My Experience of Adventure and Traveling to Natural Scenic Spots - Steemit Engagement Season 4 | The Drakensberg Mountain

^{Drakensberg Mountain Range}

“Al lê die berge nog so blou” is a South African folk song, a song I learned as a tiny tot.

It translates to “Even if the mountains are still so blue”. True to this song, the beauty of the mountain I am going to introduce you to today will never be forgotten.

A few years ago my stepson learned about South Africa and the various provinces. He wanted to know why the province of Mpumalanga is called “Place of the rising sun”. On the spur of the moment, we decide to make the 528 km trip to show the kids the reason for this name.

A trip the kids will remember for a very long time.

I invite you to enjoy the scenery and panoramic views of one of South Africa’s most beautiful mountain ranges, the Drakensberg Mountain, translated, “Dragon Mountains”.

This mountain range stretch over a distance of over 1,000 kilometers and includes 5 of the 9 provinces of South Africa. It also forms the border between South Africa and Lesotho with the highest point, Thabana Ntlenvana standing at 3,482 m.

The specific area I want to introduce you to is by far the most scenic drive in South Africa and rated among the top in the world. The road takes you from outside the town of Lydenburg in the province of Mpumalanga, from the foot of one of the mountain passes, the Long Tom Pass to where it ends by the Echo Caves.

On the drive of +/-160 km, you will find various points of interest. The route is well known as the “Panorama Route” due to the panoramic views and is now also a protected area.

Our first stop is at the Blyde River Canyon.

^{Blyde River Canyon}

The river was given the name “Blyde” in 1844 as a group of Dutch who set up their camp along the bed was filled with joy when members of the group returned from their expedition trip to Mozambique.

The word “bly” translate to “joy or happy” therefore the Blyde River is also known as the “River of Joy or River of Happy”.

The area of the Blyde River Canyon is a well-known tourist attraction. It is the world’s third largest canyon as it stretches over an area of 26 km and +/- 800 m deep.

Views from the top of the canyon are absolutely breath-taking.

The canyon forms part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and can be explored by car and later on foot.

Due to the vegetation of the reserve, the canyon is known as the world’s greenest canyon.
According to scientists the altitude of the area together with the variation of temperature are the main reasons for the diverse plant growth of 1,000+ plant species.

It is also home to various animal species.

The second stop is the “Three Rondavels” which rise 699,8 m.

^{Three Rondavels}

The “Three Rondavels” can be seen from the viewpoint of the canyon from where they overlook the depths of the canyon.

The name derives from the three round mountain points which are shaped like an African hut or “rondavel”. The shapes are the result of years of erosion overlaying soft stone leaving the slate and quartzite visible at the top.
It is one of South Africa’s natural wonders.

The “Three Rondavels” is often referred to as the “Three Sisters” or the “Chiefs Troublesome Wives”.
Chief Mashile's, an ex local chief of the area, named the three tops after his three most difficult wives, namely Magabolle, Maseroto, and Mogoladikwe.

Cars are parked at a central point from where you can take numerous pathways which will allow you to view this spectacular geological wonder from various angles.

Late afternoon leaves you with the best views as the “Three Rondavels” emit an amber glow.

^{The Three Rondavels early in the morning}

Tourists are warned not to cross the boundaries as they can get excited to capture the best view of the “Three Rondavels”.

Our last stop is at “Gods Window”

^{God’s Window}

This picturesque outlook is a well-known landmark of South Africa. It leaves you with kilometers of view of farms, game reserves and, green indigenous forest with vertical cliffs dropping 700 m in front of you.

On clear and sunny days you will be able to look over the well known Kruger National Park towards the border of Mozambique in the distance.

It was named “Gods Window” as a result of these panoramic views that goes on as far as the eye can see.

In total there are three viewpoints with places to unpack your picnic basket. You can also take a walking trail to Quartzkop and the “Rain Forest” which host the beauty of a natural garden.

“Gods Window” is one of the best views of nature you will ever see.

A visit to one of the stalls is a must as you cannot leave without a souvenir.

It is hard to believe that these spots are all part of one mountain, the Drakensberg.

During our visit, we were lucky to see African fish eagles in action.

It was amazing seeing these birds spreading their wings “soaring on the wings of the wind” over the canyon.

We sat listening to their calls until it was nearly dark.

An unforgettable experience.

Entry to these places is not expensive which leaves you with a bit extra to spend on a good meal and refreshments on the road.

As we did the trip a few years ago and also stayed over at one of the holiday resorts in a self-catering unit I cannot remember the total cost. I don’t think a day visit will cost more than R 600.00 (+/- 152 STEEM) for a family of four and of course excluding fuel costs.

A full-day guided bus tour will cost +/- R 1,500.00 (+/- 380 STEEM) per adult and also includes a visit to the nearby towns.

Will I go back? For sure!

Just from digging up the photos and looking at them makes me long to go back. It was one of the most relaxed and peaceful getaways I had in my life.

Will I recommend it to locals and tourists? For sure!

There is so much more to see than what I have mentioned in the post. A visit to this piece of heaven must be on all bucket lists.

Locations:
Blyde River Canyon
Three Rondavels
God’s Window

^{Lunch next to the river}

I invite:
@mr-sentu
@simonnwigwe
@morpheuessa

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