The South Africa Panorama Route: How to Experience the Stunning Blyde River Canyon
While so many people have heard of Kruger National Park, there aren't enough people that know about the South Africa Panorama Route!
It's just around the corner from Kruger, and it makes a great addition to your safari tour, with some cool stops along the way. Imagine breathtaking views, handmade crafts, and unique places to stay in the mountains - without a ton of driving or hiking to get to them!
We're here to share all of the details for the South Africa Panorama Route so that you can experience it in the absolutely most optimal way possible.
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A Little Intro to the South Africa Panorama Route
Before getting into the details of what to do, where to stay, and how to get around, let's go over some of the basic info you should know for the South Africa Panorama Route.
🛣 What is the Panorama Route?
The South Africa Panorama Route is a popular tourist trail near Kruger National Park that is a great addition to safari trips. It includes a variety of stops such as waterfalls, viewpoints, and other touristic points of interest.
📍 Where is the South Africa Panorama Route?
The South Africa Panorama Route is in the north east of the country in Mpumalanga, near Kruger National Park. It is a little under 400 km east of Johannesburg, and takes about 4-4 1/2 hours to drive to.
The Panorama Route goes along Route 532, and stretches from a little south of Graskop, going up to Blyde River Canyon.
➡ How Long is the South Africa Panorama Route?
The whole route is about 70 km from the first point of interest outside of Graskop to the final viewpoints of Blyde River Canyon. Without stopping, the route takes a little under an hour to drive.
How to Get to the South Africa Panorama Route
Now that you know where the Panorama Route in South Africa is, let's look at how to get there!
✈️ Where Do You Fly Into for the Panorama Route?
The closest airport to the South Africa Panorama Route is Nelspruit, which is 80 km south, or a little over an hour drive away from the beginning of the Panorama Route.
If you're coming from another continent though, chances are the easiest airport to fly into will be Johannesburg, which is the biggest hub of Southern Africa. This is where we visited the Panorama Route from, and definitely thought it was the most budget-friendly option.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for flying to Nespruit, or see the best flight for Johannesburg.
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🚗 How to Get to the Panorama Route in South Africa from Johannesburg
The best way to get to the Panorama Route in South Africa is to drive there from Johannesburg.
We actually rented a big pick up truck from the Johannesburg airport and did a 7-week road trip through Southern Africa. We converted the back into a bed, and it was a great way to have flexibility in our travel plans!
🛻 Do You Need a 4x4 for the Panorama Route?
We decided to have a large car because many places in Southern Africa require one, especially in Namibia and Botswana.
However, in order to do the South Africa Panorama Route you don't actually need a high clearance vehicle or 4x4! The road is super easy to drive, and all parking lots are paved.
The Panorama Route in South Africa is well paved.
🚌 How to Get to the Panorama Route in South Africa Without a Car
If you don't want to drive, there are actually a lot of tour companies that pair the South Africa Panorama Route with Kruger Park safari packages. This is definitely the best way to do it if you don't have a car, as it's the most efficient.
Here are a few tours that we've found that include the South Africa Panorama Route with Kruger National Park from Johannesburg:
The South Africa Panorama Route: Things to Do & See
Alright, are you ready to explore the South Africa Panorama Route?! One thing that is super great about this area is that everything is super close to one another.
The setup is really ideal for those that want to see a lot in little time, and for those that may not have great mobility.
Attractions are all within minutes from one another, have small charges to enter (they accept credit cards), and have paved parking lots with amenities (don't worry we'll get more into that in a bit).
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Things to See Along the South Africa Panorama Route
Now for the fun part! Each of these spots are places you can see in under 30 minutes, and some of them are just a quick stop for a view.
We're going to share all of the places from bottom to top, so that you can easily pin them in your map and plan out the perfect trip along the South Africa Panorama Route.
Mac Mac Falls
This 65-meter drop along the Mac Mac River is simply stunning! The offiical viewpoint is just a 5-minute walk from the parking lot.
We were a bit dissapointed to find out the fence was so high, so you can see how we flew the drone above instead to get a different type of view.
We actually saw a ton of pictures of people at the bottom of the falls though! We'd recommend asking a local how to get here, because it definitely seems like the best way to see it. You'll have to hike along the sides of the river, but it should be free and get you up really close. We even saw people swimming there in the summer.
Forest Falls
This is one of the most beautiful falls in the area, and unlike some of the other ones, you can actually hike here! We didn't hear about this until after we left, but heard it's a 4 km moderate hike along the river to get there.
The Pinnacle Rock
Pinnace Rock is a 30-meter quartzite tower surrounded by dense forest, and offer stunning views around it. There are a couple of different viewpoints around this area, all that are just a couple of minutes walking from the lot.
God's Window
God's Window is apparently one of the best views along the South Africa Panorama Route. Unfortunately we were greeted by thick fog when we got there first thing in the morning, so we'd recommend coming here a bit later in the morning when the fog settles and you can appreciate the views.
Make sure not to visit God's Window when it's foggy at the top.
Rainforest Trail
Right past God's Window (from the same entrance) you can walk up a short stone path through thick greenery. It's a scenic and easy walk, so a simple addition to God's Window.
Wonder View
Wonder view is one of the only free things to do along the South Africa Panorama Route. Just up the road from God's window, this is a great place to make a quick stop and enjoy the beautiful panoramas.
In our case, there was a lot of fog, but typically the views are incredible!
Lisbon Falls
Lisbon Falls was the number one attraction we were looking forward to for the Panorama Route. We saw so many pictures of people swimming in the river below with the massive gorgeous falls in the back.
Unfortunately, this area has been blocked off though, and now you can simply just see a side view of it from above.
Berlin Falls
Just by Lisbon Falls, this is another waterfall to stop at for a quick view from the top.
We'd recommend visiting here first thing in the morning before the sun peaks out, or later in the day when the sun isn't blaring right behind the falls so you can have better lighting than we did.
Bourke's Luck Potholes
Located right in the middle of the South Africa Panorama Route, Bourke's Luck Potholes is one of the bigger attractions in the area.
As soon as you park you'll see local women singing and dancing and a small museum. Then behind that is a small trail that leads to the potholes, which are scattered deep inside a canyon.
The place is extremely cool! However, you can only enjoy the pools from above, and you also can't swim in the river on top either. For better photography we'd recommend getting here late in the day when the sun isn't so harsh.
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon is the true star of the show when it comes to the South Africa Panorama Route!
We saw a ton of pictures on Instagram, and everything was tagged Blyde River Canyon. This is extremely deceiving though, as the canyon is massive, and has a few different viewpoints and areas to enjoy it.
Here are the top spots to stop at to enjoy the best views of Blyde River Canyon:
Lowveld View
This is the first major viewpoint of Blyde River Canyon, and it's truly spectacular. There is a large area of rocks that you can walk along to enjoy the panoramic views, as well as the incredible layers formed by all the mountains in the area.
Three Rondavels Viewpoint
Three Rondavels is where you'll find the absolute best views of the Panorama Route!
The Three Rondavels can be admired from a viewpoint just a minute walking from the parking lot if you go straight.
Go to the left, and you'll have completely different views, which are those that are the most famous of Blyde River Canyon. This is actually where the iconic ledge is that you can see below:
We spent 2 days trying to figure out where this was, and not one local knew where it was. On other blogs people totally gatekept it, and we're here to share a little info with you.
This area is actually fenced off, and you techincally should not go down there. I'm not proud to say this, but as we spent a complete extra day looking for this place and there was a massive hole in the fence, we decided to go ahead and take the picture.
We had paid twice to go here, and planned to go for sunrise, but the people opening the gate were a half hour late. It's safe to say we were pretty indiginant with the whole situation, so we did something we probably shouldn't have.
The silver lining is that we can now share this experience with you, so you won't waste your time looking for something that's been hidden for so long.
Also, you can see the photos below showing how beautiful the place is regardless! These are all in areas that are accessible, and would have been pretty spectacular for sunrise.
Blyde River Canyon Resort
Blyde River Canyon Resort is another place that has really nice views of Blyde River Canyon, hiking trails, and a waterfall on site.
We paid to access the viewpoint since the sun was setting, but we'd recommend getting here earlier to enjoy all that the property has to offer. They also have a restaurant with a large buffet if you'd like a heavy meal at the end of your day.
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Other Fun Activities Along the South Africa Panorama Route (& Nearby!)
Now that you know all of the top things to see along the Panorama Route, we're going to share a couple of other fun things to do in the area.
🚡 Graskop Gorge Lift
If you're looking for a bit more excitement on your trip across the South Africa Panorama Route, then you won't want to miss out on this one! Right next to the center of Graskop is a 120-meter zip line that flies you right across the gorge. Not only is this super fun, but it gives you unparalled panoramic views inside.
🦛 Jessica the Hippo
While this isn't along the South Africa Panorama Route, it's on the way to Kruger Park from the Panorama Route, and is definitely something you won't want to miss out on.
I accidentally stumbled upon this by looking at the map for ways to pass the time along the way.
This experience is an unbelievable hippo encounter that you can't find elsewhere. The hippos were saved by a man and now live in harmony with both humans and nature. If you'd like to learn more, then don't miss out on our full Jessica the Hippo article.
South Africa Panorama Route Amenities
Now that you know all of the fun things to do along the South Africa Panorama Route, we're going to share a bit about the amenities in the area. This way, you can be prepared for all of your adventures in the most comfortable way possible.
🏡 Which Towns are Along the Panorama Route?
Most of the stops along the South Africa Panorama Route are just on the side of the road, or surrounded by nature.
There are a few very small towns along the route worth mentioning though.
🏘 Panorama Route Towns
If you are coming from Johannesburg, the first town you'll come across is Sabie, which is just south of the main route. The next town (and the official start of the Panorama Route) is Graskop, which is probably the most touristic town for the area.
Right in the middle of the Panorama Route is Moremela, which is closest to Bourke's Luck Potholes. We didn't stop here, but do know there are some restaurants and places to stay here. Finally, there is Matibidi, which is the village closest to Blyde River Canyon. We passed through, but it didn't seem like there was too much there.
After the Panorama Route is Hoedspruit, which is the biggest town between the Panorama Route and Kruger National Park, and a place we definitely recommend spending a night.
🚽 Bathrooms Along the Panorama Route
Almost every tourist highlight along the South Africa Panorama Route has a bathroom on site, free of charge to use. We'd recommend bringing some hand sanitizer and wipes though, as some of them were out of paper and soap.
🛍 Shopping Along the Panorama Route
Just like bathrooms, you'll also notice that all top tourist stops along the route all have something in common - lots of people selling souvenirs. Most only accept cash, so you'll definitely want to go to the ATM in Graskop or Hoedspruit before starting the South Africa Panorama Route.
You'll find lots of wood statues, handmade jewelry, and stones being sold. There isn't a ton of variety from shop to shop, so don't feel pressured to purchase from the first place you stop.
All of the main tourist spots have locals selling souvenirs at them.
Also, if you happen to stop in Graskop, you'll find a few bigger shops that also have a lot of beautiful silk items!
🍴 Restaurants Along the South Africa Panorama Route
There are plenty of places to eat along the Panorama Route, and most of the places you'll stop such as viewpoints and Bourke's Luck Potholes have quick options when it comes to food. However, here are some awesome palces worth adding to your itinerary for dining.
🥞 Harries Pancakes
Located right in the heart of Graskop, Harries Pancakes is an iconic, long-standing and family-run joint. The pancakes here are actually a thicker version of crepes, and there are a variety of both savory and sweet options.
🍽 Panorama Chalets
This is where we stayed right before starting the South Africa Panorama Route, and we had multiple meals here.
The restaurant is cozy and cute, has friendly servers, delicious food, and excellent views around it. Even if you are not staying there, this is the perfect place to have a meal during your visit to the Panorama Route.
🍳 Mad Dogz Cafe
If you're looking for the perfect restaurant to stop at after the Panorama Route heading towards Kruger, then this is it!
We stopped here for a quick breakfast but ended up spending a couple of hours there because we loved it so much. It has an adorable shop with local handmade goods, delicious food, excellent service, and a really nice atmosphere.
🍺 Hoedspruit Brewing Company
As Hoedspruit is an excellent place to stay right before or after Kruger, you'll want to pick a great restaurant while in town. Right as you are exiting town there is a strip mall that has cute souvenirs, a cafe, car wash, and the Hoedspurit Brewing Company.
They have great pizza, burgers, and of course, beer!
Also, if you work and travel like we do, then it's an excellent place to hang out working with a drink in hand.
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📍 Where to Stay on the Panorama Route
When choosing a place to stay along the Panorama Route you'll want to keep a few things in mind.
If you plan on doing the Panorama Route as a connection to Kruger Park this can impact where you start and end. What we did was spend a night near Graskop, and then started the route early in the morning, finishing our day near Blyde River Canyon.
The next day we explored north and stayed a night in Hoedspruit, which is a nice area to stop on the way to Kruger. We work while traveling though, so broke up the South Africa Panorama Route a bit more than some might want to. Regardless of your itinerary though, we recommend staying in Graskop for one night, and doing another night near Blyde River Canyon.
🏨 Cool Hotels Along the South Africa Panorama Route
There are some really nice places to stay along the Panorama Route, and for a variety of budgets! Here are some of our top recommendations:
⛺️ Panorama Chalets & Camping
If you're looking for one of the most incredible places to stay along the South Africa Panorama Route, then this is it!
Panorama Chalets & Camping is conveniently located right outside the center of Graskop, but also boasts some of the most stunning mountain views, including an epic infinity pool.
The great thing is that you can enjoy a budget-friendly stay by camping, or a bit boujier stay by staying in one of the chalets. Their restaurant also is excellent, and since it's at the southern start point of the route, it's truly the best place to stay before starting the South Africa Panorama Route.
🥾 The Shoe
Located just a bit west of Blyde River Canyon, the Shoe is a really unique place to stay after finishing the South Africa Panorama Route (or before starting if you are coming from Kruger).
The Shoe is a shoe-shaped hotel that has an outdoor pool, playground, and restaurant on-site. It's just 30 km away from Blyde River Canyon, making it totally worth the small detour.
✈️ Aerotel
If you are visiting Kruger National Park after the South Africa Panorama Route, then the perfect city to stop in is Hoedspruit, which is just an hour 20 minutes north east of Blyde River Canyon.
Right before entering Hoedspruit there is a unique hotel on the side of the road called Aerotel, where you can stay right inside an airplane!
We were so impressed by this place. Every detail has been thoughtfully picked, truly making you feel like you're in a premium lounge at the airport. They have a pool, spacious lobby and outdoor seating area, and even have a plane that is one big airplane suite!
🦛 Jessica the Hippo
While this is a really fun place to simply go for a day visit, this is also a truly unique experience that you can spend a night at! Imagine waking up with a nice cup of coffee surrounded by 3 hippo friends all to yourself.
Jessica the Hippo is about an hour and a half from Blyde River Canyon, but is on the way to Kruger, and definitely worth the stop! If you'd like to do this, just shoot us an email, and we'll set it up for you!
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Getting Around the South Africa Panorama Route
Unfortunately there really isn't public transportation in this area of the country. The absolute best way to experience the South Africa Panorama Route is by renting a car. This way you can visit everything on your own time.
All of the stops are just minutes apart, have parking lots, and are just off the main route, making the South Africa Panorama route very accessible and easy on your own.
The Panorama Route is really easy to explore by car.
If you don't feel comfortable with renting a car, then there are plenty of tours that do the South Africa Panorama Route paired with Kruger.
Here are a few tours that we've found that include the South Africa Panorama Route with Kruger National Park from Johannesburg:
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Other Things to Know About Visiting the South Africa Panorama Route
Now you know almost everything you need for an epic trip through the South Africa Panorama Route! But don't go just yet - we have a few more details to share with you.
☀️ Weather Around the South Africa Panorama Route
South Africa has brutally hot, humid, and rainy summers, and sunny, dry, cool winters. Being that the Panorama Route goes through the mountains, you can expect temperatures to dip very low at night, especially in the winter months (June-August).
We visited in July, and had pretty warm days, and really cold nights.
It's worth visiting in the warmer months to take advantage of the pool!
📆 The Best Time to Do the South Africa Panorama Route
The best time to do the South Africa Panorama Route is in the fall, as this is when it is warm and dry enough to enjoy the outdoors day and night, but before it gets blistering hot in the summertime. This is also an ideal time because the waterfalls are at their fullest.
Another thing to keep in mind is that really early in the morning there tends to be fog, so you'll want to visit the waterfalls first, and then go to the viewpoints a little later.
Start your mornings early for the best lighting!
🧳 Packing For a Trip Along the South Africa Panorama Route
Here is your ultimate packing list for the South Africa Panorama Route:
- Travel toiletries (our favorites are from Sheer Alternatives because they're all natural and 100ml)
- Towel
- Bathing Suit for the pool if you stay at Panorama Chalets or other similar places
- Sneakers (for hiking Blyde River Canyon or at Mac-Mac Falls)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat to protect yourself from the sun
- Light jacket if you are visiting the winter for the night time
- Reusable water bottle (we suggest one that is insulated to hold the temperature)
- Chapstick (it's super dry there in winter)
- Lotion
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks as they are super long lasting and durable)
- Cash for the locals selling souvenirs
- Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
- Standard Lens (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
- Wide Lens to capture great panoramas and astrophotography (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
- Telephoto Lens to capture the views of the mountains up close (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around or for astrophotorgaphy (We use the Rangepod Tripod)
- Drone for epic shots of Blyde River Canyon from above (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
- Action Camera for a replacement of a drone (we use the Insta 360 X3)
- Extra Long Selfie Stick (the accessory for the Insta 360 that gives drone-like content)
- Toilet Paper/Tissues (some bathrooms don't have any)
- Hand Sanitizer
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🤔 Is the Panorama Route Worth it?
The Panorama Route is certainly worth it for those that plan on visiting Kruger, and also for those that want to see a lot but don't have great mobility.
We were a tiny bit disappointed that many of the stops now are just viewpoints (like the waterfalls) and many things are blocked off. However, the area is stunning, and it is the perfect place to see a lot in a little bit of time.
The Panorama Route has a lot to see in little time.
⏳ How Many Days Do You Need in the Panorama Route or South Africa?
You can definitely pack the South Africa Panorama Route in one day. However, we loved spending a couple of days!
We'd recommend two fulls days along the Panorama Route. This way you can also enjoy fun activities like zip lining, silk-making, and swimming in the epic pool of Panorama Chalets.
Tips for the South Africa Panorama Route
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So are you ready to experience the South Africa Panorama Route? With just a little bit of planning, we know you'll love this easy-to-explore and interesting area.
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