by Claudia Smargiasso, 15 January 2010

There's a gorgeous little route somewhere near the Kruger National Park that offers rather astounding scenery. On my recent exploration of the Panorama Route, I discovered that the name most certainly does ring true.

Blyde

We were headed to the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve where we were to enjoy a 2 night luxury safari. After having driven the 6 hours from Johannesburg through some nondescript terrain, we pulled into Hazyview - a quaint outpost where we were to spend the night.

It was still early in the day so instead of checking in at our accommodation we decided to keep on driving towards this scenic circuit that runs alongside the Blyde River - the major waterway in the area that has carved its way through the landscape to create this unique and scenic region.

The Blyde River Canyon is the third deepest canyon in the world and extends approximately 50km along the steep slope of South Africa's escarpment - the dividing ridge between the Highveld and the Lowveld. This dramatic 1600km decrease in elevation is what provided the Blyde River with enough momentum to carve itself deep into the rock, creating this marvelous collection of geological features and jaw-dropping scenery.

Views

The first deviation from the main R532 drag took us to Pinnacle Rock - a craggy finger of stone that has become dislodged from the escarpment as a result of years and years of erosion, and remains a lone sentinel overlooking the sprawling Lowveld.

A little further on, we stopped at God's Window and the Wonder View. Both lookout points offer an astounding view over the ravine below and the Lowveld as it stretches its way to the Kruger National Park, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mozambique.

If you're up for the steep climb (which, in 38degree heat, we weren't) to the Rain Forest, you'll be richly rewarded with an even more spectacular (if that's even possible) view - and fewer crowds to deal with. Don't forget to pick up some curios at the small gathering of vendors in the parking lot before reconnecting with the R532.

Falls

The next detour took us to the Lisbon Falls. At 92m, they're the highest waterfall in the area and well worth checking out. We were there during the dry season and the falls were still surprisingly full, and I imagine that if you visit during the summer months, they will be gushing furiously and even more thunderous.

The Berlin Falls, further up the road, were also spectacular, although a short walk was required to get the view point. The water here plunges from a small precipice, forming a narrow spout which broadens as it falls into the pool below making a unique and interesting fan shape.

Potholes

I was really excited about our next stop - Bourke's Luck Potholes. These organic circular potholes have been formed over thousands of years of erosion. It really is something worth taking the time to see: the various coloured layers of rock that have been hewn away to impressive depths and in such accurate form. It can get a little crowded, but it really is worth elbowing your way to the front - you won't regret it.

We made our last stop at the view point that overlooks the Blyde River Canyon and the magical 3 Rondavels, named because they are remarkably reminiscent of traditional rondavel huts - round dwellings usually with a thatched roof.

It was getting late; we turned around and headed back to Hazyview, although, predictably there were still so many places that we hadn't visited.

Next Time

Our Panorama Route sequel will most definitely include a visit to the town of Pilgrim's Rest, an old pioneer gold mining town that has been declared a National Monument. A visit to this historic place, with its original architecture and authentic atmosphere has been described as a trip back in time to the gold rush days of the early 1800s and early 1900s.

Another popular site that we're sad we didn't get around to seeing, and that is most certainly on our list for next time, is the Sudwala Caves, with their enormous underground caverns decorated with stalagmites and stalactites.

I can't say exactly when I will be making my return to the Panorama Route, but I can say with certainty that I will be back.

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Article © Copyright 2010 Go2Africa.

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