A trio of mountain tops: The Three Rondavels, Mpumalanga

TThe Three Rondavels on Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route give a spectacular view over the Blyde River Canyon. Shaped like traditional African beehive huts, the Three Rondavels form three huge pinnacles of rock rising above the canyon below. 

 

Once known as the Three Sisters, the geological formations known today as The Three Rondavels, are one of the many natural highlights along Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. 

 

South Africans know the rondavel as a traditional beehive-shaped hut built and used over centuries by indigenous people as their homes. If you've been or plan to go to the Kruger National Park, you'll know that some camp accommodation is in rondavels. 

 

The Three Rondavels are spectacular peaks which look exactly like rondavels ­– round and fat, rising to a peaked top, but much, much higher than any traditional dwelling. In fact, when you stand on the viewpoint, 1 380m above sea level with the Blyde River Canyon below, you'll still be looking up at those three distinctive peaks which tower 700m above the surrounding countryside. 

 

These three geological formations were also once known as 'The Chief and his Three Wives'. The flat-topped peak was named Mapjaneng ('the chief') after a legendary Bapedi chief, Maripi Mashile, who defeated invading Swazis in a great battle near here. The three peaks are named after his three wives (from left to right) – Magabolie, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto. 

 

How were these magnificent mountains formed? Apparently erosion wore away the soft underlying stone, leaving exposed slate and quartzite that shape these dramatic rock formations. 

 

Be surefooted at the viewpoint, especially as there's no rail, and then just drink in the dramatic view with the canyon and the Blyde River dam way below you. Expect spectacular African sunsets if you're there as the sun goes down. 

 

Don’t miss other natural wonders on the Panorama Route such as Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window, aptly named for its spectacular views. 

 

 

Travel tips & planning info 

 

Who to contact 

Mpumalanga Tourism Authority 

Tel: +27 (0) 13 759 5300/01 

Fax: +27 (0) 13 755 3928 

Email: info@mtpa.co.za 

 

 

How to get there 

 

Take the R532 from Graskop to the Blyde River Canyon that begins at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and ends at the Three Rondavels. 

 

Best time to visit 

 

Summer (October to March) is best because the dry conditions mean no clouds so you’ll get excellent views. But it's lovely to visit this area at any time of year. 

 

Things to do  

 

From Graskop, the Panorama Route takes in the Pinnacle, God's Window, Wonder View, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Lowveld View and the Three Rondavels, before returning to Graskop. 

 

Get around 

It's best to drive yourself, as you can then decide how long you want to spend at each scenic point. You could also hire a guide or do a guided tour of the Panorama Route. 

 

What to pack  

Sunscreen, hat, water and comfortable walking shoes. Make sure you pack binoculars and a camera to get a close up of the wildlife and capture the magnificent scenery. 

 

 

Related links 

• Mpumalanga Tourism Authority  
• Graskop Tourism