Panorama Route - Gorgeous Landscapes, Impressive Blyde River Canyon and African Crafts and Arts
This tour takes you to some of the most marvellous and spectacular sceneries in South Africa. Vast evergreen forests, impressive mountains, cascading waterfalls, stunning views and the world's third largest canyon, the Blyde River Canyon, could make this part of the country a highlight of your holiday.
Do you like African crafts? Along the roads many local curio sellers offer their handmade crafts at more than reasonable prices.
The Highlights – 1 Day Panorama Route
Lone Creek Falls
We leave the lodge after breakfast. Along the road to Sabie you get the first impression about the vastness of the forests. Sabie is situated in a deep valley in one of the biggest man-made forests in the world.
About 10 km outside the town we visit the Lone Creek Falls being one of the landmarks of the area. A short walk through an indigenous forest takes you to the bottom of the falls, where the water spectacularly tumbles down from a height of approx 65 metres. At the picnic area there are local curio sellers.
On our way to Pilgrim’s Rest we pass the Mac Mac Falls, where we can have a stop on request.
The Bonnet Pass takes us over the Stanley Bush-Kop (1800 m). On top you have a wonderful view of Graskop. Pilgrim's Rest, situated in a deep valley surrounded by mountains lies on the other side of the pass.
Blyde River Canyon
Next, we visit The Pinnacle Rock and God’s Window. The Pinnacle Rock, a 30m high quartzite "needle" rises dramatically out of the fern clad ravine, created by the Ngwaritsane River over countless millennia. God's Window is situated to the right on the edge of the escarpment. Several lookouts offer you fantastic views of the Lowveld almost 1000m below. A short walk through the rain forest takes you to other beautiful viewpoints.
Our next stop is the gorgeous 80-metre-high Berlin Falls. A short drive brings us to the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. This spectacular 25 km long canyon is one of South Africa’s scenic highlights. Next, we will take you to the viewpoint overlooking the Three Rondavels and the Blyde River Dam. From here you enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
Bourke's Luck Potholes
From this stunning place we drive to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. This natural miracle was formed by the corrosive action of the Treur and Blyde rivers through countless aeons. Swirling whirlpools caused waterborne sand and rocks to grind cylindrical potholes, up to 6 meters deep into the red colored bedrocks of the river.
On a 700m long walkway you can explore this natural feature or just relax on the riverside.
There is a good small museum at the visitor centre with information on the geology, flora and fauna of the canyon.
On our way back to Graskop we will stop at the 92 metres high and magnificent Lisbon Falls.
About 5 p.m. we will be back at the lodge, where you can cool off in the swimming pool and enjoy the sunset with a sundowner.
Inclusions
- Minimum 2 people
- Entrance fee
Exclusions
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Gratuity
Tour Price – 1 Day Panorama Route
price per person: on request