South Africa's Panorama Route is easily one of the most popular places to visit and by far one of the most scenic on the continent. Winding its way through the Drakensberg craggy mountains of Mpumalanga and the north-eastern end of the Great Escarpment, this route has some of the most dramatic landscape in the world and travellers should easily find suitable Panorama Route hotel accommodation.
The best views are to be had on a clear winter's day when the mist and clouds that mar the view in summer are nowhere in sight. At the edge of the plateau the land falls away beneath your feet and the vast Lowveld plains spread out about a kilometre below. The rains that come here the rest of the year are largely due to the plateau acting as a cloud barrier and make it hard to see very far.
Along the Panorama Route, the most famous stretch is the one at the Blyde River Canyon. With dozens of great view points and a bird's eye view of the 33km gorge marked by the Bourkes Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels the Blyde River Canyon is quite something.
The potholes of Bourkes Luck are an unusual water feature formed from millions of years of erosion. These whirling water holes have been grated away from the rocky river bed due to the friction between the sands and rocks in the water and the floor of the river.
The Blyde River forms the world's third largest and South Africa's largest canyon. The sheer magnitude of the sight and the wonderful vantage points one gets from this escarpment make it a natural wonder in its own right. The cliffs, the distant river bed, the jagged rocks, the whirlpools - you can see nature is at its very best in this canyon and enjoy many Panorama Route tours.
Breathe in the refreshing, cool air at the top of the Long Tom Pass, be enthralled by the reviving spray of the waterfalls as they drop down the edges of the cliffs to the valleys and gorges below or just delight in the magnificence of the views.
Add a little something extra to the trip by trying hot air ballooning joy rides with a glass of bubbly and someone special by your side. Or explore the culture of the region at Hazyview's Shangana Cultural Village. There are many exciting things to see & do along the Panorama Route ensuring an action packed, fun filled holiday destination.
Take a Panorama Route tour and enjoy an enchanting view of the plains stretching out towards Mozambique, the Kruger National Park and the mountains in the distance, head to the walking trails of Gods Window.
If safari is your thing, then the Big Game Country of Mpumalanga is just the place to get some serious action. With dozens of sanctuaries for animals and birds, there is so much to see and do. The jewel in South Africa's crown is the world famous Kruger National Park. Nearby are also a number of luxury private reserves and a variety of accommodation as listed on our Panorama Route map. While in the area, you can go hiking, bird watching, fishing and horse riding, besides heading out on safaris. Streams which were once centres of the gold rush are now havens for trout fishermen and hobby anglers.
The Mpumalanga region of South Africa is bursting at the seams with history and fascinating stories. From gold prospectors to hunters, the area has been a great place to come to since the pioneers first arrived here. The best places to see some living history are the gold rush towns near Pilgrims Rest and Barberton. For a feel of local culture and tradition, the Middleveld is hard to beat with its old customs, the enigmatic Ndebele folk and brightly decorated homes.
The route to Kruger National Park from Mpumalanga is in itself a great attraction. Take a slight detour on the N4 towards the Dullstroom village; make your way to the Long Tom Pass for some great views and then head on to the Lone Creek Falls until you reach Sabie. Sabie is a delightful little town that lives off forestry and has lush green countryside that is oh-so-easy on the eye. After a stopover at Sabie, head to the Mac Mac falls and splash about in the refreshing waters of the pools below.
Another great break away from the main route at Pilgrims Rest. This historic gold rush town is a fascinating stop on the way to the Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve. Once at the reserve, gaze out on the canyon below and indulge in some serious bird watching. The southernmost end of the reserve offers an indescribable view of the Lowveld from Gods Window. After this, you'll be within easy driving distance of the Orpen Gate, your entry point to the Kruger National Park.
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