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Mpumalanga’s precipitous Blyde River Canyon – at 26km-long and 762m deep, Africa’s second-largest canyon and the third-largest in the world – is famed for its spectacular scenery, but when you visit the Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre, you’ll find there’s much more to do here than take in the heart-stopping views.
If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, there’s no better way than to tackle white-water rafting on the Upper Blyde River through the Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre. Because the Blyde River has steep gradients, the rafting is fast and furious, ranging from steep drops to long rapids.
Test your skills and nerve along all 8km of white water, followed by a more leisurely 5km cruise around the dam in a motorboat. The views of the Three Rondawels from the dam are said to be unparalleled.
You’ll paddle in a 2-person ‘Croc raft’, monitored by trained qualified guides who accompany you in their own rafts. The rapids are rated Class 3 to 4, but as long as you are healthy and reasonably fit, no prior experience is necessary.
Choose between a day trip with a picnic lunch, or go rustic and stay overnight in an A-frame hut at the Wet Camel Bush Camp, followed by an early morning hike in the canyon.
The Blyde River Canyon is claimed to be the world’s ‘greenest’ canyon, because of its luxuriant subtropical vegetation. If you feel like taking it easy and viewing it all from a slower-moving craft, then opt for tubing down the Lower Blyde River.
Prefer leaping over waterfalls, scaling cliffs and then jumping into the crystal-clear waters at the canyon bottom? Then go kloofing. Fancy abseiling? Then put on your harness and take to the sides of the dam wall.
Interested in more ground-based activities? Choose quad biking through riverine forest on a scenic route bordering the Blyde River.
Whatever adventure you fancy, you can find it in the Lowveld, at Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre.
Did You Know?
TTravel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre
Tel: +27 (0)15 795 5961
Cell: +27 (0)72 260 4212
Email: bookings@blydecanyon.co.za
How to get here
Take the N12 from Johannesburg, then the R540 to Dullstroom and Lydenburg, followed by the R36 to Ohrigstad. Turn right on to the R531 (Acornhoek Rd) and right at the Forever Resorts sign.
Best time to visit
Spring and summer (September to February) are best for activities such as white-water rafting or tubing.
Around the area
Mpumalanga's Panorama Route, the Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve are all nearby.
What to pack
Sturdy walking shoes, shoes you can swim in, sunscreen, hat, towel, swimsuit. All adventure equipment is provided, but you are welcome to take your own.
Where to stay
The Blyde River Canyon Lodge and the Blyde River Wilderness Lodge are both excellent accommodation options in the area.
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