Blyde River Canyon
The world's third-largest canyon and the largest 'green canyon'; the Three Rondavels viewpoint overlooks red sandstone cliffs and emerald reservoir water, the finale of the Panorama Route.
Blyde River Canyon lies on the eastern edge of the Drakensberg mountains. It is about 26 km long and 800 m deep, making it the world's third-largest canyon. Because both sides are covered in subtropical vegetation, it is also called the world's largest 'green canyon'. The most famous viewpoint is the Three Rondavels: three domed quartzite peaks resembling traditional African round huts, with the emerald Blydepoort Dam at their foot and the Mariepskop mountain opposite, known as 'the land of granite'. The colours are most vivid in the morning, when the light is frontal. About 15 km south of the Three Rondavels viewpoint are Bourke's Luck Potholes, circular rock basins carved over tens of thousands of years where the Blyde and Treur rivers meet. Several footbridges allow overhead photography. From the Blydepoort Dam on the Hoedspruit side, boat trips of about 1.5 hours go down into the canyon to see hippos, crocodiles and the canyon walls from below. Alternatively, you can stay at Swadini or Forever Resorts. The canyon is part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, and each viewpoint charges separately: the Three Rondavels about R25–40 per person, the potholes about R70 per person, and the boat trip about R300 per person. To get there, drive north on the R532 from Graskop. The Three Rondavels lie about 50 km north of Graskop, and self-driving is the only practical option. It is usually included as part of the one-day Panorama Route circuit between Johannesburg and Kruger. Mountain weather changes quickly, and fog often rolls in during the afternoon. Be careful at viewpoints without railings.
Opening hours
Viewpoint approx. 07:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
- Bourke's Luck Potholes
- Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
- Berlin Falls
- Lisbon Falls
- God's Window
- Pilgrim's Rest
- The Pinnacle Rock