The Three Rondavels are the signature view of the Blyde River Canyon — three round, hut-shaped peaks rising above one of the world's great green canyons, on Mpumalanga's Panorama Route. For expats in Gauteng it's the highlight of a classic long-weekend road trip toward Kruger.
What you're looking at
The "rondavels" (named for the traditional round, thatched huts they resemble) tower roughly 700 m above the Blyde River far below. The viewpoint is the star of the Panorama Route, a string of lookouts — God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the canyon itself — that make up one of South Africa's most scenic drives. It's a roadside viewpoint rather than a hike, so it's easy for all ages.
Visiting as a resident
It's about 45 minutes from Graskop and around 5 hours from Johannesburg, so most people base themselves in Graskop or Hazyview and do the Panorama Route over a day or two, often tied in with a Kruger trip. There's a small entry fee at the viewpoint.
Good to know
- Come October–March (or clear mornings) for the best canyon visibility.
- Do it as part of the wider Panorama Route, not a standalone stop.
- It's a drive-up viewpoint — easy for families.
- Pairs naturally with a Kruger self-drive safari.
Related
- Living in South Africa — the full expat guide
- Getting around in South Africa — driving and road trips
- Johannesburg — the usual starting point