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The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga is known for its dramatic scenery, including waterfalls, canyons, and historic towns. One of South Africa’s most scenic drives, you’ll pass iconic spots including God’s Window, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, the Pinnacle, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Blyde River Canyon.
If you want your holiday in South Africa to be full of experiences in nature and stunning views of the wilderness, this is a route you can’t miss.
Must-Visit Areas on the Panorama Route
From hiking to waterfalls and exploring the wilderness on horseback to breathtaking viewpoints, here are just a few options for a Panorama Route holiday in South Africa:
Blyde River Canyon: Largest Canyon in South Africa
The third-largest canyon in the world, Blyde River Canyon has lush subtropical covering. You’ll be mesmerised by the stunning green hills and blue waters.
Thanks to the geology and climate, there are incredible waterfalls you can visit. Here, you can walk in some of the largest man-made forestry plantations in the world with pine and eucalyptus trees.
Besides hiking, you can go horse riding, white-water rafting, hot-air ballooning, fly-fishing, biking, and on boat trips on the Blyde Dam.
God’s Window: Spectacular Views
With its breathtaking views, you’ll quickly see why this viewpoint is called God’s Window. See sweeping views of canyons, rock formations, forests, and waterfalls.
Located within Blyde River Canyon, from this spot you can also explore numerous walking, hiking, horse, and mountain bike trails.
This is a very popular spot along the Panorama Route, so expect crowds hiking to this viewpoint, especially during the high season (November through to March).
Bourke’s Luck Potholes: A Natural Wonder
The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are located at the start of Blyde River Canyon and are unique geological formations.
They’re the result of many years of swirling eddies of water where the Treur River meets the Blyde River, which has caused significant water erosion over time.
Due to this process, this is now a spot featuring fascinating cylindrical rock sculptures among pools of water.
When’s the Best Time to Visit the Panorama Route?
The Panorama Route is a year-round destination. For comfortable temperatures and to avoid large holiday crowds, visit during autumn (March to May) or spring (September to November). You’ll also avoid the winter weather.
Summer (December to February) brings hot temperatures as well as rain. While the landscapes are lush, the wet weather can impact activities.
Wildlife Found on the Panorama Route
In the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, you can hike to see samango monkeys, nocturnal greater and lesser bushbabies, chacma baboons, and vervet monkeys.
This is the only site in South Africa that supports breeding Taita falcons; other bird species found here include the Cape vulture, black stork, peregrine falcon, and Cape eagle-owl.
How to Get to the Panorama Route
You’ll fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, the closest airport to the Panorama Route. From the airport, it’s a two- to three-hour road transfer to Blyde River Canyon.
