Riviersonderend Kloof
verified
Ungraded
High flood risk
Grabouw, Western Cape
The introductory kloofing route in Hottentots Holland, lower in the Riviersonderend drainage with the same scenery and cold pools as Suicide Gorge minus the highest jumps.
Starts just off the Landdroskop Jeep Track. CapeNature explicitly markets this as the beginner option for kloofers not ready to commit to the 14 m jump on Suicide. Reasonable fitness, willingness to swim in cold water, and no fear of heights are still mandatory. Some published distances list 14.4 km, others 15 km. Same gate hours and seasonal closure as Suicide.
Logistics
| Manager | CapeNature (Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve) |
|---|---|
| Permit | Permit required, booking via CapeNature reservations (021 483 0190, reservation.alert@capenature.co.za). Same booking system as Suicide Gorge. |
| Distance | 8.9 to 9.3 (14.4 to 15 km) |
| Time | 8 to 8.5 hr |
| Technical | Kloofing route, the beginner counterpart to Suicide Gorge in the same reserve. Lies lower down the Riviersonderend river. Highest compulsory jump is 7 m; most jumps can be done from lower spots. No abseils. Continuous swimming in cold mountain water. Lightweight footwear and wetsuit advisable. |
| Season | Nov 1 to Apr 30 (closed in winter; river runs too high) |
| Flood risk | High in shoulder season. CapeNature closes the trail after heavy rains. |
| Vehicle access | 2WD paved (R321 from Grabouw to Nuweberg gate) |
| Crowd | Moderate in season, less than Suicide Gorge |
| Coordinates | -34.0539, 19.0628 |