Panorama Route – All The Famous Attractions
The Panorama Route is a scenic route stretching for about 190 kilometres through Mpumalanga province in South Africa. It links several towns and offers stunning views of mountains, forests, waterfalls, and canyons.
With its stunning scenery and abundance of things to see and do, the Panorama Route is a popular destination for both local and international tourists.
Here are some of the most famous attractions you can visit along the Panorama Route:
Blyde River Canyon
The Blyde River Canyon is the second-largest canyon in Africa, after Fish River Canyon in Namibia. This natural wonder boasts breath-taking views, with cliffs reaching up to 1,200 meters (3,900 ft).
Blyde River Canyon is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterised by towering cliffs, deep ravines, and lush vegetation. Visitors can marvel at panoramic views of the canyon’s dramatic landscapes, including iconic landmarks such as the Three Rondavels.
The canyon’s diverse ecosystems are home to a rich variety of plant and animal species, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition to its natural beauty, Blyde River Canyon has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites and cultural attractions scattered throughout the region. Visitors can explore local villages, learn about the indigenous cultures and traditions of the area, and interact with the local communities.
God’s Window
Nicknamed for the feeling of peering through a window at a magnificent vista, God’s Window is a natural lookout point situated at an altitude of around 1,750 meters (5,700 ft). On a clear day, you can see for miles across the Lowveld towards Kruger National Park.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Bourke’s Luck Potholes are cylindrical rock formations carved by centuries of erosion and water action at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers.
Visitors can explore the series of interconnected potholes and marvel at the intricate patterns and colours formed by swirling water. These fascinating geological formations are cylindrical holes carved into the dolomite rock face by millions of years of water erosion.
The potholes were named after Tom Bourke, one of the first prospectors to arrive in the area in the 1880s. Visitors can explore the potholes via a series of walkways and bridges.
Three Rondavels
The Three Rondavels are a geological oddity consisting of three round quartzite peaks that resemble traditional African rondavel huts. The largest of the three rondavels is about 300 meters (980 ft) high. Viewing platforms offer scenic outlooks onto these natural wonders.
Graskop Gorge Lift
The Graskop Gorge Lift is a funicular railway that takes visitors down the face of a cliff into the indigenous forest below. The gorge itself is teeming with plant and animal life, and a network of trails allows visitors to explore the area at their own pace.
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac Falls is a picturesque waterfall with a plunge pool at its base. A short walk from the parking lot leads to a viewing platform offering stunning vistas of the waterfall cascading down a cliff face.
Lisbon Falls
Lisbon Falls is another beautiful waterfall located along the Panorama Route. The falls tumble over a series of cliffs into a lush green gorge. A swimming pool is located at the base of the falls, where visitors can cool off on a hot day.
Sabie Falls
Sabie Falls is a series of waterfalls cascading down a cliff face into the Sabie River. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of the Panorama Route.