When you’re exploring a country there are few things better than stopping your car at a viewpoint and being rewarded with the kind of scenery that brightens your day and broadens your horizons. On the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, every viewpoint gives you that opportunity.
The 29 000ha Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is carved out of nearly 2,5km of red sandstone and is one of South Africa’s most remarkable geological features. Also known as the Motlatse Canyon, it is the third largest canyon on Earth and is situated below the confluence of the Blyde (‘joy’) and Treur (‘sorrow’) rivers.
This Mpumalanga nature reserve stretches for 60km from just north of the little town of Graskop, up to the Abel Erasmus pass. You’ll get stunning views of the Escarpment from legendary viewpoints such as God’s Window in Blyde River Canyon, where on a clear day, you can see as far as Kruger Park and Mozambique.
Breathtaking views, plunging waterfalls, eagles flying above you and a rich history, quite literally, as it includes the gold rush years, are the kinds of things you better get used to when you visit the Panorama Route.
‘Guarded’ by the small town of Graskop, this famous route is home to mountains, forests and canyons, most notably, the Blyde River Canyon which is also world’s largest ‘green canyon’. It is about 26 kilometers long and around 800 meters deep.
The awe-inspiring Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls are just a short drive away. As are scenic landmarks such as Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and God’s Window, where you can walk in the thick, indigenous mist forest that stands amongst the clouds some 800m above Blyde River Canyon.
While you’re there, why not add some historical romance to the mix? A short 30-minute drive from Graskop will take you to the gold rush town of Pilgrim’s Rest where you can relive the 1873 gold rush in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. You can even try your hand at panning for gold.
Or experience the beauty of South Africa on foot by embaring on a Blyde River Canyon hike! On top of the scenic beauty and historical learnings found on the Panorama Route, you will also experience a wealth of plant and animal life in the region, including Klipspringers, Dassies, Grey Rhebuck, Oribi, Kudu, bushbuck, bushpigs, monkeys, bushbabies, Chacma baboons, Black-Backed jackals and many specied of birdlife, including resident pairs of nesting eagles that might well look you in the eye. A hike allows you to meet some of the wildlife yourself! A Blyde River Canyon hike is challenging, so be sure to come prepared and ask our staff for tips.
Some of the Panorama Route’s and Blyde River Canyon’s route lesser-known, but no less fascinating attractions, are clustered around Ohrigstad where the Echo Caves extend 40km into the limestone rock. At Ohrigstad Dam Reserve, you can fish for yellowtail or carp in tranquil waters surrounded by mountains, an ideal refuge from the crowds in peak season.
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve in South Africa (also known as the Motlatse) is situated in Mpumalanga and, with legendary viewing points such as God’s Window in Blyde River Canyon, offers some of the most spectacular views in South Africa. Activities range from hiking and swimming to scenic drives. Seek out the water-eroded Bourke’s Luck Potholes where prospectors searched for gold.
Other natural attractions include the Blyde River Canyon potholes, where Tom Bourke, a 19th-century gold rush prospector, is said to have made his fortune. Water erosion over millennia has carved cylindrical sculptures from the canyon’s red and yellow rocks which are interspersed with rock pools.
From the canyon look out eastwards to the Three Rondavels or Three Sisters, three massive spirals of dolomite that rise from the far wall of the canyon. A single quartzite column, aptly named the Pinnacle, rises from the wooded canyon, offering more spectacular vistas.
The environment varies from high mistlands to the drier and warmer lowveld around the Blyde River Dam.
You’ll find more than 1000 species of flora in Blyde River Canyon nature reserve in South Africa, including several species of endangered cycads, and, in spring, carpets of wild flowers. Try to visit at least one of the nearby several beautiful waterfalls.
Bird and animal life is abundant at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Spot Verreaux’s eagle, the rare bald ibis which nests on the cliff ledges, and all five species of South African primates, including vervet and samango monkeys, chacma baboons and both species of bushbaby.
Combine your trip across the Panorama route and your visit to Blyde River Canyon in South Africa with a visit to one of the most well known and largest game reserves in all of Africa. When visiting South Africa, and the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga specifically, you cannot miss out on paying a visit to Kruger National Park. The Panorama route starts near the city of Sabie and ends at the border of the national park, so you can easily continue your journey through South Africa from there.
Or perhaps discover this amazing route by boat on a special Blyde River Canyon boat cruise through the Blyde River Canyon nature reserve in South Africa, allowing you to take in breathtaking views from the water. A scenic boat trip through this untouched part of South Africa is one to not miss out on!
The Panomara route and the Blyde River Canyon in South Africa offer many incredible views, unique sights and some rare animals and endangered flora you won’t find anywhere else. The Panorama route itself covers about 180 km in its entirety. While you could do the entire route in one day, we recommend taking your time to discover all the beauty South Africa has to offer and take multiple days to enjoy your trip at your own pace. Take some time to relax and wind down and take in the truly incredible views of the Pinnacle, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and God’s Window at Blyde River Canyon.
If you would like some help planning your route, want tips on what spots to combine on your journey, or need assistance renting a suitable and comfortable car for your trip, we’re here to help! When staying at Villa Kudu, we offer our services to help you with car rental as well as planning activities and booking excursions, such as to the Blyde River Canyon. Simply ask our onsite staff for assistance and let us know what you’re looking for – we’re happy to help you get the most out of your stay in South Africa!
The Blyde River (also known as the Motlatse) Canyon Nature Reserve is situated in Mpumalanga and, with legendary viewing points such as God’s Window, offers some of the most spectacular views in South Africa. Activities range from hiking and swimming to scenic drives. Seek out the water-eroded Bourke’s Luck Potholes where prospectors searched for gold.
The 29 000ha Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is carved out of nearly 2,5km of red sandstone and is one of South Africa’s most remarkable geological features. Also known as the Motlatse Canyon, it is the third largest canyon on Earth and is situated below the confluence of the Blyde (‘joy’) and Treur (‘sorrow’) rivers.
This Mpumalanga nature reserve stretches for 60km from just north of the little town of Graskop, up to the Abel Erasmus pass. You’ll get stunning views of the Escarpment from legendary viewpoints such as God’s Window, where on a clear day, you can see as far as Kruger Park and Mozambique.
Other natural attractions include Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where Tom Bourke, a 19th-century gold rush prospector, is said to have made his fortune. Water erosion over millennia has carved cylindrical sculptures from the canyon’s red and yellow rocks which are interspersed with rock pools.
From the canyon look out eastwards to the Three Rondavels or Three Sisters, three massive spirals of dolomite that rise from the far wall of the canyon. A single quartzite column, aptly named the Pinnacle, rises from the wooded canyon, offering more spectacular vistas.
The environment varies from high mistlands to the drier and warmer lowveld around the Blyde River Dam.
You’ll find more than 1 000 species of flora in the reserve, including several species of endangered cycads, and, in spring, carpets of wild flowers. Try to visit at least one of the nearby several beautiful waterfalls.
Bird and animal life is abundant. Spot Verreaux’s eagle, the rare bald ibis which nests on the cliff ledges, and all five species of South African primates, including vervet and samango monkeys, chacma baboons and both species of bushbaby.
