Kruger Day 5 - Panorama Drive / Three Rondevals

The heavy rain of the previous day had passed through revealing blue skies over the well manicured gardens of the Idle and Wild guesthouse. We were the only guests on-site which initially felt a little isolating but provided a relaxing environment and an opportunity to explore the birdlife within this picturesque setting.

Dawn broke to a variety of birdsong, the gaudy purple-crested turaco (that also happens to be the National Bird of the National Kingdom of Eswatini) were particularly vocal with plenty of passerines bouncing around the vegetation.

Corrine was the proprietor of Idle and Wild and it was a pleasure to chat with her throughout our three-night stay. The first morning over breakfast our plans to head to the park broke into a brief hiatus as we were convinced that the Panorama Drive to the Three Rondavels Viewpoint would be a worthwhile excursion. Having loosely planned a trip there, it was good to have had validation that it was a place worth visiting.

The drive wound through areas of open agriculture and pine plantations up to Wonder View. It was cool up here, very quiet with very few people around providing great views over the plain.

En route to the Rondavels was a convenience stop at The Chubby Pig. The sheer randomness of its location (and name) drew us in and they served great coffee.

The Three Rondavels was typically touristy but the views were stunning and it was great to spend a couple of hours here.

En route back towards Hazyview was the Graskop Gorge Lift that dropped down to the base of the Motitsi Falls. The weather was changeable and after a dry morning, the afternoon drew in a hefty storm that precipitated a deluge lasting for an hour or so. It was rather fortunate then that we were able to complete the boardwalk circuit before the rain really started to apply its force.

The wet conditions formed this stunning rainbow over the gorge.

The zipwire looked like great fun and finally temptation had it's way. Tethered up, it was a novel way to see the gorge while precariously held by a bit of metal and a few prayers.