Kaaimans River

Kaaimans River
Kaaimansrivier
River
Tide coming up the estuary of the Kaaimans River
Name origin: Named kaaiman after leguaan, a species of Monitor Lizard which was formerly found in the river.[1]
Nickname: Keeromrivier
Country	South Africa
Province	Western Cape
Region	Garden Route
Source	N of George
- location	Outeniqua Mountains
Mouth	Indian Ocean
- location	W of Wilderness, Western Cape
- elevation	0 m (0 ft)
- coordinates	33°59′52″S 22°33′25″E / 33.99778°S 22.55694°ECoordinates: 33°59′52″S 22°33′25″E / 33.99778°S 22.55694°E
Location of the Kaaimans River mouth

Ox-wagon crossing the Kaaimans River in the late 19th century

The Kaaimans River (Afrikaans: Kaaimansrivier), also known as Keerom River, is a river in the Western Cape, South Africa. The mouth of the river lies near Wilderness.^[2] Further upriver, the Kaaimans River Gorge is an ideal place for hiking and whitewater kayaking.^[3]

The nearest large towns are Mossel Bay and George.

History

The Kaimaans River was formerly an obstacle for travellers, whose wagons had to wait sometimes for weeks before being able to cross it safely when it ran full of water. It was also nicknamed "Keeromrivier" (Turnabout River) because, faced with the raging waters, some travellers had to turn and try to find another way to reach their destination. Finally this obstacle was overcome when the Seven Passes Road was built by Thomas Charles John Bain.^[4]

This river has a tidal estuary at its mouth that was crossed by a bridge, for the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe, the last passenger steam train in Africa that finally ended operation in June 2009.

See also

• List of rivers of South Africa
• Kaaimans Rivier Pass

References

1. Dictionary of Southern African Place Names
2. Kaaimans River Mouth Wilderness
3. River Gorge
4. Idille History

External links

• Wilderness’s Kaaimans river rescue
• Southern African Mountain Passes - Kaaimans River Pass
• Kaaimans River - Accommodation