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Enjoy South Africa's most dramatic scenery
The Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The Blyde River Canyon
© GFDL
Did you know?
The Blyde River Canyon's lush subtropical foliage makes it the world's largest 'green canyon'.
Enter Panorama, Mpumalanga, as you pass the north-eastern part of the Great Escarpment in the northern Drakensberg. The land falls away sharply, opening up dizzying vistas of the Lowveld plains far below. One breath-taking view after another - that's South Africa's Panorama Route.
The small town of Graskop is the gateway to Panorama, South Africa. It's a good place to set up base. Scenic landmarks with evocative names like God's Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck Potholes and Three Sisters as well as the awe-inspiring Lisbon, Berlyn and MacMac waterfalls are a short drive away. Adding some historical romance into the mix, half an hour's drive from Graskop, the goldrush town of Pilgrim's Rest - a national monument in its entirety - gives you the chance to relive the 1873 goldrush in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. You can even try your hand at panning for gold.
From Graskop, you head on to the Blyde River Canyon Reserve. Imagine threading your way along the clifftops 800 metres above the Blyde River Canyon, third largest in the world - walking into the rain forest among the clouds. Although the visual element dominates, all your senses are enriched by the wealth of plant and animal life that the region supports: klipspringer, dassies, grey rhebuck, oribi, kudu, bushbuck, bushpig, monkeys, bushbabies, chacma baboons, and just about every kind of bird... including the eagles that might well look you in the eye. Unless you fly over them in a helicopter.
Some of Panorama, Mpumalanga's less renowned but no less fascinating attractions are clustered around Ohrigstad. Echo Caves extend for 40km into the rock, a limestone fairyland. At Ohrigstad Dam Reserve you can fish for yellowtail or carp on tranquil waters surrounded by mountains - an ideal refuge from the crowds in peak season.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Mpumalanga Tourism
Tel: +27 13 759 5300
Email: info@mtpa.co.za
How to get here
If you are driving from Johannesburg, join the N12 towards Witbank. The Panorama Route is also accessible by train, shuttle and long-distance bus.
Around the area
Also visit the nearby Highlands Meander and Cosmos Country in Mpumalanaga
Tours to do
Tour The Blyde river Canyon on foot or kayak
Explore Bourke's Luck Potholes
Gaze out of God's Window at the unending horizon
Get around
The best way to get around the Panorama Route is by car and, in selected areas, on foot.
Length of stay
A weekend will suffice for a quick look around but plan to stay at least a week to do justice to the region.
Where to stay
Contact Panorama Route information offices for information on accommodation ranging from backpackers to campsites, caravan parks, self-catering, B&Bs, guest houses, lodges and hotels.