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Riviersonderend Mountains

Coordinates: 33°59′52″S 19°35′40″E / 33.99778°S 19.59444°E / -33.99778; 19.59444
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Riviersonderend Mountains
Satellite image of the western section of the range, looking east
Highest point
PeakPilaarkop
Elevation1,654 m (5,427 ft)
ListingList of mountain ranges of South Africa
Coordinates33°59′52″S 19°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
Riviersonderend Mountains is located in South Africa
Riviersonderend Mountains
Riviersonderend Mountains
CountrySouth Africa
ProvinceWestern Cape
Parent rangeWestern Cape System
Geology
OrogenyCape Fold Belt
Age of rockPaleoproterozoic
Type of rockSandstone
Climbing
Easiest routeFrom 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

References

[edit]
  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)