Mpumalanga, north-east South Africa · South Africa
A dramatic drive along the edge of the escarpment, past one of the world's largest green canyons, waterfalls, potholes and the viewpoints that look out over the lowveld.
The Panorama Route is a scenic drive along the northern part of the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga, where the high plateau drops away in a series of cliffs, gorges and forests to the hot lowveld below. It links a series of natural attractions in a short distance, and is a natural companion to a visit to Kruger National Park, which lies just below the escarpment to the east.
The centrepiece is the Blyde River Canyon, about 25 km long and up to 750 metres deep, one of the largest canyons in Africa and among the largest green canyons in the world, cloaked in subtropical vegetation. Its viewpoints include the Three Rondavels, three round rock pinnacles that resemble traditional huts, and God's Window, where the ground falls away to the lowveld. Bourke's Luck Potholes, cylindrical holes worn into the rock where two rivers meet, and waterfalls such as Lisbon, Berlin and Mac Mac add to the scenery.
The route is also historic. Pilgrim's Rest, a preserved gold-rush village from the 1870s, has a living museum, and the towns of Graskop and Sabie offer craft shops, cafés and adventure activities. The route can be done in a day, though two days allow a slower pace, and it is best in the dry winter months when the views are clearest.
Why visit
The Panorama Route is one of the most scenic short drives in South Africa, and easy to combine with Kruger.
Blyde River Canyon has huge cliffs, green slopes and a dam-fed river.
God's Window, the Three Rondavels and other lookouts.
Lisbon Falls, Mac Mac Falls and Bourke's Luck Potholes.
Pilgrim's Rest is a preserved mining village.
Sealed roads and short walks between viewpoints.
Main attractions
Most sights are short stops off the R532 road.
A viewpoint on the edge of the escarpment, from which the land drops about 900 metres to the lowveld, with views to Kruger on clear days. Mist can hide it.
Tip Go early, before the cloud.
Three round, grass-topped rock pinnacles, resembling traditional huts, rising above the Blyde River Canyon, with the dam far below.
Tip A short walk from the car park.
Cylindrical potholes carved by whirling water where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet, reached by footbridges over the gorge.
Tip Allow an hour.
Waterfalls dropping over the escarpment into the forest, with short paths from car parks.
Tip Best in summer after rain.
A 65-metre twin waterfall in a forested gorge near Sabie.
Tip A short stop.
A gold-rush village from 1873, preserved as a museum, with old shops, houses and a pub.
Tip Combine with Graskop.
Things to do
The route is about scenery, with a few active options.
Stop at viewpoints and waterfalls.
Tip Start early.
A glass lift that descends into a forested gorge, with walkways.
Tip Book in advance.
A giant swing over a gorge.
Tip For thrill seekers.
See the canyon from below.
Tip Book a morning trip.
Short trails to waterfalls.
Tip Wear good shoes.
Wander the historic village.
Tip Buy a museum ticket.
Local food
Food is simple, with pancakes, farm stalls and local trout.
Large, thin pancakes with sweet or savoury fillings, a Graskop speciality.
Where to try it Harrie's Pancakes and cafés.
Fresh trout from mountain streams.
Where to try it Restaurants in Dullstroom and Sabie.
Barbecue with steak and boerewors.
Where to try it Lodges.
Avocados, mangoes and macadamia nuts.
Where to try it Farm stalls.
In roadside cafés.
Where to try it Graskop.
Accommodation
Stay in Graskop, Sabie or a lodge on the escarpment.
Transport
The route is about 350 km from Johannesburg, and 1.5 to 2 hours from Kruger's gates.
A car is the only practical way to see the route.
When to go
The escarpment has warm, wet summers with frequent mist, and mild, dry winters with clear views.
Green and lush, but hot, misty and stormy.
Clear, warm and dry.
Sunny, clear and cool, with excellent views.
Warming, with clear days.
Worth planning around: Misty summer mornings, when the viewpoints are hidden.
Itinerary
The canyon on the first day, and the waterfalls and villages on the second.
Viewpoints.
Falls and gold.
Travel tips
A few tips help you get the best views.
FAQ
It can be done in a day, but two days allow a relaxed pace.
April to September, when the air is clear.
Yes. It is one to two hours from the gates, and a natural add-on.
Generally yes. Lock your car and keep valuables out of sight.
Yes, or a tour.
It is often described that way, though it depends on how canyons are measured.
Keep exploring
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