South Africa

Blyde River

Along the Panorama Route, the landscape opens up at Blyde River Nature Reserve. From the canyon rim, you look across layered rock walls, the Three Rondavels and the Lowveld plain.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

This is where the Panorama Route opens up.

Blyde River Nature Reserve lies against the slopes of the Greater Drakensberg. From the canyon rim, the view stretches east across layered rock walls, the Three Rondavels and the Lowveld plain.

This is the third-largest canyon in the world. Around 200 million years ago, the former supercontinent Gondwanaland broke apart here, separating Madagascar and Antarctica from Africa.

The reserve is easy to reach from Graskop. The roads are paved, so the different viewpoints can be linked comfortably as part of your route.

From the Three Rondavels to God’s Window.

The canyon is only part of what shapes this route. Other stops include the potholes of Bourke, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.

The reserve covers 29,000 hectares and stretches for 60 kilometres. Within that area grows a wide variety of plant life. According to the source, the last remaining grasslands in Mpumalanga province can also be found here.

View trips from the region

On foot, by bike or from the water.

Several hiking trails wind through the reserve and cater for different levels. Horse riding and cycling are also possible.

You can take a boat trip on the Blyde Dam. For a more active day, the area also offers white-water rafting and abseiling.

What you can do in and around Blyde River Nature Reserve:

  • Visit the Three Rondavels
  • Visit Pinnacle Rock
  • Visit Blyde Dam
  • Hiking
  • Horse riding
  • Cycling
  • Boat trip on Blyde Dam
  • White-water rafting
  • Abseiling

Self-drive trips in the region

South Africa
Mozambique
eSwatini
South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique Beach & Safari
22
days
from
1620
1620
p.p.
In Kruger, you scan the bush through your binoculars from your 4x4, searching for rhinos and lions. A few days later, you're looking through your diving mask at manta rays off the coast of Mozambique. On this 22-day self-drive journey, you explore three countries, each with its own distinct character. You drive through national parks at your own pace, camp by the sea and lace up your hiking boots again in eSwatini. From exciting game drives to relaxed beach days, there's no need to choose between adventure and relaxation.
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South Africa
Western Cape and Namaqualand Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1250
1250
p.p.
Hiking boots on, 4x4 parked. On this 14-day self-drive journey, you explore much of the Western Cape and Namaqualand on foot. You hike through gorges and past rock arches in the Cederberg, camp in complete solitude in the quiet of the Tankwa Karoo and walk to deserted beaches along the Atlantic coast. And in between? That's when you put your 4x4 to work, including on the sandy Caracal Trail. A journey for those who love being outdoors and exploring at their own pace.
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South Africa
Garden Route en Baviaanskloof Hiking & 4x4
14
days
from
1350
1350
p.p.
Spotting elephants from your 4x4. Tackling rugged tracks through Baviaanskloof. Then continuing on foot along cliffs, through forests and over mountain trails. On this 14-day self-drive journey from Gqeberha to Cape Town, you regularly swap the steering wheel for your hiking boots. You start with a safari before following the Garden Route past Storms River Mouth, Wilderness and the mountains around George. Plenty of variety, without having to cover long distances every day.
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