South Africa

Blyde River Canyon

The road climbs along the edge of the Greater Drakensberg. Below lies Blyde River Canyon, with layered rock walls, green slopes and the Three Rondavels on the horizon.

View trips from the region

Discover everything about this location.

The Panorama Route follows the edge of the canyon.

Blyde River Nature Reserve lies against the Greater Drakensberg, right on the Panorama Route. From the rim, you look across layered canyon walls towards the Three Rondavels and the lowveld.

The reserve covers 29,000 hectares and stretches for around 60 kilometres. Cliffs, grassland and wooded slopes keep changing as you travel through it.

Several well-known viewpoints sit along the route, including Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Potholes, Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window.

‍Sometimes the 4x4 can wait while you take in the view.

Most viewpoints are easy to reach from the paved roads around Graskop and the Panorama Route.

Many travellers drive from Graskop towards Blyde River Canyon and take time for the different stops along the way.

The road itself becomes part of the destination. The landscape keeps shifting between viewpoints.

View trips from the region

What you can do in Blyde River Nature Reserve:

  • See the Three Rondavels
  • Visit Bourke’s Potholes
  • See Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window
  • Take a boat trip on Blyde Dam
  • Hike or cycle

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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