5 Must-See Stops on South Africa’s Panorama Route
A safari has always been right at the top of my bucket list – and South Africa seemed like the perfect place to finally make it happen.
We chose Hoedspruit as our base, stayed at the Radisson Safari Hotel, and spent a few unforgettable days exploring the wildlife. But after the last game drive, we realized we still had a bit of time (and energy!) left to see more of the country.
That’s when we came across the Panorama Route. I had seen a few photos before, but wow – nothing compares to experiencing it in person!
It’s one of the most scenic drives in South Africa, with dramatic cliffs, lush landscapes, and waterfalls that’ll leave you speechless.
We booked a full-day tour through GetYourGuide, and honestly, it turned out to be one of the absolute highlights of the trip!
If you’re in Hoedspruit and want to see more than just the safari parks, the Panorama Route is the perfect add-on. It’s located in Mpumalanga, about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Hoedspruit.
The following five stops are the top highlights along South Africa’s Panorama Route – all included in the tour we took. And if you’re planning to drive yourself, you definitely shouldn’t skip them either!
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1. Blyde River Canyon
After a 1.5-hour ride from Hoedspruit, we arrived at our first official stop of the tour: Blyde River Canyon. This canyon is the third-largest in the world, stretching over 26 kilometers and reaching depths of up to 800 meters.
Unlike most canyons, which are typically dry and rocky, Blyde River Canyon is covered in dense vegetation, with towering cliffs lined by trees and plants.
One of the most iconic viewpoints is the Three Rondavels, three massive rock formations that resemble traditional African huts. From here, you can see the canyon’s vast expanse and the surrounding landscape.
Unfortunately, it was pretty foggy when we visited, so we couldn’t see the views as clearly. The vegetation also wasn’t as lush, since we were there in September during the dry season.
But the canyon was still beautiful, and the misty atmosphere gave it a mystic vibe.
If you’re looking for something different, you can take a boat tour on the Blyde Dam.
The cruise gives you a unique view of the canyon’s cliffs and the Three Rondavels. You might even spot some wildlife, like hippos or crocodiles, along the way.
2. Bourke’s Luck Potholes
After admiring the incredible views at Blyde River Canyon for a while, it was time to head to our next stop. Bourke’s Luck Potholes is a place where nature shows off its most fascinating creations.
The potholes were formed over time by swirling water that carved round shapes into the rock. It feels like walking through a natural sculpture gallery, with each pothole having its own unique shape.
The area is named after Tom Bourke, an old prospector who believed there was gold here. While he didn’t find his fortune, the site holds its own treasure in the form of these amazing rock formations.
Walking along the wooden bridges and pathways, we could get up close to the potholes, which looked especially dramatic in the sunlight.
The contrast between the dark water and light rock is pretty cool, and it’s a great spot for photos, even if they can’t quite do the place justice!
3. God’s Window
Reaching number 3 of the must-see places along the Panorama Route in South Africa involves a bit of walking.
God’s Window is a viewpoint located near Graskop, on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. It offers stunning views that stretch all the way to Mozambique on a clear day.
It’s about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the parking lot, and you’ll have to climb a fair number of stairs to reach the viewpoint, but it’s not too challenging. Along the way, you pass through a lush subtropical forest with vibrant green trees and other plants.
Unfortunately, just like at Blyde River Canyon, the fog limited our view, and we couldn’t see much of the distant landscape.
Before heading to our next stop, we enjoyed a quick lunch at a cozy, family-run restaurant in Graskop that was part of the tour. The food was simple but delicious, and it gave us a nice chance to relax before continuing our journey.
4. Lisbon Falls
After lunch, we made our way to the next stop: Lisbon Falls.
I have to admit, this was my absolute favorite place on the Panorama Route, and it kind of caught me by surprise – I wasn’t expecting it to be so stunning.
Lisbon Falls is one of South Africa’s tallest waterfalls, and it’s easy to see why it’s a must-see along the Panorama Route. The water tumbles down into a gorge, framed by rocky cliffs and lush greenery – it’s truly a breathtaking sight.
What makes it even better is how accessible it is. No long hike or steep climb required; the viewpoint is just a short walk from the parking lot.
5. Berlin Falls
Last but not least, make sure you don’t miss the breathtaking Berlin Falls.
This dramatic waterfall is another one of the most photogenic stops along the Panorama Route and stands out with its unique candle-like shape, where water cascades almost 80 meters down a narrow gorge.
Surrounded by lush greenery and red cliffs, it’s an impressive sight – and one that’s easy to visit, thanks to the short and accessible walk from the parking area.
You’ll find a well-kept viewing platform with stunning views – perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the moment.
If you visit in late morning or early afternoon, you might even catch a rainbow in the mist!
Final Words
Whether you explore the Panorama Route on your own or join a guided tour (which I recommend if you’d rather not drive and want to learn a bit more along the way), make sure you don’t skip these stops.
Each waterfall, canyon, and viewpoint has something special to offer, and together they make this route one of the most rewarding road trips in South Africa.
Take your time, plan ahead, and bring your camera – the landscapes in this part of Mpumalanga are well worth it!
The following map shows all five of the stops mentioned here along South Africa’s Panorama Route:
Check out: 15 Essential Tips For a Memorable Safari in South Africa
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
