Клуф: Природа, образование и транспортный узел Южной Африки.

the town near Durban, South Africa

The M13 highway (built in the 1940s) intersects Kloof connecting the town to Pinetown, Westville and Durban to the east and Gillitts, Hillcrest and Pietermaritzburg (via the N3) to the west. As from 16 June this forms part of the route of the annual Comrades Marathon, an approximately ultra marathon run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban since 1924.

Kloof has a state school network that consists of Kloof High School, Forest View Primary School, Kloof Senior Primary School, Kloof Junior Primary School and Kloof Pre Primary School. There are also several private schools located in Kloof including Thomas More College and St Mary's Diocesan School for Girls. In the broader area there is also Highbury Preparatory School in Hillcrest and Kearsney College in Botha's Hill.

The many trees that define Kloof provide for an abundance of birds, including the Crowned eagle. Other wildlife has been preserved in greenbelt areas such as the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, which includes the Kloof Gorge, and the Everton Conservancy. The Reserve is centered on the main gorge cut by the eMolweni River, and extends in total 532 ha (1,315 ac). It was established by the Natal Parks Board in 1950. The area around the gorge was once the habitat of leopards and a leopard features prominently on the Kloof crest. (The stuffed leopard in the Durban Museum reportedly was shot in the area). Chacma baboon were once re introduced to the reserve, but unfortunately, after becoming troublesome, were removed. Bushpig may also be found in the reserve. Both would likely have formed part of the diet of the leopard. Many porcupine are still present in open areas like the local Kloof and Upper Highway SPCA grounds. Genets are often found in forest areas frequent trees looking for prey.

Average yearly rainfall is , based on records which date back to 1935. The rainy season is from the October to March summer months, while winters tend to be very dry. Summer temperatures range from , with winter temperatures between .

Private botanical gardens which were established by a well known horticulturalist are now the gardens of a hotel known as the Makaranga Lodge after tall trees planted in the gardens. Visitors are able to arrange guided tours.

The Kloof Country Club includes a highly rated 18 hole golf course, which was the only golf course outside of Durban for many years. The M13 highway runs parallel to it.

The Krantzview Nature Reserve is also home to popular rock climbing routes which are used by beginners and experts. It is one of the stomping grounds of sport and traditional rock climbing and if you are more of a spectator, the gorge has easily accessible hiking trails that lead to breath taking views.