Panorama Route

Tucked into the northeastern corner of South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, the Panorama Route is a feast for the senses, a 240-kilometre journey that encompasses some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.

The route roughly follows the escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains, starting at the foot of the Long Tom Pass near Lydenburg in the south and ending at the Echo Caves near Ohrigstad in the north.

What to see along the Panorama Route in South Africa

The route is a scenic treat: sweeping mountain views, cascading waterfalls, dense forests and geological marvels aplenty.

Whether you’re road-tripping from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park or planning an extended stay, the Panorama Route offers an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers, photographers and curious explorers.

One of the most prominent features of the route is the Blyde River Canyon.

It is the third-largest canyon in the world and probably the greenest. There are numerous places from which to appreciate its beauty, of which the Three Rondavels viewpoint, where towering, hut-shaped outcrops rise from the canyon floor, is the best.

For another vertigo-inducing, yet spectacular view, this time over the sweeping coastal plain towards Mozambique, head to God’s Window.

Or, if waterfalls are your thing, you can visit any of six spectacular locations, ranging in height from 35 metres (Sabie Falls) to 146 metres (Bridal Veil Falls).

Another fascinating natural spectacle can be seen at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have sculpted perfectly cylindrical cavities in the sandstone.

Beyond just gazing in awe, there are numerous ways to enjoy a more immersive experience.

One of the most popular is to hike one of the many trails in the Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve or join a boat trip on the Blyde River Dam.

A new attraction at the Graskop Gorge features a glass lift that descends 51 metres to the floor of an indigenous forest. At the same location, adrenaline junkies can get their fix on the big swing, ziplines and gently swaying suspension bridge.

For an adventure of a different kind, there are two gorgeous subterranean worlds to visit at the Sudwala and Echo Caves.

The Panorama Route in South Africa also has its fair share of historical attractions, of which the most well-known is the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, where gold was discovered in the 19th-century.

With quirky shops, a mining museum and arguably the best pancakes in the country, it offers a glimpse of the past with the comforts of the present.

Is the Panorama Route worth a visit?

While the Panorama Route can be sampled on a day-trip, it is well worth spending several days here to fully appreciate all it has to offer. And for that, there is no shortage of accommodations.

Whatever your budget or preference, you can choose from a variety of luxury lodges with spectacular mountain views, rustic guesthouses in forest valleys, cosy B&Bs or family-friendly self-catering chalets. Choose one or two as your base and explore the route at leisure.

You’ll also find plenty of tasty treats to fuel your adventure across the length of the route.

There are numerous cosy cafés to kickstart your day, farm-style eateries serving locally harvested trout and venison and several upscale restaurants at which to celebrate the day’s highlights.

The Panorama Route in South Africa is a destination where every bend in the road reveals a new wonder – ideal for a daytrip and perfect for an extended stay.