Panorama Route
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route unfolds like a masterpiece, revealing staggering sights at every turn along a 160 km scenic road.
As it curves northward, the Drakensberg mountain range separates the highland interior plateau with heights over 2.000 meters (Highveld) from the beautiful Lowveld, where Hoedspruit is located. This creates a dramatic drop to just 500 meters above sea level. Over millions of years, water has carved out the Blyde River Canyon, and the Panorama Route is your gateway to this natural wonder.
Officially starting in the South outside of Lyndenburg at the Long Tom Pass the route follows the Great Escarpment along the R532, finishing up at Echo Caves in the North. The 40 km stretch from Graskop to the iconic Three Rondavels is undoubtedly the most stunning section of the route, with breathtaking viewpoints like God’s Window, cascading waterfalls, and gorges that plunge up to 800 meters deep.
1 – Self-Driving
The Panorama Route
Departing north from Hoedspruit, our suggested day-trip route takes you in the opposite direction, making the most popular highlight – the Three Rondavels – the first stop early in the morning. As most travellers start in the south, you’ll dodge the crowds that way.
We highly recommend spending enough time exploring this place and soaking in the views.
Maybe consider one of the hikes starting at the Blyde Canyon A Forever Resort and rather skip one of the waterfalls further south, if running out of time towards the end of the day.
We’re not really the type to chase waterfalls. If we had to pick just one, we’d go for the Lisbon Falls and skip the other two. But hey, that’s just us.
Most stops require an entrance fee. Foreign visitors typically pay between 60 and 150 ZAR, with Bourke’s Luck Potholes being the priciest location. Residents generally pay half the fee, while children are charged approximately 70% of the adult rate. It is advisable to carry cash, as debit cards may not always be accepted.
Suggested Day-Trip Route
Start / End: Hoedspruit
Distance: ca. 340 km
These gigantic quartzite formations rise dramatically over 700 m, their sheer rock faces dominating the scenery. There are three possible stops, each giving access to different lookout points.
Blyde Canyon A Forever Resort – Upper Viewpoint („World’s End“) & Lower Viewpoint:
If you are not a guest, visit the resort’s reception and get your access permit to both the viewpoints and hiking trails.
Three Rondavels Viewpoint:
This is regarded as the official viewpoint, just a quick drive from the Resort. You’ll find two lookouts linked by a lovely little trail, that shouldn’t be missed.
Lowveld View:
The two other spots are simply unbeatable. Anyway, a new perspective and the fact that it’s free make this one worth a visit, too.
At the confluence of the Blyde River and the Treur River, swirling currents carrying sand and pebbles have sculpted a network of tunnels and cylindrical potholes. A short loop across some bridges showcases the vibrant hues and surreal rock patterns.
At 94 m they are the highest falls along the Panorama Route. Rumour has it, they are the most beautiful, too. Don’t miss the short hike down to the foot of the falls.
During dry season (May to August), the waterfall typically has just a trickle of water. However, it transforms into a spectacular sight after the rains.
Into another world by elevator: 51 m straight down into the heart of an ancient Afromontane Forest. An extensive network of forest paths, boardwalks and exhibits leads you over streams and amidst untouched surroundings.
And then there’s this wild Big Swing where you can launch yourself 70 m into a gorge … plus a bunch of other crazy shit to do!
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The 70 m twin waterfalls used to be a single stream. During the gold rush, miners blasted it apart to access the gold-bearing reef beneath. In the dry season, Mac Mac often merges back into one fall.
Towering 30 m above the terrain, this steep rocky outcrop at Driekop Gorge stands proudly amidst the lush indigenous forest. Visitors are welcome to explore the canyon’s edge taking in the striking views.
Located on the edge of the Escarpment this spot serves as „the window“ to the sprawling Lowveld below. On clear days, you can even see all the way to Kruger. A quick stroll through the rainforest takes you past three lookout points.
You should totally return to the Three Rondavels Viewpoint for the golden hour. Closing at 5 pm it’s not officially open for sunset. Make sure to flash your best smile at the gate guy for this one!
― Karen Blixen, Out of AfricaThe views were immensely wide. Everything that you saw made for greatness, freedom and unequealled nobility.
2 – Hiking along the Panorama Route
Trailhead & Parking:
Blyde River A Forever Resort, Kadisi Restaurant
Total length: 2–10 km
Route type: Roundtrip
Download GPX track
These 4 walks can be combined in many different ways. A popular version is the Leopard-Guinea Fowl-Tufa trail combo, a 7 km loop featuring inviting swimming spots, a lush jungle, and breathtaking vistas of the canyon and the Three Rondavels.
Trailhead & Parking:
Lisbon Falls
Total length: 2,4 km
Route type: Out-and-back
Download GPX track
The somewhat hidden hike starts left of the viewpoint. The path isn’t marked, but well-trodden. Be prepared for a steep descent that may require some scrambling, but the effort is worth it: once you’ve reached the base of the waterfall, dive in and enjoy the thunderous roar of the water surrounding you.
Trailhead & Parking:
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Total length: 13,5 km
Route type: Out-and-back
Download GPX track
It’s regarded as a rather challenging and lesser-known day hike in Blyde River Canyon. Consequently, there’s relatively low foot traffic. The trail descends into the heart of the canyon, leading towards Dientjies Falls. Along the way, you’ll come across the ruins of the old Belvedere hydroelectric power station.
Please note: This hike won’t fit into a 1-Day-Panorama Route schedule!
