Mpumalanga Travel Guide

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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.

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The Panorama is a route that will take a driver through some of the most stunning views of the natural wonders of South Africa. It stretches from Sabie, through Graskop on to the Blyde River Canyon. Along the way you can see some of the hidden gems of Mpumalanga including: The Pinnacle, Gods Window, Bourkes Luck Potholes, 3 Rondavels and plenty of waterfalls along your drive. Many South Africans and many Tourists never visit these extraordinary sites for different reasons. If you do come to South Africa, make sure you include the Panorama.

The Official Route is:


TOWNS

Blydepoort
Graskop
Hazyview
Hoedspruit
Lydenburg
Ohrigstad
Pilgrim's Rest
Sabie
White River

ACTIVITIES

Fly Fishing
Hiking
Adventure Sport
Gold Panning
Rafting Sightseeing
Game Viewing
Hot Air Ballooning

Amazingly this can all be seen in 1 day, if you get up early!

Just to set the record straight Pancakes = Crepe's in South Africa. They have quite a few fillings and you can sit outside in the sunshine. Service is at best indifferent, but the food is very good. 4 of us ate here for $15. Next door is a huge gift shop. If you need souvenirs from South Africa, you can do all your shopping here. After your meal, pop over the road to the Biltong Hut for the best Biltong in the known world. You won't be hungry after eating at Harries, but you would not want to miss it!

Favorite Dish: I had the Dutch Bacon and Cheese! Tastes as good as it sounds!