formed by river erosion. The word is Afrikaans in origin and is commonly used in English-language contexts in South Africa and Namibia. In Afrikaans, kloof means ravine or gorge.

Kloofs are usually narrow with vertical or near-vertical walls carved into rock. They form where rivers or streams cut down through hills or mountains, often in areas of resistant rock such as sandstone or granite within the Cape Fold Belt or the Drakensberg region. Seasonal flows may leave exposed bedrock and pools; vegetation can be dense on the walls and at the base.

In addition to their geomorphic role, kloofs are a characteristic feature of the Southern African landscape and appear in many place names, including towns and suburbs. They are often popular destinations for outdoor recreation, including hiking and kloofing (canyoning), an activity involving descent of a kloof using ropes, swims, and jumps.

Ecology and hydrology: Kloofs contribute to microhabitats for plants and animals, with shaded stream corridors supporting ferns, mosses, and various organisms in some regions. They may be prone to flash floods during heavy rains, which can alter the channels and vegetation over time.