Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon is located in Mpumalanga - South Africa, just north of the town of Graskop. It is the third largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon (USA) and the Fish River Canyon (Namibia). It is the largest green canyon in the world. As such it is protected by the Mpumalanga Parks Board and the whole canyon falls within the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve covering ±22 000 hectares. As with other canyons this natural phenomenon, in simplified terms, is basically the result of the eroding force of running water over millions of years. The Blyde River still flows through the Canyon and is dammed at the bottom end of the canyon in the Blydepoort Dam.

The easiest way to view the canyon is by following the Panorama Route to the Three Rondavels Viewpoint. Another option is to enter the Forever Resorts Blyde Canyon for two viewpoints that can be found on site. Various adventure options, such as hiking and whitewater rafting, are available.

Tours that include Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon attractions

Three Rondavels Viewpoint

Of all the view sites along the majestic Panorama Route, Three Rondavels arguably offers the best views. The view point, ±60 km north of Graskop, lies just above the broadest section of the Blyde River Canyon.

God's Window

God's Window, part of the popular Panorama Route, is a viewpoint on the Mpumalanga Escarpment with beautiful vistas of the Lowveld below. God's Window is clearly signposted from the R534. It's a 50m walk from the car park to the edge of the escarpment.

Bourke's Luck Potholes

The Bourke's Luck Potholes is one of the stops on the Panorama Route in South Africa. At this viewpoint visitors have the opportunity to walk along pathways and to view the potholes created by the fast flowing Blyde- and Treur Rivers in the rock bed of the river.

Panorama Route

The scenic Panorama Route, with various viewpoints, runs along the top of a section of the escarpment between the Mpumalanga Highveld and Lowveld. It offers incredible views, we strongly recommend it. The Route may be approached from Ohrigstad or from the logging town of Graskop.

Wonder View

Wonder View is the highest viewpoint on the Panorama Route and offers a 180 degree view over the Lowveld. The drop down to the Lowveld from the Panorama Route is approximately 900 m. On a clear day it is possible to see the Kruger National Park and the Lebombo mountain range in the distance.

The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle is the first viewpoint on the Panorama Route, if you approach the Route from the town of Graskop. It is a 30m- / 100ft high quartzite rock needle in a ravine that leads to the Lowveld below. The Ngwaritsane River flows down the ravine, cascading over eight waterfalls.