Three Rondavels

The Three Rondavels are three rounded peaks rising from the wall of the Blyde River Canyon, capped with vegetation that from a distance looks like the thatched roofs of traditional round houses, which is where the name comes from. The older name links them to the wives of Maripe Mashile, a Bapedi chief who fought the Swazi in this area, and the peak beside them is called Mapjaneng after him. Below, the Blyde River fills the dam in a canyon of red quartzite and shale that runs about twenty-five kilometres and is among the largest green canyons in the world - green because unlike Arizona this one carries subtropical vegetation on its walls. Viewpoints are a short walk from parking on a paved path. The surrounding reserve covers some 29,000 hectares and rises to 1,944 metres on Mariepskop. The canyon holds cliff-nesting raptors, and the boat trip on the dam far below approaches Kadishi tufa waterfall from the water.

What you'll find

• The three peaks - rounded summits with vegetation tops resembling thatched houses.
• The Bapedi names - peaks named for a chief's wives, with his own beside them.
• The green canyon - twenty-five kilometres of red rock carrying subtropical vegetation.
• The dam below - the Blyde reservoir at the foot of the cliffs.

When to go

April to September for clearer air. One hour. Morning light suits the peaks.

What to expect

Cloud and haze close the view regularly, especially in summer. It is a viewpoint with a fee and a short path - fifteen minutes covers it. Curio stalls crowd the parking. Edges are fenced but the drop is severe.

Nearby

Bourke's Luck Potholes are south; the Kadishi boat trip leaves from Swadini below.

Key facts