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

He was helpful and agreeable during the walk; and his appreciation of everything when they descended into the green twilight of the kloof pleased the girl: she shared in his enthusiasm.

From The Stronger Influence by Young, F.E. Mills

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

I remember how terrified I was at the Zuurberg that day, down the kloof, when you crashed through the bushes.

From The Stronger Influence by Young, F.E. Mills

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.

If, however, they rode straight up the kloof they would probably drive the game right over the hills, where to follow would be difficult and shooting not easy.

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