Highlights of the stunningly-scenic South Africa Panorama Route

Highlights of the stunningly-scenic South Africa Panorama Route

Soaring peaks, gushing waterfalls and dramatic canyons are among the natural wonders found along the South Africa Panorama Route, which is one of the country’s most scenic drives.

The Three Rondavels

Located in the eastern Mpumalanga province bordering Eswatini and Mozambique, this region is the gateway to Kruger National Park for those traveling from Pretoria and Johannesburg en route to a safari adventure.

Flights between Johannesburg and Kruger typically cost a couple hundred dollars per person, so driving to the park instead can sometimes be more economical–or at the very least, provides an opportunity to see more of South Africa’s stunning scenery.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Mpumalanga Panorama Route map

The total drive time from JoBurg is about 10 hours, with most people making Hazyview, Graskrop or Hoedspruit their final destination since each town is on Kruger’s doorstep.

While the entire drive plus spending time at the main highlights can be done in a single day, it’s worth breaking up a Panorama Route tour into at least a couple of days to allow more time for hikes and boat rides.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

The Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon has bragging rights as the world’s largest green canyon, and is also one of the largest canyons on the planet at 25 kilometres long with an average depth of 750 metres.

The Blydepoort Dam (also known as the Blyderivierpoort Dam) was built in 1975 at the confluence of the Ohrigstad and Blyde rivers, and today there’s an interpretive centre and boat trips which depart from the Hoedspruit area.

A prime spot for wildlife spotting and birding, the dam is home to the likes of crocodiles, hippos, primates, antelope which can be seen by booking a Blyde River Canyon boat cruise:

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The Three Rondavels

One of the most awe-inspiring spots on the Panorama Route is the Three Rondavels lookout, which features a trio of cylindrical mountain peaks and a birds-eye view straight down into the canyon.

The Three Rondavels
The Three Rondavels

This breathtaking viewpoint is often shrouded in mist, so those lucky enough to visit during a clear moment will see the northern edges of the Drakensberg mountain range of mountains and the serene Blyde River winding through the canyon.

The Three Rondavels

That fog played an important part in the history of the Blyde River Canyon; during the Battle of Moholoholo, Mapulana chief Maripe Mashile directed his warriors to climb to the top of Mariepskop mountain and bombard the attacking Swazis with large boulders.

The mist set in, shielding them from the sight of their attacking enemies below, leading to a victory. Because of this, Indigenous Peoples respect the mountain as a holy site.

The Three Rondavels are named after Mashile’s wives Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto, and were formed by the slow erosion of soft stone which revealed the quartzite and shale beneath.

The Three Rondavels

There’s no shortage of lookout points, though some sections don’t have railings so take care near the rocky outcrops. Interpretive signs along the trail explain more about the area’s history, and there are also washrooms and souvenir stands on-site.

Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM daily
Admission fees for foreigners: R70/adult, R40/kids, R40/pensioners

The Three Rondavels

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

This geological wonder is one of the most spectacular stops on the Panorama Route itinerary, where a deep gorge, tranquil plunge pools, waterfalls and photogenic cylindrical wells await.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Bourke’s Luck Potholes

A relatively flat, stone pathway winds down from the trailhead, and it doesn’t take long to reach the first overlook down into the canyon walls. Two bridges arch dramatically over the water, giving a birds-eye view straight down at the swirling waters at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Those swirling eddies are what carved the unique shapes into the sandstone bedrock, the result being a tapestry of rock tubes, pools and multi-coloured soil.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

A trail that continues past the potholes, which is part of the Blyde River Canyon Hiking Trail which takes about three to five days to complete.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

There’s also a day use area with picnic tables, washrooms, a small museum and souvenir stalls at the entrance.

Hours: 7 AM to 5 PM daily
Admission fees for foreigners: R130/adult, R70/kids

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

God’s Window

This spot is also notoriously foggy, so pray that Mother Nature is on your side if you want to marvel at the panoramic views of the Lowveld and cliffs that plunge more than 900 metres down into the ravine.

God’s Window
God’s Window

This spot got its name thanks to its supposed resemblance to God’s view of the Garden of Eden, and on a clear day it’s possible to see all the way to Mozambique.

God’s Window

Panorama Route waterfalls

Nearly a dozen impressive falls are found along the Panorama route, with the crown jewel being 90-metre high Lisbon Falls. Pull over at Mac Mac Falls to take a look at the 70-metre drop from a viewing platform, or head over to Berlin Falls where water cascades into an azure pool.

Berlin Falls
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac Falls

Tours of the Panorama Route South Africa

The roads along the Panorama Route are paved (aside from some pesky potholes) and well-marked, which makes it possible to do as a self-drive adventure. However, there are also lots of options available for those interested in a guided tour instead, with most one-day excursions departing from Hazyview and Nelspruit.

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There are also some great multi-day options that combine the Panorama Route with game drives in Kruger National Park:

 

 

Panorama Route accommodation

Hazyview, Graskrop and Hoedspruit are all great bases for exploring the Panorama Route, and each town has lots of accommodation and dining options as well as tour operators offering excursions into the Blyde Canyon and Kruger National Park. Some top rated picks include:

  • Ukuthula Bush Lodge: Ukuthula is one of the best B&B’s in Hoedspruit, thanks to its rustic chic outdoor areas with touches like fireplaces and a pool. With only 10 guests at a time it guarantees an intimate experience, and its location on a reserve means that warthogs, zebras, and giraffes might be spotted from the comfort of your room. Click here to book
  • Unembeza Boutique Lodge & Spa: This luxe boutique lodge in Hoedspruit is nestled in the bush for prime wildlife spotting, and there are 15 bright, spacious rooms as well as two villas with their own plunge pools. Click here to book
  • Umbhaba Eco Lodge: This resort in Hazyview boasts a bar and restaurant with sweeping views of the lush countryside. The large rooms have private decks and canopy beds, there’s an outdoor pool to relax around after a day of sightseeing, and the lodge is a short drive from Kruger’s park gates. Click here to book
Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Umbhaba Eco Lodge
Umbhaba Eco Lodge

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