Where Are the Three Rondavels Located? — Three Rondavels (Blyde River Canyon)

Where Are the Three Rondavels Located?

Discover exactly where the Three Rondavels are, how to reach the Blyde River Canyon viewpoint in Mpumalanga, the story behind their name, coordinates, entrance and visiting tips for the Panorama Route.

Quick answer

The Three Rondavels are a trio of round-topped peaks on the rim of the Blyde River Canyon in northern Mpumalanga, South Africa. The landmark is a highlight on the Panorama Route and is visible from a dedicated viewpoint inside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

Exact location & coordinates

The most commonly cited coordinates for the Three Rondavels viewpoint are −24.57366, 30.79849 (latitude, longitude). The viewpoint sits on the escarpment above the Blyde River Canyon near Graskop on the Panorama Route. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

Which reserve manages the site?

The Three Rondavels lie inside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (also called Motlatse Canyon in local usage). The reserve is managed under the provincial parks arrangement with the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency acting as the formal management authority in partnership arrangements for the reserve. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

How to get there (practical travel info)

The Three Rondavels viewpoint is reached from the Panorama Route roads (R532 / R536). The scenic rim drive (R532) links the viewpoint with Bourke’s Luck Potholes and other Panorama Route stops. The viewpoint has marked pull-offs and a dedicated lookout area for photos and short walks. Graskop is the nearest service town. (mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za)

Name, story and geology (brief)

Locally the formation is sometimes called “The Chief and His Three Wives.” The flat-topped peak nearby is named Mapjaneng (the chief), and the three rounded peaks have traditional names linked to the wives of a local chief (commonly given as Magabolie, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto). The shapes are the result of long-term erosion of the escarpment’s hard quartzite and shale layers. While the names come from local legend, the dramatic forms are geological. (South Africa)

Entrance fees & opening info (what to check)

Entry rules, fees and opening hours for the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and specific viewpoints can change. Always check the official Mpumalanga parks or Blyde River Canyon visitor pages before travelling for current entrance fees and any access notices. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

SEO-friendly headings and structure (for this page)

Use these headings on the page to help search engines and readers:
H1: Where Are the Three Rondavels Located?
H2: Exact location & coordinates
H2: How to get there — Panorama Route access
H2: The story behind the name
H2: Best time to visit & tips
H2: FAQ

Best time to visit & quick tips

Visit in clear weather for the best long-distance views and photos. Sunrise and late-afternoon light often give the best colour and depth.
Combine the stop with Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window on a single Panorama Route day trip.
The viewpoint is accessible from paved regional roads, but local weather can affect visibility — check local forecasts before you go. (graskop.co.za)

Short FAQ (good for featured snippets)

Q: Where are the Three Rondavels?
A: On the rim of the Blyde River Canyon in northern Mpumalanga, South Africa (coordinates −24.57366, 30.79849). (Mpumalanga Tourism)

Q: Are the Three Rondavels inside a reserve?
A: Yes — they are within the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

Q: What roads lead to the viewpoint?
A: The Panorama Route’s R532 and R536 provide access; the viewpoint sits along the canyon rim between Bourke’s Luck and Graskop. (mountainpassessouthafrica.co.za)

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: Fees and hours vary — check Mpumalanga parks or the reserve’s official pages for the latest information. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

Sources (official & credible)

Mpumalanga tourism pages and Blyde River Canyon reserve information were used to verify coordinates, management and access details. Key references: Mpumalanga tourism (Three Rondavels & Panorama Route), Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve management pages, and SouthAfrica.net Panorama Route feature. (Mpumalanga Tourism)

Where Are the Three Rondavels Located