Hoedspruit Trip Overview
The Panorama Route is undoubtedly one of the most stunning drives in South Africa. The route traverses the Mpumalanga Region (in the north-eastern section of the Drakensberg Mountains) along the R532, with breath-taking views of mountain scenery, picturesque waterfalls and a huge canyon. All these natural wonders make the Panorama Route an epic drive to undertake and there are many highlights. The map below details a route from north to south, or vice versa, stopping at the main attractions between from northerly start point of the R532 all the way down to Graskop. This drive can be done in one long, rushed day.
Additional Info
Duration: 7 hours
Starts: Hoedspruit, South Africa
Trip Category: Day Trips & Excursions >> Day Trips
Explore Hoedspruit Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Hoedspruit, Limpopo, South Africa
The Panorama Route is undoubtedly one of the most stunning drives in South Africa. The route traverses the Mpumalanga Region (in the north-eastern section of the Drakensberg Mountains) along the R532, with breath-taking views of mountain scenery, picturesque waterfalls and a huge canyon. All these natural wonders make the Panorama Route an epic drive to undertake and there are many highlights. The map below details a route from north to south, or vice versa, stopping at the main attractions between from northerly start point of the R532 all the way down to Graskop. This drive can be done in one long, rushed day.
Stop At: Three Rondavels, South Africa
If you punch ‘Blyde River Canyon’ into your search engine, chances are the images that pop up first are taken from here. Just a short drive from A Forever Resort, the views from here are awesome and particularly nice late in the afternoons ‘golden hour’. There’s a couple of lookouts here so make sure you visit both. It’s worth noting that the three Rondavels can also be seen from a different angle at the lookouts at A Forever Resort. If you’re short on time, you could skip this one if you’ve already been to the Upper & Lower lookouts at the Blyderiver Canyon
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Bourkes’ Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Moremela South Africa
Named after prospector John Bourke, one of the first to claim that the region was home to gold deposits. Though John never found any gold here, others did. This is probably the most touristy and commercial attraction on The Panorama Route. At the point where the Blyde River and the Treur River meet, thousands of years of erosion has formed natural cylindrical potholes in the sandstone bedrock. There’s a range of bridges to cross leading to viewpoints that look over the swirling pools. As well as the potholes, there are some nice waterfalls here too, but in all honesty, it’s a bit of a tourist trap. If short on time, we’d give it a miss as the Blyde River Canyon and surrounding waterfalls are far more impressive.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Lisbon Falls, Graskop 1270 South Africa
You guessed it, these falls were named by sentimental Portuguese miners. Lisbon Falls are the highest in the region at 94 metres and can be easily viewed from the viewing platform or short stretch of the path at the top of the waterfall.
The view from the bottom of the waterfall is actually a preferred view. There’s a reasonably steep path leading to the base of the falls and judging by the overgrown vegetation covering the path, not too many people venture down there. But it is well worth the 30-minute descent for a different view. If the weather’s nice, bring your swimmers. But be careful on the slippery track and rocks.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: God’s Window, on the Drakensberg escarpment South Africa
There are a few different viewpoints here and it’s worth the shortish walk along the rainforest trail to see them all. If the visibility is in your favour, there are views over the Lowveld all the way to Mozambique. Keep an eye out for Sunbirds, they love the Red Hot Poker flowers.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Wonder View, Graskop South Africa
Everyone loves a free quick and easy viewpoint. Similar views to God’s Window, but without needing to walk anywhere or pay a penny.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Pinnacle Rock, Graskop South Africa
A free-standing monolith that towers 30m over the tree line. There are a few different viewpoints here and make sure you hike around to see the waterfall too. Unfortunately, the mist had taken over the landscape again during our visit.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Graskop Gorge Lift Company, R533 Road to Hazyview, Graskop 1270 South Africa
Graskop is a popular base for a Panorama Route road trip. If you have time visit the Graskop Gorge Lift and enjoy your lunch at either the Lift Café or the Swing Café.
The viewing lift takes visitors 51m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest below. At the base of the gorge are both wooden walkways & suspension bridges along the 600 metre trail. The Afromontane forest is the heart of this development. There’s also a ‘Big Swing’ and Zipline for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Visit Locally Bru’d who embraces local culture – It is stocked with a range of locally made clothing, shoes, jewellery and African crafts and curios. There is also the upmarket Re-Freshed @ The Gorge and Community Craft Centre for your enjoyment.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Berlin Falls, On the Sabine River, 5660 South Africa
Berlin Falls is an 80m waterfall often described as being candle shaped. This is due to the wick-like appearance at the narrow top end of the falls, which widens and falls in a straight line to the pool below. This gives the appearance of a large white candle positioned in front of a reddish-orange cliff surrounding it. European miners searching for gold named each waterfall in the area after their respective home towns, or places in their home countries. Nostalgic Germans named Berlin Falls!
Duration: 1 hour
