The best of South Africa, the Panorama Route
Breathtaking! This route will amaze you with it's stunning nature and beautiful views. They call this route the most beautiful route through South Africa for a reason.
The Panorama Route, the route along the Blyde River Canyon
The Panorama Route runs along the Blyde River Canyon. This canyon was formed by the Blyde River which, with its fast flowing water, has created gigantic cliffs, islands and rocky plateaus. This gigantic gorge is one of the largest canyons in the world. And not only is it one of the largest canyons, it is also the greenest canyon in the world.
The Panorama Route, breathtaking, green views
This breathtaking beautiful, green area is located in the northeast of South Africa. The Blyde River Canyon has a total length of almost 30 kilometers. And the Panorama Route runs along the entire length of this canyon.
The Panorama Route, 30 kilometers of views over the Blyde River Canyon
Now 30 kilometers doesn't seem very long and the driving distances are all relatively small. But you still have to walk a short distance at most of the viewpoints on this Panorama Route, so you need at least a whole day to see the entire Panorama Route and its viewpoints.
The different lookout points on the Panorama Route
There are several lookout points on the Panorama Route, most of which are between Sabie and The Three Rondavels.
This is also the part of the Panorama Route that we drove. And while driving along all the beauty on this Panorama Route, we were surprised over and over again.
The Panorama Route, what a diversity
From lookout points with beautiful views to green valleys with rippling water, from waterfalls that you can climb over at the top to views on the beautiful red, orange rocks that tower high above the valley, the Panorama Route is really very diverse. There are sheer rock walls and green, rolling mountains. There are gigantic waterfalls, but also pools to cool off. We have rarely seen a landscape as varied as this landscape
Our three favorite viewpoints of the Panorama Route
The Panorama Route really has a lot to offer and there is so much to see. Nature is really very diverse and every corner has a different surprise in store.
God's window, the most beautiful view of the Panorama Route
God's window gives you a beautiful view over the lowveld. Here you look 900 meters down over beautiful green forests and fields with cliffs that go straight down here. On a good day you can even see the Indian Ocean. The view is really beautiful and the name God's window is therefore a very appropriate name for this viewpoint on the Panorama Route.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the most special stop on the Panorama Route
Bourke's Luck Potholes is considered by many to be the most beautiful stop of the Panorama Route. The landscape at Bourke's Luck Potholes is especially unique to see. These beautiful rock formations were eroded centuries ago by erosion and are shaped like a cylinder. They have made beautiful suspension bridges over these rock formations, so you can really see the cylindrical rock formations. What a special piece of nature are the Bourke's Luck Potholes. Because this piece of nature is so unique, it is a very busy stop on the Panorama Route. So really take your time for this stop.
The Three Rondavels, the final stop on the Panorama Route
The Three Rondavels are the end point of the Panorama Route. Although the Three Rondavels are the end point, it is certainly also one of the highlights of the Panorama Route. The Three Rondavels are four pointed rock formations. Also known as The Chief and Three wives, these four pointed rock formations are named after Maripi Mashile, a legendary "chief" and his three wives. From the viewpoint The Three Rondavels you have a breathtaking view over the Blyde River Canyon and the green and orange colors come together completely.
Wild life on the Panorama route
Of course there are also animals in the valleys of the Panorama Route. Hippos, leopards, antelopes, otters and baboons live in this nature reserve. Unfortunately, the chance that you will encounter one of these animals at the viewpoints on the Panorama Route is very small. There are also several walking routes where you can discover more of the beautiful nature at the Panorama Route, but unfortunately we did not have the time to discover them.
The downside of the Panorama route
The only drawback of the Panorama Route is that it has become a very commercial route. An entrance fee is charged at the viewpoints on the Panorama Route and there are stalls with numerous souvenirs, where they are only too happy to persuade you to buy something.
Our conclusion about the Panorama Route
When traveling through this part of South Africa, you really cannot skip the Panorama Route along the Blyde River Canyon. This route shows you how unique, diverse and beautiful the nature of South Africa is. In our opinion an absolute must-see during your tour through South Africa.
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