The Panorama Route in South Africa is one of the most impressive roads in the world and a must-do for anyone who loves nature and adventure. Spectacular views, dramatic gorges, roaring waterfalls, and unique rock formations await you on this route – a landscape guaranteed to take your breath away.
Whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or simply want to enjoy the incredible natural scenery, the Panorama Route in South Africa offers all this and much more. In the following article, you’ll learn all about the route, its highlights and sights, as well as accommodations and activities. Have fun browsing and trying it out!
- General information about the Panorama Route
- Travel duration for the route
- Best time to travel for the Panorama Route
- Book hotels along the Panorama Route
- Our hotel in Hazyview
- Sights of the Panorama Route
- Panorama Route tours
- Other highlights in the region
- Helicopter flight over the Panorama Route
- Excursion to the Kruger National Park
- Restaurants and cafes
- Conclusion on the Panorama Route
- Our trip on YouTube
- Panorama Route FAQ
General information about the Panorama Route
The Panorama Route in South Africa is located approximately 400 km northeast of Johannesburg. This scenic route stretches approximately 80 kilometers and connects the charming towns of Graskop and Sabie with the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon.
The route winds through the Mpumalanga province and offers numerous sights, ranging from magnificent viewpoints to roaring waterfalls. At the end of the route, the Blyde River Canyon awaits, one of the largest and greenest canyons in the world. It captivates with its verdant slopes and the iconic Three Rondavels.
All you need for your adventure is a rental car*, 1 to 2 days of time, and plenty of good humor. From Johannesburg, take the N12 towards eMalahleni and then on to Mbombela. Then continue to your desired accommodation around Sabie, Hazyview, or Graskop. Plan on approximately 4.5 – 5 hours of driving time.
Travel time for the route
Many people plan only one day for the Panorama Route and then continue on to the Kruger National Park. You can certainly do it this way, but it’s only recommended to a limited extent. You’ll definitely be annoyed if the weather doesn’t cooperate. We had such bad weather that we couldn’t even see 5 meters. It rained a lot, the fog hung thick, and the viewpoints were a thing of the past.
And even if the weather is great, it’s recommended to stay 2 or more nights. There’s a lot to experience. And at the end of the day, you certainly don’t want to just rush from A to B. You can see the highlights in one day, but with two nights, you have a little more time for spontaneity.
Best time to travel for the Panorama Route
The best time to travel for the Panorama Route in South Africa is between May and September, when temperatures are pleasant and there is significantly less rain. These months are particularly suitable for hikes and views without being affected by the weather.
We were last in this region from mid- to late February. The first few days, we were a bit unlucky with the weather. It rained (sometimes all day) and the fog hung thick. Luckily, we had planned enough “buffer days.” This meant we could wait for good weather, which paid off for us. The weather is certainly much more stable in March.
The months at a glance:
- May to September: Dry season, cooler temperatures, and clear visibility. Ideal for hiking and photo stops. Perfect for spectacular views without any weather disruption.
- October to November: Spring with mild temperatures and the beginning of vegetation growth. Good for a visit, but occasional rainfall is possible.
- December to February: Summer and rainy season, higher temperatures, and possibly cloudier conditions. Some viewpoints may be obscured by fog, but the vegetation is still particularly green.
- March to April: Transitional season with pleasant weather and fewer tourists. A good alternative if you want more flexibility in your travels.
Book hotels along the Panorama Route
The best starting points for your trip along the Panorama Route are Hazyview, Graskop, or Sabie. Of course, there are countless other places, but the ones mentioned above are the most popular. In and around these towns, you’ll find numerous good and affordable accommodations, as well as shops, banks, restaurants, and gas stations.
Our hotel in Hazyview
We recently stayed at the beautiful 3-star Hamilton Parks Country Lodge* in Hazyview. It is located about 15 minutes from Hazyview. The final 2 kilometers are a bit bumpy, as the road is partially gravel. But we quickly got used to it.
The lodge is secluded and idyllically located in the middle of nature, in untouched bushland. Each room is spacious and features a bed, bedside tables, a refrigerator, seating, a closet, a safe, air conditioning, a bathroom with a shower, and a terrace with a table and chairs.
Outside, you’ll find a beautiful garden with a pool, a chill-out area, billiards, a barbecue corner, a restaurant, and a bar. We had breakfast and dinner at the accommodation. The food is really very good and also reasonably priced. A three-course dinner costs only 180 Rand (11.50€).
Breakfast is a buffet with toast, pastries, cakes, fruit, yogurt, muesli, cornflakes, coffee, tea, juices, and hot dishes like scrambled eggs with bacon or sausages. The staff are super friendly and attentive. We felt incredibly comfortable here and can wholeheartedly recommend this accommodation.
Sights of the Panorama Route
The most beautiful part of the Panorama Route, for us, starts in Graskop. From here, the R532 leads you to the most beautiful highlights and sights. Waterfalls, steep slopes, endless expanses, lush green landscapes, deep gorges, and lots of water (if you’re there during the South African summer) await you.
The road gets its name from the beautiful views of the Lowveld, which lies up to 1,000 meters below. In some places, the drop begins right in front of the viewpoint. In the following section, we present the most beautiful highlights of the Panorama Route in South Africa.
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Long Tom Pass
The Long Tom Pass awaits you right at the start of the journey when you turn from the N4 onto the R36 and then onto the R37. This pass winds its way 46 kilometers through the northern Drakensberg Mountains. It is located at an altitude of 2,150 meters and is one of the highest mountain passes in South Africa. The route offers magnificent viewpoints, and you can supposedly see up to 1,000 meters below.
The particularly steep section is indicated by the sign “The Staircase.” Of course, you can only enjoy this pass if the weather cooperates. If you’re as unlucky as we were, the fog will be so thick that you won’t have a visibility of more than 5 meters. Nice to know: The Sani Pass to the Kingdom of Lesotho is, at 2,876 meters, the highest in the country.
Mac Mac Falls & Pools
We highly recommend the trip to Mac Mac Falls. This waterfall is located about 16 km south of Graskop on the R532. Upon arrival, you pay 50 Rand per person from your car (payable in cash or by credit card). Locals sell their beautiful, homemade souvenirs, such as wooden giraffes or kudus, right at the parking lot.
You can leave your car in the parking lot and walk along the path. The walk to the waterfall isn’t far; it takes about 5 minutes from the parking lot. Unfortunately, the viewing platform is covered with a high railing, but that doesn’t detract from the waterfall’s beauty. Nevertheless, the Mac Mac Falls are very beautiful.
About 2 kilometers from the waterfall are the natural Mac Mac Pools, where you can cool off and have a picnic. We’ve marked this spot on the map above. Update 02/2023: It seems you can’t swim in the pools anymore.
Harrie’s Pancakes in Graskop
Graskop is an excellent place for a break. The tourist town offers accommodations, restaurants, shops, a gas station, a bank, and cafés. We first filled our stomachs at Harrie’s Pancakes (open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). We wouldn’t say they were the best pancakes, but they were definitely delicious.
At Harrie’s Pancakes, you can get delicious pancakes in all varieties, whether sweet or savory. Coffee, drinks, and other snacks are also available. Graskop is also a perfect starting point for your trip along the Panorama Route.
The stop at Harrie’s Pancakes was perfect for our lunch break. If you’d like to get some information, you should stop by the Tourist Information. There you can get information about the region and lots of tips.
Graskop Gorge Lift Co.
Just before Graskop on the 533, there are two highlights. First, there is the Graskop Gorge Lift viewing platform and a zip line with a mega swing. The viewing platform with an elevator into the jungle is fairly new and offers you a beautiful view of the gorge and the Panorama Gorge Waterfall.
The elevator descends 51 meters along the cliffs into the dense forest. There you can explore the area on a wooden path. At the top of the viewing platform there is also a restaurant, a bar and small shops. Entry to the viewing platform costs 65 Rand, and a ride in the elevator costs 180 Rand (opening hours: daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
The suspension bridge over the gorge is also brand new. The 52-meter-long suspension bridge offers you breathtaking views from a height of around 70 meters. More information here: Suspension Bridge Graskop. During our helicopter flight we had a magnificent view from the air.
The Pinnacle Rock & Waterfall
Directly after Graskop, you turn off the R532 onto the R534. After a few minutes, you’ll reach “The Pinnacle & Waterfall.” This is a towering rocky outcrop that protrudes lonely from a deep, wooded gorge. The rock somehow reminds us of the famous James Bond Rock in Thailand.
In the end, however, it’s “just a rock,” and you can decide for yourself whether you want to stop there or not. We saw the rock the next day during our helicopter tour. Entrance fee is 20 Rand per person.
God’s Window Viewpoint
Then it’s back on the R534 and on to the God’s Window Viewpoint. In good weather, you’ll have a wonderful view over the Lowveld and can even see as far as the Kruger National Park.
A guest from our hotel told us that he hiked through the small rainforest up to a beautiful viewpoint (Rain Forest Viewpoint). Fewer tourists take this route, so you’ll be more private from the top (entrance fee: 70 Rand per person).
Unfortunately, we were very unlucky with the weather on our first day and couldn’t even see more than 5 meters due to the fog. At God’s Window, all that awaited us was a thick, white wall of clouds. The following day, however, we were able to enjoy a magnificent view from God’s Window during our helicopter flight.
Lisbon Falls
Now we’re back on the R532 and continuing on to the beautiful Lisbon Falls (50 Rand entrance fee). This waterfall plunges over a rocky outcrop almost 90 meters into the depths. Several pools are located above the falls.
You have a great view from the visitor platform, but if you walk past the left down the trail, you’ll reach even better spots. But be careful! It’s a bit slippery and rocky in places. We were able to enjoy the view undisturbed and take some photos.
When you return to the parking lot, you should walk a few meters along the river above the waterfall. There you can dip your feet in the water and pause for a moment. You’ll be surprised by the scenery; we really liked this spot. The water ripples, butterflies fly through the grass, and birds fly overhead. A truly great spot for a picnic or just a short break (entrance fee: 16 Rand per person).
Berlin Falls
Shortly after God’s Window and Lisbon Falls, the route continues to Berlin Falls (entrance fee: 50 Rand). Here, the water plunges about 80 meters into the depths. The water enters a crevice in the rock and then rushes down into an emerald-green natural pool.
It’s best to visit this waterfall during the rainy season. During the dry season, only a small amount of water flows out of the crevice. Other waterfalls on the route include Lone Creek Falls, Sabie Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Forest Falls (entrance fee: 16 Rand per person).
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are located about 36 km from Graskop. Here, you’ll find crazy whirlpools and beautiful rock formations that were formed millions of years ago. The reddish-brown rock must look simply stunning, especially at sunset. There is a large parking lot, restrooms, a museum, and a small snack bar. And don’t forget the many barbecue opportunities (South Africans barbecue almost always and everywhere).
You have to pay 150 Rand entrance fee on site (payable in cash or by credit card). The circular trail is signposted and guides you over the rocks. It’s a short walk over bridges, which you should plan on about 30 minutes. We sat by the shallow water above the waterfall and cooled off. Since the town is directly on the Panorama Route, you shouldn’t be surprised by the number of tourists. Of course, everyone stops here.
Three Rondavels & Blyde River Canyon
After visiting the Bourkes Luck Potholes, we continued on the R532 to the Lowveld Lookout. Directly behind it is one of the absolute highlights of the Panorama Route: the view of the Three Rondavels at the Blyde River Canyon (entrance fee 70 Rand).
From the parking lot, head directly to the lookout point. Once again, we were speechless and couldn’t believe what we saw there. What a view! Since we arrived just under an hour before closing, we were rewarded with beautiful evening light.
If you walk a little further to the left from this spot, you’ll come to more viewpoints. From there, you can look directly over the Blyde River Canyon. It is the third largest canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in the USA and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia (thanks to its vegetation, it’s even the greenest canyon in the world).
If you’re lucky and the fog has cleared, you’ll be able to experience one of the most spectacular views in all of South Africa. Amidst this incredibly beautiful scenery, we felt tiny and once again felt a very special connection to this country.
Hikes in the Blyde River Canyon
There are some great hikes in the Blyde River Canyon area. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, so we had to cancel our hiking plans for the time being. But the walking trails start right in front of the Blyde River A Forever Resort.
For example, there is the Guinea Fowl Trail, for which you should plan around 3 hours, the Leopard (4 to 5 hours) and the Lourie Trail (3 hours). There are also beautiful lookouts of the canyon on site: “World’s End Upper Viewpoint and Upper Lookout A” and the Lower Viewpoint B. The trails start at Viewpoint A of the resort.
Panorama Route Tours
- From Hazyview: Day tour along the Panorama Route*
- From Hazyview: Blyde River Canyon Highlight & Boat Tour*
- Full-Day Blyde River Canyon Tour from Nelspruit, Whiteriver, or Hazyview*
- Kruger National Park: Full-Day Game Drive with Pickup*
- Hazyview: 2.5-Hour Zipline Experience on the Sabie River*
Other Highlights in the Region
There are several other highlights and activities in the region. For example, we went river rafting on the Sabie River near Hazyview. It was a lot of fun and a completely new experience.
The current isn’t too strong, so we can recommend this tour even for beginners. The tour lasted around 2-3 hours, and we really enjoyed it! Thumbs up! To the provider.
Many also stop at Pilgrims Rest. A lot of gold was discovered here in 1873; it is even said to be the most rich gold deposit in southern Africa. The small town grew quickly, and more and more diggers from all over the world settled along the creek.
Today, you can be a gold digger yourself at Pilgrim’s Creek and, with a bit of luck, find the shiny metal while swinging your gold pan. We have to honestly admit that we had no interest in it and didn’t visit this place (#philistines). You’ll also find the Echo Caves and the Sudwala Caves in the region.
Helicopter Flight over the Panorama Route
Another highlight awaited us at the end of this trip. Fortunately, the weather continued to improve, so we were able to take our helicopter flight. The pilot flew us for an hour over the highlights of the Panorama Route. We even saw waterfalls and spots that could only be seen from the air.
The heavy rain made the whole region even more beautiful, lush, and colorful. It was an incredible feeling to be in the air. Even the many small air pockets didn’t bother us, because the view from the helicopter was simply gigantic and rewarded us for our courage.
At the end, we even flew over the Blyde River Canyon. We’ll probably never forget that moment. Our hearts still leap when we think back to this experience. During the flight, we often looked at each other and just smiled.
We flew over gorges, valleys, waterfalls, and cliffs; the pilot showed us rivers, forests, and dramatic rock formations. What more can we say? It was one of the most beautiful moments of our lives. Book a helicopter flight here.
Excursion to Kruger National Park
Most people combine their road trip along the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga with a detour to Kruger National Park. And we recommend it. If you’re already in this region, you should definitely spend a few days in Kruger National Park. From Hazyview, it’s just 20 minutes to Phabeni Gate and only 25 minutes to Numbi Gate. Update 02/2023: Due to recent incidents, please avoid the Numbi Gate at this time!
You can either drive yourself or book a tour in advance. We had a good experience with the guides from Echo Africa Tours. We were picked up from our accommodation for our game drive and also dropped off there. We spent a total of 6 days in the park, drove ourselves and also took guided tours.
Restaurants and Cafés
- Harries Pancakes
- Garden Shed Restaurant Graskop
- Pioneers Restaurant
- Kuka Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge
- The Chubby Pig
- Shiloh Coffee Shop
- The Wild Fig Tree
- Kadisi Restaurant at Blyde Canyon
- Hippo Hollow Country Lodge
Summary of the Panorama Route
For us, this region is one of the most beautiful in the entire country. We spent wonderful days here and had unforgettable moments. The landscapes are simply spectacular and left us speechless on more than one occasion. A detour to the Panorama Route and the Blyde River Canyon is definitely worth it.
If you’re planning on going to Kruger Park anyway, take a short (or long) trip to this region before or after. The viewpoints are truly unique, and the many waterfalls are truly beautiful.
Our trip on YouTube
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Panorama Route FAQ
Is the Panorama Route in South Africa worth it? How long does the Panorama Route take? How far is it to the Panorama Route in South Africa? Is the Panorama Route in South Africa safe? Where should I start my trip? Is the Panorama Route in South Africa malaria-free?