The recent long weekend gave our boarders the opportunity to experience one of our country’s most beautiful and scenic routes, the Panorama Route which explores the Mpumalanga highlands and the great escarpment of the Drakensberg. From the top of these rugged mountains, there are stunning views of the Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on earth, and the African Lowveld grasslands which stretch as far as the eye can see. It was so wonderful for them to get out and do sightseeing all the while enjoying the magnificence that this area has to offer.
Their experience started at the Three Rondawels which are set high above the Blyde Dam.These magnificent rondawel-shaped formations are literally etched into the Blyde River Canyon wall.
Then they went off toBourke's Luck Potholes. These water sculpted pits are the result of decades of swirling eddies of water where the Treur River meets the Blyde River, the tumult of which caused extensive water erosion over time, creating the most incredible geological structures.
Finally, the ‘travellers’ ended their trip at God's Window. With magnificent views, canyons, rock formations and waterfalls, God's Window is truly an area of spectacular scenic splendour, a picture- perfect spot aptly named.
The boarding house family shared one of the most memorable and exiting sightseeing experiences of their lives, a day filled with adventure and laughter.
NkatekoSethole, Grade 9:
“The boarding house trip was an awesome experience for me, mainly because it was my first time going to the Three Rondawels and God's Window. I'm grateful that Southern Cross Schools gave me such precious memories.”
Edmund Shabangu, Grade 11:
“I enjoyed gazing at the rock stacking at Bourke’s Luck Potholes in Graskop, Mpumalanga which for centuries, have carried a spiritual meaning across all cultures.The act of balancing stones carries with it a practice of patience and a physical effort of creating balance. Each rock signifies an intention of grace for thankfulness, or offered up for another need.”
Gemma-Lee Wiltshire, Grade 10:
“I enjoyed the potholes the most of the entire trip, where we all attempted to walk through the water without falling due to the strong current and slippery rocks beneath our feet. It made me happy that people were eager to do it and even those who didn't, were also constantly laughing while watching and just having a good time being out of the boarding house.”
Nhlayiseko Mzimba, Grade 12:
"With the amount of traveling that took place while on the trip, it's hard to say what exactly stood out for me, but thinking back on it, the Three Rondawels was probably one of the biggest highlights for me during our outing. Not any specifics, but rather the overall experience that took place, it felt exhilarating to be so high above the ground, especially because I'm not afraid of heights."
GabrielaCruz, Grade 8:
“One thing that I loved a lot would probably be the exquisite view of the Three Rondawels. It was breath taking!”
