If you’ve ever peered over the edge of the Blyde River Canyon, you’ll know what it is to feel the bigness of the world. But to feel its stillness, you need to see it at sunrise. And there’s just one place to do that – the Upper Viewpoint at this resort. And what a world you see from here.
Image by Tyson Jospon
Below, the Blydepoort Dam narrows and curves around a large sandstone formation before disappearing beneath the Three Rondavels on its journey south. It’s unimaginably still as I stand there, until a Sekukhune at lizard scurries out from beneath a rock. From here I can take a marked trail some way down into the canyon. There’s another view to enjoy – one over the Kadisi River Valley that forks off from the canyon and cuts a deep trench into the green, cycad-specked hills.
You need to pick your stone chalet wisely – although the resort is perched on a ridge, careful preservation of surrounding ora means there are just a handful of chalets high enough to deliver this magical view directly from their decks (chalets 73–98 are best). To round out a day of ‘highs’, I recommend a short drive to the Three Rondavels Viewpoint on the next ridge. Take binocs to see the sandstone formations and, if you follow the concrete pathway to the northernmost point, you might even see the spot you were standing at that very morning.
Image by Tyson Jopson
Do it
Accommodation is self-catering and varies from one bedroom two-sleeper chalets to six-sleeper chalets with a lounge. There’s a campsite, restaurant, shop and an ATM. Chalets are from R944 for two people and R2,472 for six. Camping is from R192 per stand plus R76 per person (max eight per stand). 0861226966. Hiking trails are free for staying guests, R50 for day visitors.
The Three Rondavels Viewpoint is open from 7.30am to 6pm and costs R10 per vehicle. 0137502136.
Image by Tyson Jopson
