Panorama Route

Why the Panorama Route is special
It runs along the top of an escarpment rising 800 meters (2600 feet) above the Blyde River Canyon and a vast green plain. The jewel is the Blyde River Canyon. Without it, the Panorama Route would not earn a Bronze Star. Still, some of the other Panorama Route attractions are interesting.

Major attractions of the Panorama Route
Blyde River Canyon
There are two basic vantages:

• From inside the canyon
  This lets you see the striking geological formations at river level. However, this requires a modest side trip from the basic Panorama Route.
• From the escarpment's rim
  Read the next item.

Bird's-eye views
The Panorama Route has several cliff-edge lookouts. The top 2 are:

• Three Rondavels
  This vantage point has a grand view of the Blyde River Canyon and its Three Rondavels. These tall, side-by-side domed outcroppings are also called the Three Sisters.
• God's Window
  You see the plain below stretching to the horizon. You also catch sight of portions of the sheer cliffs on your left and right. However, you don't get the majestic view of Blyde River Canyon that you do at Three Rondavels lookout.

If you're short of time, I recommend skipping Wonderview, the third major belvedere. It's similar to the one at God's Window, but lacks its lateral sight lines.

Waterfalls
They are impressive during the rainy season. The top three are Mac Mac, Lisbon and Berlin.

Bourke's Luck Potholes
These large, curvaceous pits were eroded into the river gorge's bed by gushing water.

Pilgrim's Rest
In the 18th century, it was a thriving gold-rush town. What you see today is a vaguely authentic replica.

More Panoramic Route tips and insights
Canyon size
The Blyde River Canyon is the world's third largest. Its heart stretches approximately 60 kilometers (40 miles).

Kruger add on
The Panorama Route is an easy side-trip if you are driving from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park.

Location in South Africa