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

One of them was ordered to act as sentry near the kloof, and bring back word at once should any movement take place.

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

But whether the kloof leads right through the hill to the country beyond I can’t tell.

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)

Finally, Goodrick agreed to buy the farm, together with part of the stock, and, early on the following morning, left the kloof.

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

The wonderful clearness of the atmosphere made every bold wrinkle on the face of the cliffs, the direction of the water courses, every curve of the kloof to be clearly discovered.

From Yankee Girls in Zulu Land by Vescelius-Sheldon, Louise