Riviersonderend Mountains

Last updated

Riviersonderend Mountains
Satellite image of Cape peninsula, Riviersonderend, a.jpg
Satellite image of the western section of the range, looking east
Highest point
PeakPilaarkop
Elevation 1,654 m (5,427 ft)
Listing List of mountain ranges of South Africa
Coordinates 33°59′52″S19°35′40″E / 33.99778°S 19.59444°E / -33.99778; 19.59444 Coordinates: 33°59′52″S19°35′40″E / 33.99778°S 19.59444°E / -33.99778; 19.59444
Dimensions
Length71 km (44 mi)W/E
Width33 km (21 mi)N/S
Geography
South Africa relief location map.svg
Red triangle with thick white border.svg
Riviersonderend Mountains
Country South Africa
Province Western Cape
Parent range Western Cape System
Geology
Orogeny Cape Fold Belt
Age of rock Paleoproterozoic
Type of rock Sandstone
Climbing
Easiest route From Greyton

The Riviersonderend Mountains are a mountain range in the Cape Fold Belt of the Western Cape province of South Africa. They run east to west from Riviersonderend to Villiersdorp, separating the Breede River Valley from the Overberg region. They are composed of Table Mountain Sandstone and attain a maximum height near McGregor and Riviersonderend as Pilaarkop (Afrikaans : Pillar Head (1654m)). The ranges are rich in fynbos flora and experience a typical Mediterranean climate.

The name stems from the Sonderend River, and was originally a literal translation of the Khoi-khoi name "Kannakamkanna" ("river without end") into Afrikaans. [1]

Riviersonderend Mountains from the N2 highway near the town of Riviersonderend Riviersonderend Mountains.jpg
Riviersonderend Mountains from the N2 highway near the town of Riviersonderend

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References

  1. "Intro (English) to the Resolutions of Cape of Good Hope / Place names of Khoi origin". www.tanap.net. Archived from the original on 21 March 2005.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)