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

See Examples For:

kloof

There must be water or new grass, or some such attraction at the head of the kloof.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden

As for the haunted kloof, it lies to this day in desolation black and utter.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden

It was clear that the game had fed slowly and carelessly towards the head of the kloof; their rifles were loaded and cocked; the time of action was very near.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden

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 Louise Vescelius-Sheldon

Since Jan Prinsloo’s fearful ending, which will be hereafter alluded to, the kloof has borne an evil reputation.

From From Veldt Camp Fires by H.A. Bryden