Panorama Route

Description

The Panorama Route is a magical track that leads through the striking mountain range of the northern Drakensberg and along the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, offering those who travel here some of the most memory-grabbing views of a lifetime.

The small town of Graskop forms the gateway to the Panorama Route, and provides the ideal base from which to start. Scenic landmarks along the route include the Blyde River Canyon (the third largest of its kind in the world), God’s Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke’s Luck Potholes (created by centuries of water erosion), and the Three Rondavels, while plenty of waterfalls grace the area, such as Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, and Mac Mac Falls.

Some of the lesser known, but no less fascinating attractions of the Panorama Route are situated around Ohrigstad. Visit the magnificent Echo Caves that stretch for 40km into the rock and provide a limestone fairyland, or go fishing at Ohrigstad Dam. Other towns incorporated along the route include Pilgrim’s Rest, Sabie, Hazyview and White River.

Tread along the cliff tops 800m above the Blyde River Canyon and walk through the indigenous forest at God’s Window. The area supports a diverse array of plant, bird, and wildlife, so you can expect to see all sorts of birds and plants, along with animals such as dassies, klipspringer, grey rhebuck, oribi, kudu, bushbuck, bushpig, monkeys, and more.

Best time to visit

Between May and August, as this time if great for game viewing when the vegetation in less dense.

Transport

The best way to see it all is by car, and in selected demarcated areas, by foot.

Length of stay

A weekend will be enough, but at least a week is recommended.