We enjoyed driving the Panorama Route through Mpumalanga, one of South Africa’s most spectacular scenic drives, famous for its dramatic viewpoints, deep canyons, winding mountain roads and impressive waterfalls. The route follows the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. It passes through some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes, including the Blyde River Canyon, widely regarded as the world’s largest green canyon.
Coming from Blyde Dam, we crossed the Abel Erasmus Pass at 1,246 metres above sea level. This dramatic mountain pass winds through the escarpment and is known for its spectacular curves and the Strydom Tunnel, connecting the highlands with the Lowveld and the road towards Kruger National Park.
One of our first stops was the Three Rondavels (🎟️90 ZAR), a group of enormous, rounded mountain peaks rising above the Blyde River Canyon. Their distinctive shapes resemble traditional African rondavels, giving the viewpoint its name, while the panoramic view stretches across the vast canyon and the Blydepoort Dam.
We then continued to Berlin Falls (🎟️65 ZAR), one of the Panorama Route’s most impressive waterfalls. Here, the Blyde River plunges approximately 80 metres through a narrow, reddish-rock gorge before reaching a beautiful green pool below.
Another interesting stop was the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall, which we reached on a short hike. This unusual waterfall forms as water flows over limestone deposits, gradually creating distinctive rock formations. One formation resembles a human face, giving the waterfall its nickname, the “Weeping Face of Nature.”
The area is characterised by abundant streams and waterfalls, shaped over millions of years by the region’s unique geology and supported by lush vegetation. Water is a defining feature of the Panorama Route, with countless cascades and rivers cutting through the dramatic landscape.
Our next stops were Wonder View and God’s Window (🎟️80 ZAR), two of the area’s most famous viewpoints. God’s Window stands on the edge of the escarpment and offers spectacular views across the vast Lowveld, with the cliffs dropping dramatically towards the forests and plains below. Wonder View, at a higher elevation, offers an even wider panorama of the surrounding landscape and is one of the route’s highest viewpoints.
Parking location – Blyde Canyon: 24.578511S 30.776055E (🚻,🚿,🏊,💦,🔌,🍽️,🅿️300 ZAR)