Panorama Region in South Africa
The Panorama Region stretches spectacularly along the far eastern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains. As its name suggests, the area offers frame after frame of amazing views – vast canyons, majestic rocks, and beautiful waterfalls.
When to Go
Best Time to Go
Stretches along the eastern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains
Combines well with Kruger National Park
Fantastic panoramic views
Spectacular for photographers
South Africa’s Must-See Region
Without doubt, one of the highlights of the Region is Blyde River Canyon, considered one of Africa’s finest features. Although it is smaller than Namibia’s Fish River Canyon, Blyde might just be the world’s largest green canyon as it is chock-full of verdant subtropical foliage! At 750m deep and 25km in length, Blyde is truly astonishing, well worth a trip to the Panorama Region. If you are a keen photographer, you will love all the photo ops that a trip to the Region provides! And the Region combines very well with the Kruger National Park, providing a relaxing break before or after an energetic safari.
Activities
The Panorama region wows visitors with its dramatic views and photographic opportunities. Those seeking additional activities will be pleased to learn that there is plenty to keep them occupied!
Take a self-drive adventure
See dramatic landscapes
Adventure, culture and conservation
Visit Historical Sites
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Guided tours of the Region are available, but we tend to recommend that travellers self-drive their way through. This approach provides all the flexibility you need – you can take time to create the perfect photograph or just take a quick snap before moving on!
There are stunning vistas in this area, including God’s Window, at the southern tip of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, where steep cliffs drop sharply for over 700 metres. It is thought that the landscape resembles Eden, giving rise to the religious name. If you are here on a clear day, you can stare out across the Kruger towards the 800km-long Lebombo Mountains on the border with Mozambique! Another major attraction is the Three Rondavels. These are immense round rocks resembling the homes of indigenous people. There are also fantastic photo opportunities at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, a series of cylindrical crevices caused by powerful volks, or underwater whirlpools.
There are plenty of activities to choose from, including white water rafting, Shangaan cultural villages, and excursions to endangered species centres. You can even take to the skies in a helicopter, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking vistas below.
Those who like a little history will appreciate a stop-off at the reconstructed mining town of Pilgrim’s Rest. This town was sold to the local government in 1971, following the cessation of mining, and since then has functioned as a fascinating national museum.
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