Panorama Route South Africa
Introduction to the Panorama Route
The Panorama Route is a scenic route set in the verdant and lush countryside of Mpumalanga Province. The route traverses the Drakensberg Escarpment all the way down to the Kruger Lowveld via a series of mountain passes, including the famous Long Tom Pass.
The rugged plateau of the Great Escarpment comes to an abrupt and dramatic halt, falling steeply away into the Kruger Lowveld and offers spectacular views over the grasslands of Africa.
Lush vegetation, steep cliffs, gushing waterfalls, rocky pools, dramatic rock formations and deep canyons all contribute to the striking beauty of this region. The Drakensberg escarpment provides stunning viewpoints from where you can take-in the magnificent scenery.
The most popular stretch of the route is the R532 that winds its way from the town of Sabie via a selection of graceful waterfalls – the Sabie Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Mac Mac Falls – to God’s Window, the Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the three Rondavels.
Apart from its own beauty the route has gained popularity due to its proximity to various game reserves including the the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
A tour of the Panorama Route makes a great add-on to a safari package.
Panorama Route Viewpoints
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon is a site of natural beauty. It is the largest Green Canyon in the world that stretches over 26 Kilometres and is more than 800 meters deep.
The Blyde River Canyon is located along the northern parts of the Drakensberg Escarpment in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. There are many gems within the Blyde Canyon Reserve.
3 Rondavels
The Three Rondavels are mountain structures with round tops. They have a similar appearance to the traditional round African homesteads called rondavels. Hence the name the Three Rondavels.
This site offers views over parts of the Canyon as well as the 3 Rondavels located on the edges of the Drakensberg. The views are truly spectacular.
Along the popular 16 km stretch of the R532, the 3 Rondavels will be your starting or ending point, depending on direction of travel.
There are is also a flea market (African market) at this viewpoint where you can purchase local arts and crafts.
Gods Window
Another recommended sight is God’s Window. God’s Window – so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld and the Kruger National Park Mozambique. From the parking area a steep footpath along the edge of the escarpment leads to the actual view site
Several elevated observation points provide sweeping views over the verdant Lowveld. On a clear day you can see as far as Mozambique. This viewpoint can be foggy at times so best to go there on a clear day.
The Pinnacle
The Pinnacle Rock, a tower-like freestanding pillar of rock which rises 30 m above the dense indigenous forest. To the right of the Pinnacle Rock is the first of eight small waterfalls in the Ngwaritsane stream.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes,
This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Swirling whirlpools occur as the Treur River plummets into the Blyde River. Over the eons these whirlpools caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river. The result is a dramatic geological structure of eroded rock and pools.
Waterfalls
Gushing waterfalls are another scenic feature of the Panorama Route. Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, Mac Mac Falls, Kadishi Tufa Waterfalls and Lone Creek Falls are most impressive especially after heavy downpours.
Things to do along the Panorama Route
The Panorama route offers more than just scenic view points. Several hiking trails criss-cross the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, starting from easy hour-long hikes to overnight treks.
Other outdoor activities such zip-lining, cycling and canyoning are also on offer.
There are also flea-markets, restaurants, eateries, small snack stores and accommodation establishments along the route.
You can visit the botanical gardens, a coffee farm and roastery, art galleries and enjoy a cultural village experience.
Nearby attractions include The Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve. The Panorama Route is often included in a Kruger or Sabi Sand Safari.
Towns along the Panorama Route
The Panorama Route starts at Mbombela ends at the Swadini Forever Resort.
Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit)
Mbombela is the capital city of Mpumalanga. The city serves as a gateway to some of the best eco-
Mbombela is also home to KMIA (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport).
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For shopping enthusiasts the city offers world class shopping malls, casinos and entertainment venues with air conditioning systems. You can also visit the Lowveld Botanical Garden.
White River
It the route moves on to White River. The high level of Kaolin (China clay) deposits gives the river that skirts the town its name.
In White River you can go play golf, visit a Motor Museum or go Orange Wine Tasting at Rottcher Wineries. White River is home to numerous craftsmen, artists and farmers. You can experience their craft and produce at any of the galleries, studios, craft markets, cafés or restaurants.
Pilgrims Rest
Pilgrims Rest has a few spectacular pubs and restaurants, which is a must if you want to experience the culture of the town. The entire town was declared a National Monument in 1986 as a living memory of the early gold rush days in South Africa during the late 1800s / early 1900s.
Graskop
Graskop is situated on the top of the escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains in the Mpumalanga Province and is a definite highlight of the Panorama Route, with attractions like:
- God’s Window
- Lisbon Falls
- Berlin Falls
- the Pinnacle
- Bourke`s Luck Potholes, and
- Blyde River Canyon
The Panorama Route ends at the Swadini Forever Resort, which has tons of activities from boat trips to Microlight fights. .
Sabie
Sabie brings tons of adventure with activities like 4×4 trips and abseiling.
No trip to the Panorama Route is complete without a stop in at Sabie. It’s one of those places that is really hard to leave. Incredible mountain passes, friendly people and, oh so many waterfalls, is the best way to describe this little patch of paradise.
While the area surrounding Sabie is home to one of the largest hand-planted forests in the world, there are still a number of pristine indigenous tracts that make for some of the best hiking in the country. The famous Fanie Botha Trail is a multi-day hike that winds its way through gorges and along clifftops between Sabie and nearby Graskop. Hikers overnight in stone huts along the way, and get to explore some incredible patches of forest and concealed waterfalls at almost every turn.
I mentioned waterfalls, and boy are there a lot of those around here. Horse Shoe Falls, Lone Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Mac Mac Falls are but a few of the many that can be found within easy access from the town.
Hazyview
Hazyview is an excellent supply stop before heading into the Kruger National Park. There are a number of well stocked butcheries, bakeries, and grocery stores to make sure you’ve got everything you need for an extended stay in the park. There are also a number of fun activities to do around the town. If you’re looking for a bit of adrenaline, then check out the Skyway Trails and zip your way through the forest canopy.
Graskop
Graskop is the epitome of small country town living. Unlike the nearby Sabie, Graskop is surrounded by large, open fields on one side, and the rim of the highveld on the other. This makes for some excellent view sites all around the town, God’s Window and the Blyde River Canyon being two of the most famous. As with it’s forested southern neighbour, Graskop also enjoys an abundance of waterfalls with Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls being the easiest to access.
