Geography of East South CapeGabrielle and Giovanni

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

Long KloofLong 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

KnysnaKnysna

Knysna Largest indigenous forest in South AfricaHas been exploited for timber since the 18th centuryCurrently most of the forests are protectedHowever managed timber harvesting still allowedMany 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

Flora and Fauna

Bush buck (antelope)Most widespread antelope in sub-saharan AfricaMost dangerous medium-sized antelopeWill 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 antelopeFirst encountered by European settlers in the 17th century who noticed they were rare.Were extinct by around 1800Four left today mounted in museumsHunted mainly for their skin

Stink Wood Endangered Species. Strong smell when just felled.

African elephantLargest living terrestrial animalAmong the most highly intelligent species; compared to humans, apes and some species of dolphinsExhibit a wide variety of behaviours: grief, cooperation, memory etc.

Yellow wood

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

OstrichesFightless birds native to AfricaFarmed around the world, particularly for its feathers, which are decorative and are also used as feather dusters

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

ClimateClimateCli

ClimateSemi-aridConsiderable variation in climate as well as topographyGreat 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)