Blyde River Canyon — Attraction in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality

With total area of 26946 hectares, the Blyde River Canyon (now officially known as the Motlatse Canyon) is the third largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, and is the largest "green canyon" due to its particularly lush subtropical covering, with the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet.

Being one of the most-visited attractions in South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon is 26 kilometres in length and is, on average, around 800m deep. The dam itself, when full, is at an altitude of 665 meters (2182 feet).

The Blyde River Canyon Reserve extends along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path, which at every turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges droper personing 800 meters into the riverbed. Blyde River Canyon Reserve is situated against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment and includes natural wonders such as the Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God's Window. Many visitors to this region enjoy the visual splendour of combining the Panorama Route with exceptional game viewing in the Kruger National Park to create a spectacular itinerary in Mpumalanga.

The rich and varied plant life is influenced by extreme Climate, a range of altitudes and various soil conditions. This variety of plant life supports an equally rich and varied fauna. The Grassland supports Grey Rhebuck and the rare Oribi as well as rodents, reptiles, seed-eating birds and plenty of insects. Kudu prefer the cover of wooded bushveld and bushbuck and bushpig move amongst the luxuriant growth on the Riverbanks.

All five of South Africa's primates (somango monkey, nocturnal greater and lesser bushbabies, chacma baboons and vervet monkeys) can be see in the The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

Hippopotamus and crocodile live in and around the rivers and wetlands of Swadini Dam, as do waterbirds and otters. Almost every type of habitat that attracts birds is found in the The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and all three South African species of Loerie can be found in the Reserve.

Some photos courtesy of...

We have visited Blyde River Canyon a few times in the past, usually on the back end of of visits to KNP. This is is just a fantastic place to spend some time and the Panorama Route (self-drive) day trip is a wonderful way to visit this part of South Africa.

After a few trips in this area over the years, we've come up with a visitation plan that might be of use to those eager to self-drive in the Blyde River Canyon area. See below:

For a 1/2 Day Self-drive trip (starting in Graskop) 1.) The Pinnacle 2.) God's Window 3.) Bourke's Luck Potholes 4.) Three Roundavels (return to Graskop)

For a 3/4 Day self-drive trip (starting in Graskop) 1.) The Pinnacle 2.) God's Window 3.) Lisbon Falls 4.) Berlin Falls 5.) Bourke's Luck Potholes 6.) Three Roundavels (return to Graskop) 7.) Afternoon meal at Harrie's Pancake.

For a Full Day self-drive (starting in Graskop) 1.) The Pinnacle 2.) God's Window 3.) Lisbon Falls 4.) Berlin Falls 5.) Bourke's Luck Potholes 6.) Three Roundavels (return to Graskop) 7.) Afternoon meal at Harrie's Pancake. 8.) Drive out to Pilgrim's Rest (return to Graskop

For a Full Day self-drive (starting in Sabie) 1.) Mac Mac Falls (then to Graskop) 2.) Drive west to Pilgrim's Rest (return to Graskop) 3.) Harrie's Pancakes (Graskop) - Lunch 4.) The Pinnacle 5.) God's Window 6.) Lisbon Falls 7.) Berlin Falls 8.) Bourke's Luck Potholes 9.) Three Roundavels (return to Graskop, Sabie, Hazyview or other starting point).

For a Full Day self-drive (Ending your trip in Hoedspruit area) See driving route C (steps 1-9) but instead of returning to Graskop, you can continue through the Abel Erasmus Pass and continue to Hoedspruit.

There are an infinite number of ways to drive in the Blyde River Canyon area (and Waterfall Route) during your stay in this part of South Africa. The above suggestions are just driving suggestions only and don't factor in time for activities that are also available around Blyde River Canyon. Spending additional time, taking in the Panorama Route, more leisurely, over 2+ days is...

Blyde River Canyon is an absolute gem and a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and breathtaking landscapes. From the moment you arrive, you're greeted with stunning views that seem to go on forever. The lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, and winding river create a scene that's straight out of a postcard.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Three Rondavels viewpoint. The panoramic view from there is simply awe-inspiring. We also enjoyed the hike to Bourke's Luck Potholes – the unique rock formations are a testament to the incredible power of nature.

The weather was perfect during our trip, and we were able to capture some amazing photos. The trails were well-marked, and we appreciated the informative signage that provided insight into the geology and history of the area.

What truly sets Blyde River Canyon apart is the sense of tranquility and untouched beauty. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

Highly recommend to anyone visiting South Africa – Blyde River Canyon is a natural wonder that you won’t...