The third canyon

Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, after the Great Canyon in Colorado and another one in Namibia. It is known as the "Green Canyon" because it is not so arid as the other two. Since we had been very successfull in spotting animals at Kruger Park, we decided to give it a try in our last day in South Africa.Our first stop there was at God's Window (see above), where on a clear day it is said that Maputo (Mozambique's capital, around 200 km away) can be seen. The name of God's Window comes from a geological formation that disappeared some years ago. I am sorry but my imagination is not enough as to imagine how it could looked like. Anyway, the view from there is impressive and it is easy to understand why this place was thought to be the end of the world in the film "Gods must be crazy".

Afterwards, a visit to Burke's Luck Potholes is almost compulsory. On the place were Blyde river meets another one, there is a very nice waterfall and amazing eroded stones, eroded through centuries in weird and amazing shapes. It is one of the most surprising places I have ever been to. Unfortunately, I could not get very good pictures of it, as the sun seemed to be on the wrong place. Yeah, maybe I should blame my lack of photographic talent but blaming the sun is easier, je, je, je.

Finally, the third stop in our visit was due in The Three Rondavels, just in the middle of the canyon itself. The name of this place comes from the hill in front of the panoramic point, where three parallel peaks resemble three typical African huts. The views are fantastic, although not those one can expect from a canyon. It may be that we think that all canyons are similar to Great Canyon, and somehow, one cannot help feeling a bit disappointed there.Once our visit to Blyde River Canyon was over, we drove all our way to Johannesbourg, through the inner country, with not much to highlight. It is quite similar to Spain, with a hilly landscape and dry yellow vegetation. The main difference were the coal mines that from time to time were found close to the highway. With this entry, I finish my great trip to South Africa. From now on, the Icelandic adventure will become the main topic in my blog.