When most people hear the words “South Africa”, they think of wild animals such as lions and elephants. Although South Africa is a country that is filled with wild animals, there are many other things to see and do. South Africa is also home to the third-largest canyon in the world, Blyde River Canyon, which can be found along the country’s famed Panorama Route.

While the Big Five are worth looking out for in a South African Safari, Blyde River Canyon Reserve is one stop you shouldn’t miss. This famous reserve visited by locals and tourists alike (who are in a safari fever) is home to an impressive number of natural marvels. Called the biggest “green canyon” on Earth, this serene portion of land is surrounded by a soft subtropical covering.

Imagine seeing the world’s largest canyon being completely surrounded by soaring cliffs, deep green forests, crystal clear rivers, and magnificent waterfalls. This is what awaits you as you enter the Blyde River Canyon Reserve in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

This canyon is acknowledged as one of the most spectacular landscapes on Earth. The canyon follows a twisting course, providing ever-more-impressive vistas of cliff faces plunging as much as 800 m into the river below. Take in a sweet panorama from anywhere along its hundred km length, or hike over hills, down into ravines, into gorges, and across crystal clear streams.

Blyde River Canyon Panorama viewpoint

The reserve has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and was named after William Blyde, an early settler who set up a trading post on the banks of the river in 1868.

The Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and God’s Window are just a few of the natural wonders that can be seen at Blyde River Canyon Reserve, which is located against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment.

How to Reach Blyde River Canyon

Located in Mpumalanga, South Africa the Blyde River Canyon Reserve is one of the most amazing natural travel destinations in the country and even in the world. Flying into Johannesburg International Airport and then taking a connecting flight to Nelspruit is the quickest method to travel to this canyon. From there, you may either rent a vehicle and drive yourself along the Panorama Route, or pick a package tour that covers the sights you’re most interested in.

South africa is the most beautiful place on earth. Admittedly, i am biased but when you combine the natural beauty… And the fact that the region is a haven for africa’s most splendid wildlife… Then i think that we have been blessed with a truly wonderful land. – Nelson Mandela

When planning a trip to Mpumalanga, many tourists choose to include a stop at Kruger National Park to see the Big Five and the breathtaking scenery of the Panorama Route. The huge Blyde River Canyon sits only 70 km west of the Kruger National Park, so it forms a natural pair with a Big Five safari — you may view the canyon on your route to, or from, the park.

Blyde River Canyon Three Rondavels

From Graskop, you may take Route 532 to the Blyde River Canyon. Bourke’s Luck Potholes serve as its beginning point, while the Canyon’s endpoint is the Three Rondavels. Near Graskop, the canyon is only a snaking gorge, but it gradually widens into a magnificent amphitheater 60 kilometers north of town. Both the aerial and ground-level vistas are breathtaking.

Wildlife to spot

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is one of Mpumalanga’s last montane grasslands. The grasslands include over 1000 plant species, many of which are indigenous, uncommon, or endangered. The Klipspringer, Grey Rhebuck, Oribi, Kudu, and several primates are just some of the animals that visitors can observe.

The Taita Falcon, found in only a handful of locations worldwide, is yet another unusual local resident.

To find out more about such interesting places to visit, click here.