The Blyde River Canyon is the world’s third largest canyon and largest green canyon. The canyon boasts a spectacular variety of wildlife and plants, so it’s easy to see why visitors travel far and wide to see this natural wonder. Perfect photo opportunities await around every corner and you’ll never be bored with all the activities and magnificent scenery this area has to offer. That’s why we’re sharing our list of 5 things you absolutely must do when visiting the Blyde River Canyon.

Live the view, feel the forest at the Graskop Gorge Lift

A 51-metre descent down the face of the Graskop Gorge brings you to the Afromontane forest. Once you’re under the vivid green canopy you can feast your eyes on the lush wonderland filled with a spectacular variety of plants, animals, insects and birds. Make your way along the wooden walkways and suspension bridges on the forest floor, meandering past interactive exhibits. The trail has 6 interpretation exhibits, including information about the forest, its biodiversity, water conservation, birds and insects, and showcasing giant replicas of indigenous mushrooms, a stained-glass window and much more. The trail’s first 100 metres is wheelchair-friendly and easily accessible to all. Thereafter follows several stairs and steep inclines. This excursion takes about an hour to complete.

The Lift Café at the edge of the cliff offers breathtaking views of the gorge and beyond. Relax on the balcony whilst taking in the views of the waterfall, the big swing and zipline on the left.

Graskop Gorge Lift is the ideal day outing for families looking to see the gorge from a different perspective.
Please click HERE for more information and rates. 

Cruise on the river with Blyde Canyon Safaris

Boat Cruise:
Come experience a place of pure untouched beauty in the best possible way: on water. Once you’re on the pontoon boat, an experienced skipper native to the area will guide you with his wealth of knowledge and passion for the canyon. You’ll cruise all along the water at the foot of the cliffs to see the Three Rondavels and the towering mountains that form this wonderful spectacle of nature.
Tubing:
If you are looking for a more adventurous way to see the canyon, tubing has your name written all over it. Enjoy an afternoon or morning session tubing, snorkelling and swimming at your leisure. This is a great experience and outing the whole family can enjoy. If you’d rather not get your toes wet, you can always watch from the sidelines from one of the cosy picnic spots.

Please click HERE for more information and rates. 

Soar through the sky with Skyway Trails

Enjoy the thrill of Mpumalanga’s longest aerial cable trail in Hazyview. This 1,2-kilometre trail soars through the treetops over the Sabie River’s last remaining natural forested areas, stopping at various elevated platforms along the way. They also offer a high ropes course including 18 obstacles, balancing beams, rope bridges, and a 50-metre zipline.

Skyway Trails is running a special offer on the spectacular aerial cable on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the end of October.

Please contact them for more information.

Get a bird’s eye view with Hoedspruit Helicopters

Have you ever wondered what the birds see when they fly over the canyon? Well, wonder no more! Spread your wings with a helicopter flight following the twists and turns of the Blyde River Canyon and observe famous geological landmarks like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and Pinnacle Rock from a bird’s eye view.
Please click HERE for more information and bookings.

Explore the Hippo Trail on foot

Lace up your boots and get cracking! This 18-kilometre round trip is not for the faint-hearted, so be sure to get an early start to complete the trail while the sun is still shining. Bring your camera, binoculars, sunscreen and a picnic bag along and get up close and personal with the majestic mountain gorges and roaring waterfalls. Remember to obtain a permit from Blyde Canyon, A Forever Resort before you set off on your adventure.

***

The many awe-inspiring sights and sounds in this area makes limiting our list to 5 activities quite a daunting task. This magnificent part of South Africa is ideal for holidays all year round as it has so much to offer. Have you visited the Blyde River Canyon in the past or are you planning a visit? Feel free to share your experiences with us!

Feature image: Graskop Gorge Lift Company.
All images supplied.