Heuningneskloof is an unobtrusive kloof tucked into a fold in the hills in the vicinity of Villiersdorp. To look at a map or a Google Earth image it doesn’t look like much, but it is a bit of a hidden gem. A delightful series of narrow defiles, small waterfalls and pools, some of which are easy jumps others that make short to mid-length (up to 30m) but entertaining abseils. There are no deep gorges or 100m technical falls to negotiate. Just a watery, verdant playground that twists and turns it way down a slabby cliff bound valley.
This was our destination on 26 November, with Andrew Beetge leading. The party of 11 set off from Cape Town with a “so so” forecast that suggested black southeaster cloud and light rain at times. On the drive there it looked just as forecast and we were glad we had all brought along wetsuits. But as it turned out the weather backed off and after a two hour slog up to the start point we geared up and set off down the kloof negotiating the jumps and short swims that provided the warm-up to the start of the abseils.
We very quickly got into to our rhythm with the front runners setting up each abseils while the tail end kept clearing the ropes from the back and bringing them to the front for re-use. In all about 10 abseils and some fun (not too hectically high) jumps got the group down to the exit point from where it takes about an hour to get back to the cars. The kloofing part of the trip took seven hours with a fit party who could boulder hop. So it makes a full day out (10 hours on the go including the walks in and out) and the early start was essential. The water was a little chilly but the outing was greatly enjoyed by all who came along.
Charles Morrison
Photos supplied by Charles Morrison
