Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon is a famous nature reserve, popular with tourists visiting the Kruger National Park and its surroundings. The reserve protects the Blyde River Canyon, including sections of the Ohrigstad and Blyde Rivers and the geological formations around Bourke's Luck Potholes, where the Treur River tumbles into the Blyde below. Southwards of the canyon, the reserve follows the escarpment, to include the Devil's and God's Window, the latter a popular viewpoint to the lowveld at the reserve's southern extremity.

Understand
The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons worldwide.

Fees
Driving on the highway between the attractions is free. Most of the points of interest charge an entrance fee, as detailed in the See section below.

Get in
It is located along the R532 and R534 highways (locally known as the Panorama Route) and is easily accessible from the Kruger National Park and the towns of Graskop, Sabie and Mbombela.

If you come from Johannesburg, treat yourself with a drive through Belfast, Dullstroom, Lydenburg and Pilgrim's Rest en route to Graskop. If possible, spend the night in one of the hotels, lodges, or campsites on the escarpment and devote a day to exploring the whole Panorama Route.

See
The main highlight is the canyon itself, but there are also waterfalls, landmarks and several viewpoints, the best-known is the Three Rondavels/Three Sisters.

The Escarpment near Graskop
South of the canyon, the park extends along the Drakensberg escarpment. Near Graskop, there are some well-known landmarks and viewpoints within the park. On the other side of the highway, just outside the park, are the Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls.



Do
There are hiking trails in the nature reserve and horse riding is a possibility, but most people seem to drive through it on their way to or from game reserves like Kruger National Park.

Drive the panorama route to see all the geological features such as God's Window, the Pinnacle and the many waterfalls.

Buy
Many locals sell artwork here, ranging from those famous wooden giraffes to knobbly paper made from elephant dung. Prices are higher at more frequented sites and lower at spots off the main stream.

Eat
The cafe at Bourkes Luck Potholes has drinks and quick meals/takeaways.

There are restaurants in Graskop and Pilgrim's Rest.

Go next

 * Kruger National Park
 * Sabie
 * Dullstroom