Kloofing, derived from the Afrikaans word ‘kloof’ meaning gorge or ravine, is t
he South African spin on what the rest of world terms canyoning – the descent into a steep gorge or ravine.
In most countries this descent is accomplished by technical means, mainly abseiling with ropes. Kloofing, however, includes just about any method known to man: jumping, scrambling, climbing, swimming, abseiling, rock hopping - even belly flopping and bum sliding.
These sometimes unorthodox means do not imply a carelessness, however, as kloofing is an extreme sport not without risk.
Besides, in many instances the descent is the easy part – getting to the point of the plunge can be taxing, calling for strenuous hiking and steep climbing. Invariably the kloofer reaches a ‘point of no return’, where it becomes impossible to turn back and the only option is to stay on course and make that jump or tackle the climb!
But the thrills – abseiling down waterfalls and plummeting into crystal clear pools while surrounded by extravagant scenery - are just rewards.
All Levels of Expertise
With the variety of activities involved in kloofing, the sport requires differing levels of expertise. Some excursions call for familiarity with abseiling, rock climbing and diving, while others may not require any previous experience at all.
However, it is advisable to have a head for heights, a basic level of fitness and swimming skills. Unless you are an experienced kloofer, you should do your kloofing under the guidance of a professional adventure tour operator familiar with local weather conditions and well-versed in the necessary safety precautions.
Suicide Gorge to the Hell
South Africa’s rugged landscape presents many suitable kloofing locations, with the Western Cape being particularly well-endowed. Suicide Gorge in the Riviersonderend Mountains near Grabouw is one of them. Don’t let the name put you off – once you’ve completed these adrenaline-pumping jumps, some of which are over 13m high, you’re bound to feel very much alive!
Just as ominously named is Die Hel (‘the hell’) in the Groot Winterhoek Mountains in the same province. This pool with its impressive waterfall is surrounded by cliffs reached by a 15km hike.
Other good Western Cape kloofing spots are found on the Ratel River near the town of Porterville; at Baviaanskloof on Bobbejaans River; at Kamikaze Kanyon on the Steenbras River and on the Nuy River at Montagu. Storms River in the Tsitsikamma National Park on the Garden Route is another particularly scenic choice.
More Mountains and Rivers
In Kwazulu-Natal, there are excellent kloofing sites in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park. Examples are the Ndedema Gorge, which can be combined with rock art viewing in nearby caves, 
and the Mzimkhulu Pipeline. The Mfongozi River near Eshowe is another acclaimed kloofing spot.
In the Magaliesberg in the North West Province, the Mountain Climbing Club of South Africa administers 2 popular kloofing sites, Tonquani and Grootkloof. In this instance adventure seekers can undertake their kloofing unaccompanied by a professional, although the club can refer them to commercial operators. Numbers are restricted and permits must be obtained from the club.
Northern venues to try are the Sabie River near the town of the same name in Mpumalanga, and Sekororo on the Olifants River on the Mpumalanga/Limpopo border.
Private Thrills
In addition, there are a number of kloofing operators who offer programmes on private property, such as the Paarl-based Frixion Adventures, operating in the Limietberge near the spectacularly breathtaking Du Toits Kloof. A day’s programme includes multiple jumps in the Smalblaar Canyon.
There’s also Induna Adventures in Mpumalanga, which operates a 2½ hour bum sliding/cliff jumping thrill from private farmland on the banks of the Sabie River, the highlight of which is a 9m jump. Or try Thaba-Metsi Adventures, situated in Limpopo on the Groot Letaba River, offering excursions in the George’s Valley Gorge, with jumps exceeding 15m and abseiling from up to 25m.
Wet, Wet, Wet
Set aside the best part of a day for your kloofing adventure, although excursions stretching to a couple of days are on offer. Be prepared to get soaked, so consider a dry bag for your possessions and a change of clothing. On chilly days a wetsuit will offer some protection from the cold. Good hiking boots are recommended and as always under the African sun, protect yourself with a liberal amount of sunblock.
Not for the faint-hearted, kloofing offers a ‘radical’ experience of South Africa that will stamp itself indelibly on the memory of every adventure seeker attempting the sport.
© Photographs courtesy and copyright of Michelle Colman
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