The Panorama Route's popularity has much to do with its proximity to the Kruger National Park. It is often part and parcel of an organised trip to the game reserve, however it is also popular for its access to one of the province's major scenic attractions known as the Blyde River Canyon, which is one of the largest canyons on earth, and of particular interest to overseas visitors.
The most popular stretch of this enchanting 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 Rondawels. The famous Lowveld view, just 5 kilometres north of Bourke's Luck Potholes, surveys the canyon from a height of 1 219 metres above sea level with the Blyde River cutting its way through the valleys below and the Blydepoort Dam in the distance, which is unbelievably beautiful!!
There are also lots of attractions amongst the natural highlights ranging from conservation to retail: like the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Tsakani Silk Farm, the Elephant Sanctuary, hiking and mountain bike trails, a coffee roastery, art galleries, cultural villages, farm stalls and restaurants.
On the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga, with its breathtaking vistas around every mountain corner, waterfalls plunging down faces of sheer rock, memories of the gold rush following you as you meander down an endless river canyon, and eagles hovering above your head – you can't help walking with your head in the clouds.
One breathtaking view after another – that's South Africa's famous Panorama Route, where you'll experience mountains, sky, forests and the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons. The Blyde River Canyon's lush subtropical foliage makes it the world's largest 'green canyon'.
The Bourke's Luck Potholes are also well worth a visit. These giant potholes have formed at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers and mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.
Although the visual element dominates on the Panorama Route, all your senses are enriched by the wealth of plant and animal life that the region supports. Mammals you might see along the Panorama Route include klipspringer, dassies, grey rhebuck, oribi, kudu, bushbuck, bushpig, monkeys, bushbabies, chacma baboons and black-backed jackals.
