The Blyde River Canyon is located in the province of Mpumalanga in South Africa, in the east of the historic Transvaal region.
Located in the northern part of the Drakensberg mountain range, the canyon is 26 kilometers long and 750 meters deep on average. It is crossed by the River Blyde.The canyon runs roughly parallel to the nearby escarpment that separates the Highveld from the Lowveld. At its lower end, the canyon meets the escarpment, which shortly before had changed direction to the northwest. Apart from short access roads, there are no roads within the park.
Located on the Panorama Route northeast of Johannesburg, it is considered one of Africa’s great natural wonders.The most famous view of the canyon is the one overlooking the Three Rondavels, which are reminiscent of African huts.
Access : Coordinates: -24.59, 30.8 / The Blyde River Canyon is a canyon located in South Africa, in the province of Mpumalanga and on the Panorama Road.
Highlights :
- The Blyde River Canyon It is located on the very touristic The Panorama Route. The Panorama Route is a tourist route in South Africa that connects several points of cultural and natural interest. The itinerary, steeped in the history of South Africa, is located in the province of Mpumalanga, centered around the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world.
- The name Blyde River was given in 1844 by the wives of voortrekkers, who were waiting for their husbands who had left under the leadership of Hendrik Potgieter, in search of a route to Delagoa Bay. Not returning and believing them to be dead, they baptized “Treur River” (river of tears) the river at the edge of which their camp was drawn up. They nevertheless went in search of survivors and it was at the edge of another river that they named “Blyde River” (river of joy), that they found them all alive and well
- One of the best views along the canyon is from ‘God’s Window’ near the town of Graskop, which offers a 700m bird’s eye view of the lowveld and wildlife reserves near Kruger National Park, as well as the a lush forest.
- Top sights in The Blyde River Canyon : One of the most visited spots in the canyon are the three rondavels, huge, round rocks resembling the round huts of the locals. God’s Window is also popular for its view. / Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Bizarre rock erosion at the confluence of the Treur and Blyde Rivers. / Three Rondavels viewpoint. Best view of the Three Rondavels, three barrel-shaped rock formations standing next to each other, which are reminiscent of traditional African round huts in their shape / World’s End viewpoint. Accessible not only to guests of Forever Resort Blyde Canyon. Day visitors can try to get a temporary permit. / Kadishi waterfall.
- The nature park is crossed by several hiking routes. The spectrum ranges from one-hour walks to five-day hikes./ Leopard Trail in the Forever Resort Blyde Canyon, This beautiful trail through natural forests, past rivers and waterfalls includes several smaller trails (Tufa, Loeri, Guinea fowl) that can also be hiked independently (between 1 – 3.5 hours).
Go next : Graskop , a small tourist town in the Escarpment of South Africa’s Mpumalanga province. / Pilgrim’s Rest, a small town in the South African province of Mpumalanga. / The Panorama Route : The cities crossed are Sabie, Graskop, Pilgrim’s Rest and Ohrigstad. The natural sites are the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, The Pinnacle, Sudwala Caves and many waterfalls (Mac-Mac Falls, Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls, etc.).
