On our way to God's Window, the fog at the mountain top closed the curtains on this magnificent view. So we visited two other sites at lower altitudes that were fine examples of the majesty of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. The Drakensberg is the name given to the eastern portion of the Great Escarpment, which encloses the central Southern African plateau.
Mac Mac Falls
Now a national monument, the waterfall was not always split in two. Gold miners in the area for the gold rush blasted the originally single stream to try and reach the gold-bearing reef over which it drops. Mac Mac tends to revert to one fall during the dry season. There was only one waterfall during our visit.
While we were visiting the falls, we also had an opportunity to do some shopping at the falls with local vendors. The falls are maintained by the government, but the proceeds from the sales of local merchandise goes directly to the families in the nearby villages. Pictured above are a few of our ladies shopping at one of the vendor stalls.
Bourke's Luck Potholes
These magnificent rock formations have to be seen to be believed. This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Through countless eons the swirling whirlpools which occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river.
Day 6 - Sunday, October 12, 2014
Today, the sun rose and brightened the sky to create a beautiful day for traveling to the top of the Drakensberg Mountain Range. We are looking forward to an even more awesome viewing experience.
The Pinnacle Rock
The Pinnacle Rock, a tower-like freestanding quartzite buttress rises above the dense indigenous forest in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.
The Three Rondavels
The word "Rondavel" is a South African word that refers to a round hut-like dwelling (usually with a thatched roof). The three well known gigantic peaks of quartzite and shale with their sheer rock walls tower more than 700 m above the surrounding landscape. These peaks are named after the three most troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile - they are (from left to right) Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.
Bernice Vance -- "Witnessing the ecosystem of Kruger National
Park South Africa urges you to acknowledge the unity,wisdom, power and complexity of the Holy Trinity. "
Pat Flowers -- "We captured many amazing photos at the Kruger National Park and in the Drakensberg Mountains. But the stories shared with new friends in the Bono Travel van were equally as exhilarating."
God's Window
No brochure, website or travel magazine will prepare you for the spectacular view from God’s Window, one of the most scenic vantage points in South Africa, situated along the Panorama Route in the Mpumalanga Province. God’s Window is one the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve’s most spectacular viewpoints, with astonishing views over the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. On a clear day, you'll be able to see over the famous Kruger National Park towards the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa’s border Mozambique.
We have seen the splendor of South Africa's natural wonders -- the animals of the Kruger National Park, and the majesty of the Drakensberg Mountains. There is more to come!
Roger Madison, CEO
iZania, LLC
NO COMMENT MPUMALANGA IS THE MOST MARVELOUS COUNTRY
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