Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve - Three Rondavels

Running parallel to Blyde River Canyon, are particularly spectacular views. Another magnificent viewpoint is the Three Rondavels View Site, reached on a side road (3km/2mi) which goes off R 532 on the right 13.5km/8.5mi beyond Bourke's Luck Potholes. Above the 700m/2300ft deep gorge rear the Three Rondavels and Maripeskop (1944m/6378ft), the highest peak in the Transvaal Drakensberg, named after a Pulana chief named Maripe who in the early 19th C fled with his tribe to the mountain, from which he successfully beat off attacks by the Swazis.

Far below, at the inflow of the Ohrigstad River, glitters an artificial lake created by the damming of the Blyde River.

R 532 then continues along the edge of the Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve for a few mi, passing Odendaal Camp, a well equipped holiday village, and then turns west to join R 36. Here there is a choice of routes. To the north are a beautiful pass and a reptile park; the direct route runs south.