Mpumalanga Things to Do

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A Rondavel (or Rondawel) is a South African word for a round hut dwelling with a thatched roof. The giant peaks of quartzite and shale that make up the 3 Rondavels have sheer rock walls towering more than 700 meters above the ground. The best time to view these are at sunset when they turn a vivid red colour. Named after the 3 most troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile. From left to right they are: Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

The same viewing platform also gives you the most spectacular view possible of the Blyde River Valley. You can climb out onto large rocks that hand over the void, just be careful!

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This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon, where the Blyde River ("River of Joy") and the Treur River ("River of Sorrow") meet. Over thousands of years the combination of these two rivers created swirling whirlpools. These whirlpools have caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the soft bedrock of the river. The Potholes were named after a gold digger, Tom Burke. He staked a claim nearby that did not produce any gold, but he correctly predicted that large gold deposits would be found in the area.

There is an excellent Visitors Center just inside the entrance where you purchase your tickets. It is a 700m walk to the potholes via specially constructed bridges that give you commanding views of the Potholes. There is also an area of small waterfalls above the Potholes where you can walk in the shallow water. Be Careful! The rocks are slippery and I fell in with my camera.

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God's Window is a breathtaking viewpoint from a high escarpment looking down over 900 meters to the Lowveld below. The view is of a vast Eden-like area, hence its name. Parts of Kruger National Park and Mozambique can be seen in the distance. From the car park you walk up winding trails that at times look like you might fall off into the distance. The actual view site at the top is a Wild Nature Reserve. You can see waterfalls, rock formations, sheer cliffs and canyons. I watched a thunderstorm in one corner of the sky and brilliant sunshine over the rest of the area at the same time. The area seems impossibly large. You can even scramble onto rocks sticking out into space for an even more incredible view. Just be careful.

Wonder View is nearby (2 km up the road), It offers the highest viewpoint of the area at 1730 meters. No climbing needed as the viewpoint is right next to the road.