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Three Rondavels and Mapjaneng, South Africa. Photo by Lukas Kaffer.

Top 10 Fascinating Facts about the Three Rondavels

The Three Rondavels are an ancient geological wonder located in the Blyde River Canyon region of South Africa. The Three Rondavels are three grassy mountain tops with slightly pointed peaks.

They are very similar to the traditional round or oval rondavels or African homesteads, made from local materials. They are also known as the Three Sisters, which may be confused with a similar threesome visible from the N1 road in the Northern Cape, far to the south.

The distant high plateau of Mariepskop may be visible behind the rondavels. Aside from the dam, the isolated Thabaneng hill is known as the “sundial” or “moving shadow mountain.” The position of its shadow is said to indicate the time of day.

On a clear day, the lookout point offers panoramic views. From here, one can see the Three Rondavels on the other side of the Blyde River canyon, which is surrounded on all sides by promontories of the northern Drakensberg range.

1. The peaks were named after Chief Maripi’s troublesome wives

The peaks’ names honor a 19th-century chief named Maripi and three of his wives. Mapjaneng, “the chief,” the flat-topped peak adjacent to the rondavels, is remembered for repelling invading Swazis in a memorable battle. Magabolle, Mogoladikwe, and Maseroto are the names of three of his more troublesome wives.

2. The Three Rondavels rise 2,296 feet

The Blyde River Canyon & the Three Rondavels in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Photo by Mmullie (WMF).

The rock walls rise to a height of about 700 meters above the surrounding countryside.

Behind the Three Rondavels is a 2300-foot deep ravine where the Maripeskop stands at 1944 meters. It’s named after the Pulana chief, Maripe, who fled to that mountain with his tribe in the early nineteenth century to escape Swazi attacks.

3. The Three Rondavels’ Formation

The distinctive shapes of the Three Rondavels are the result of erosion. The weather whittled and washed away the softer underlying stone, revealing the tougher slate and quartzite layers.

4. Blyde River Canyon provides a spectacular view of the Three Rondavels

Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondavels. Photo by South African Tourism.

The Blyde River Canyon provides a magnificent view of the Three Rondavels, displaying mother nature at its best. Many tourists take refuge in the canyon to gaze over the awesome sight of the Three Rondavels or the three sisters.

The scene is breathtakingly beautiful, and a single glance is insufficient to take in the breathtaking panorama. The vast canyon that people visit in conjunction with the Three Rondavels is a beautiful place in its own right. There are beautiful craggy slopes covered in lush green foliage that make a beautiful backdrop for selfies.

5. Entrance fee for the Three Rondavels

Three Rondavels should be at the top of your list of things to do in Mpumalanga. The three rondavels provide a breathtaking view of the Blyde River Canyon. The entrance fee for the Three Rondavels is R35 per adult and R20 per child.

The site, along with other canyon features such as God’s Window, Lisbon Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes. It is a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.

6. Getting to the Three Rondavels

The Three Rondavels. Photo by Gareth Williams.

The canyon area is best reached by car. Well-maintained roads connect scenic points, which are usually surrounded by walking trails if you want to explore the canyon on foot. Driving distances from Graskop are 33 miles/53 kilometers, Nelspruit is 88 miles/142 kilometers, and Johannesburg is 265 miles/427 kilometers.

The nearest international airport for international visitors is the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit.

7. Best time to visit the Three Rondavels

The Blyde River Canyon & the Three Rondavels in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Photo by Mmullie (WMF).

The lookout point at Three Rondavels is open all year. Most visitors come go between October and March, when the weather is dry and the views are clearer. The weather on the day you plan to visit is most important. If the site is shrouded in mist, it will be difficult to enjoy the trip to its fullest. You will have to wait until the weather clears.

There are numerous walkways and pathways to follow for a different perspective from various angles. One must be cautious of the strong winds that are common in the area. En route, look for a sign to “God’s Window,” a vantage point from which to enjoy the spectacular views of the Grand Canyon and the surrounding hills.

8. Several species call Three Rondavels home

Several animals, including baboons, live on higher plateaus, while hippos and crocodiles live in the lowlands. In addition, several fish species, including trout and bass, can be found in the reserve’s rivers. The reserve is also home to several bird species, including the African fish eagle.

9. Three Rondavels has a diverse vegetation

Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Photo by Claudirene.

The vegetation in the area is also diverse. The high variations in temperature, pedology, geology, and altitude are to blame for the flora’s diversity. Over 1,000 plant species have been discovered within the canyon, including orchids, cycad, and hundreds more. Native forests cover approximately 7.3 percent of the total land area.

10. Gauteng tourist falls to his death at Three Rondavels

A Gauteng tourist died after falling down at the Three Rondavels mountain top near Graskop. According to Sergeant Gerald Sedibe, the man died after falling through a demarcated area at the world-renowned tourist destination.

His body was recovered by police and emergency personnel. The man wasn’t identified, but he was thought to be 34 years old. Sedibe warned the public to follow the rules and stay within the boundaries of tourist attractions.

Thulani Sithole, 18, a student also died at Three Rondavels. He was one of 50 students who went on a day trip to the area over the weekend. Sithole climbed over the viewing platform and stood on the edge of the precipice around 3.30 p.m.

He lost his balance and died in front of his friend, Devine Slauwe. Rescue workers were called, but because it was getting dark, they couldn’t find Sithole’s body until the next day.