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.
What to see & do in the Panorama Region
Guided tours of the Region are available, but we tend to recommend that travelers 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! And you can even take to the skies in a helicopter, enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking vistas below.
Other stunning vistas in this area are presented at God’s Window, at the southern tip of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Steep cliffs drop sharply for over 700 meters, leading the gaze down to sprawling lowveld bordered by thick forest. 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. This is a series of cylindrical crevices caused by powerful volks, or underwater whirlpools, named after local prospector Tom Bourke, who had thought that the holes might contain gold. Unfortunately, he did not find any, but the potholes really are a remarkable sight!
Travelers hoping to fit in a few additional activities during their trips around the Panorama Region will be pleased to learn that there is plenty to keep them occupied here. Elephant interactions, white water rafting, excursions to endangered species centers and Shangaan cultural villages… every day brings a new adventure! And those who like a little history will appreciate a stop-off at reconstructed mining town 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.
However, if you choose to spend your time in the Panorama Region, you are guaranteed great views and exciting activities! And the Region contains a number of high-quality lodges and guesthouses – just check out our picks, below.