What better reward exists after a gruelling hike than total relaxation in a cool rock pool fed by a waterfall? The cascading water drowns out the qualms of everyday life, the fine mist is nature’s best air conditioner, and at a waterfall Dolly Parton’s First Law doesn’t apply – you can have a rainbow without having to put up with the rain.
The Panorama Route from Lydenburg to the Limpopo border has the highest number of waterfalls in South Africa and is also famous for the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window. The falls are scattered along the escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains. We carefully selected the six most scenic ones and listed them in order from south to north. All of them can be squeezed into a day trip. However, some, like Mac Mac, are ideal for an entire day of family fun in the sun. These monuments of nature are made for picnics, hiking, braais, swimming, and even fishing.
Take note that Mpumalanga gets summer rainfall so the falls are at their most spectacular during December and January.
1. Horse Shoe Falls
Although not as high as the other falls, its beauty stems from the peculiar horseshoe shape the falls make as its two streams tumble down the rocks. Short walkways take visitors to the top and bottom of the falls where a lovely grassed picnic area can be found. Combine this trip with a visit to the nearby trout farm, Horse Shoe Trout & About, where you can rent fishing rods and braai your freshly caught trout at a booked picnic spot, great for a family outing! Combine all of the above with luxury accommodation at Gunyatoo Trout Farm and Lodge.
Directions to Horseshoe Falls: Get on the Old Lydenburg Road from Sabie, drive 6.8 km, turn left at the sign, drive 3.6 km on a gravel road (take note: the gravel road is not in a good condition).
2. Lone Creek Falls
Lone Creek Falls have long been a favourite among visitors. An easy, paved walking trail takes you through an indigenous fairy forest along the stream to the base of the falls. Here you can close your eyes, feel the fine spray and imagine you’re in the elf country Lothlorien. The nearby Merry Pebbles Resort covers a wide variety of accommodation needs, from camping sites to lodges and B&Bs.
Directions to Lone Creek Falls: From Sabie, take the Old Lydenburg tarred road and drive 9 km.
3. Bridal Veil Falls
The Sabie River drops about 70 metres over an escarpment, scattering into little droplets to form the “veil”. Visitors need to navigate a 15 minute uphill walk through indigenous forest which can get a bit slippery, so make sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes. You can even get behind the veil for a more intense experience ─ just remember to pack some dry clothes! Luxury accommodation is a mere 5 km away at Floreat Riverside Lodge.
Directions: From Sabie, take the Old Lydenburg Road. After 2-3 km, before York Timber Sawmill, turn right onto a gravel road. Keep right and stay on the main road for about 3 km.
4. Mac Mac Falls & Mac Mac Pools
Although the fence at the lookout point somewhat limits your ability to take a good picture, the breathtaking views of the gorge on the way makes up for it! The journey includes a steep 300 m hike along a cement pathway. A trip to Mac Mac Falls should really be combined with a visit to the nearby Mac Mac Pools, the most popular picnic and swimming spot along the Panorama Route. Using Mogodi Lodge as a base is the perfect excuse to add yet another waterfall to your repertoire as it is right next to the less famous Graskop Gorge Falls.
Directions to Mac Mac Falls/Pools: From Sabie, drive 11 – 13 km north on the R532 and follow the signs for either the Mac Mac Falls or Mac Mac Pools.
5. Lisbon Falls
At 92 metres Lisbon Falls is not only the highest waterfall in the area, the views of the lake and hills in the distance are breathtaking. The walk is suitable for the whole family and the outing is ideally combined with a visit to the nearby God’s Window. The timber chalets at Lisbon Hideaway are perfect for travellers who want to explore this stunning region.
Directions to Lisbon Falls: From Graskop, get on the R532 north. Look out for the signs for Lisbon Falls. Turn left onto a gravel road and drive 2.2 km.
6. Berlin Falls
The Berlin Falls is the last noteworthy waterfall on the Panorama Route. The water takes the shape of a candle as it drops about 80 metres into a small amphitheatre with a refreshing pool set amongst mesmerising rock formations. Once you’re here, you’re well on your way to the famous Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Blyde River Canyon. Forever Resort – Blyde Canyon is the perfect base from which to explore these attractions.
Directions to Berlin Falls: From Graskop, take the R532 north. 2 km after the intersection with the R534 turn left. Drive 2 km, turn left and drive to the parking area.
Map of the Panorama Route
Use this handy map along with the directions below each waterfall to ensure you know how to get there.
1 Horseshoe Falls, 2 Lone Creek Falls, 3 Bridal Veil Falls, 4 Mac Mac Pools, 5 Mac Mac Falls, 6 Lisbon Falls, 7 Berlin Falls, 8 Sabie, 9 Graskop, 10 Pilgrim’s Rest, 11 God’s Window.
TravelGround has amazing accommodation options on the Panorama Route, particularly in the towns Graskop, Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest, Hazyview and Lydenburg. You can also opt for the road less travelled at Kiepersol, Rhenosterhoek or Schoemanskloof.
Now, doesn’t a day of waterfall therapy, quality time with the family having a picnic and braai, and swimming, hiking and fishing sound wonderful? You’ve worked so hard, you definitely deserve it!
Feature image: Berlin Falls by Chris Eason (Flickr)
