Geography of East South Cape Gabrielle and Giovanni

Physical Characteristics The low-lying coastal zone ( Knysna) Mountainous escarpment that separates it from the high inland plateau. ( Long Kloof, Uniondale) Arid desert areas

Long Kloof

Long Kloof (Langkloof) It is a 160 km long valley in Eastern Cape, South Africa Has been farmed since 1760 and is an important fruit- growing region Bounded by the Kammanassie and Kouga Mountains, in the north and south. The valley is crossed by numerous streams.The road down the Kloof passes through the hamlets and towns. Eg: Avontuur

Knysna

Largest indigenous forest in South Africa Has been exploited for timber since the 18 th century Currently most of the forests are protected However managed timber harvesting still allowed Many of the trees mentioned in the book are endangered namely the stinkwood. The Yellowwood is the national tree of South Africa

Why aren’t other languages besides Dutch and Africaans mentioned in the book?

Flora and Fauna

Bush buck (antelope) Most widespread antelope in sub-saharan Africa Most dangerous medium- sized antelope Will hide when injured and charge impaling the hunter with its horns (possibly why in the book they laid traps).

Blue buck (Blue Antelope) Extinct species of antelope First encountered by European settlers in the 17 th century who noticed they were rare. Were extinct by around 1800 Four left today mounted in museums Hunted mainly for their skin

Stink Wood Endangered Species. Strong smell when just felled.

African elephant Largest living terrestrial animal Among the most highly intelligent species; compared to humans, apes and some species of dolphins Exhibit a wide variety of behaviours: grief, cooperation, memory etc.

Yellow wood National Tree of South Africa. Now little cut due to over-exploitation in the past.

Ostriches Fightless birds native to Africa Farmed around the world, particularly for its feathers, which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters

Aloe Vera Species of succulent plant that probably originated in Northern Africa Large scale agricultural production of aloe vera occurs in South Africa to make aloe vera gel for cosmetics.

Climate Cli

Climate Semi-arid Considerable variation in climate as well as topography Great inland Karoo plateau, where rocky hills and mountains rise from sparsely populated scrubland is very dry (Long Kloof). Extremely hot in the summer, icy in winter. Eastern coastline is lush and well watered. Somewhat tropical (Knysna)