Kloofing, or Canyoning is a very Western Cape thing. Getting down a fast flowing river gorge, that is too shallow for kayaking, with too many shear drops into pools and boulder climes for it to be a comfortable valley hike.
Where wetsuits and hiking boots are a must, and a waterproof bag liner will keep your lunch dry.
SuicideGorge is a full day’s work, hiking, climbing, jumping and swimming down this spectacular part of the Boland; up to 17km if you pursue the full route with jumps ranging from 3 to 21 meters depending on the water levels in the river at the time. On this occasion the highest was around 17 meters. It starts with a drive of about an hour from Cape Town to the HottentotsHolland Nature Reserve near Grabouw. Only being open in summer means it’s usually a good hot day, and it is 6km just to get to the water, so after an early start we where at the river before ten.
Here are the pictures from my last trip there in 2009:
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| Fire damage |
The area had a recent velt fire, leaving alot od the place bare. but the valley was as green as ever.
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They start you off with a slide, faster than I thought.
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See more after the jump!
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| Yeh, alot of this. |
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| Slippery as... |
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| ahhhhhhh | |
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| Next time, wetsuits. |
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| Setting up |
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| Bag tossing. |
Davin
Absolutely magic place - although next time a wet-suit is definitely in order, actually come to think of it, so is a decent set of hiking shoes!
ReplyDeleteThis reminds me of the time we did the Hottentots Holand overnight hike here about 2002? I think we criss-crossed the kloofing route a few times, and saw a group of guys in wetsuits push through. As far as I remember, you (Davin) had flu at the time, but insisted on finishing the hike, high on 'Grandpa' headache powders. This summer its a must, I expect an invitation.
ReplyDeleteYes there will be another trip soon. I'll let you know. Also headache powder rocks...
ReplyDelete