Venturing into the Panorama

The Panorama Route is a scenic meander around the eastern horn of South Africa; a winding road steeped in history that connects many cultural and natural wonders. Beginning just an hour outside of our local town of Hoedspruit, this spectacular drive spans along the length of the Mpumalanga Escarpment, a geological extension of the great Drakensberg mountain range. 

An Area of Astonishing Natural Beauty

With its rolling hills, towering peaks, and great open expanses of lush green bushveld, the Panorama Route is home to a diverse landscape that captivates thousands of visitors each year.

One of the most iconic landmarks on the Panorama Route? It’s multiple, soaring waterfalls! One of the most impressive, the Mac-Mac Falls, are named after a pair of Scottish gold prospectors and descend 65 metres to a pool at the base where public swimming is the norm (though generally discouraged). 

Then there are the Lisbon Falls, also the tallest waterfall in the region. Ninety metres high, this waterfall plunges over a stone amphitheatre into a cavernous rainforest-like area accessible via a series of steep pathways. Although a degree of fitness is needed to arrive here, the pools of the Lisbon Falls offer some of the most beautiful photographic opportunities. 

The dank cool chambers of the Sudwala Caves are also worth seeing along the Panorama Route. A deep labyrinth of passages, the Sudwala Caves delve more than 500m underground and offer incredible insight into underground ecosystems. One of the biggest attractions of the Sudwala Caves is the Crystal Tour, a six-kilometre underground adventure that is not for the faint of heart - but well worth the effort. 

Of course, a trip along the Panorama Route would not be complete without sweeping along the Blyde River Canyon, the largest “green canyon” in the world. The Blyde River Canyon is a 33 km-long gorge that stretches from Bourke’s Luck Potholes to the Three Rondavels near Blydepoort Dam. It also includes God’s Window, a spectacular viewpoint over the escarpment of the Lowveld down below. 

Another “must-do” pit stop on the Panorama Route is Pilgrim’s Rest, an old mining town that ballooned in the early 1870s thanks to the discovery of large deposits of alluvial gold. Although long past its heyday, the town is a museum in itself and has an interesting and colourful history attached to it. 

Lastly, visitors to Mbombela should definitely make a stop at the 169-hectare Lowveld National Botanical Gardens. With its vast collection of prehistoric cycads, a magnificent rainforest section, and an impressive collection of over 250 bird species, the Lowveld National Botanical Gardens are definitely worth a visit. 

More Than Just A Pretty Face

There is also a lot to do along the Panorama Route. It is not all sightseeing and photo opportunities. There are a handful of world-class golf courses along the Panorama Route with the iconic Leopard’s Creek being the most famous. 

Cycle tours, hiking trails, and even horse riding are also on offer. The canyon and many rivers also lend themselves to boat trips, tubing and kayaking. For thrill-seekers, there are a few quad-biking operators in the area offering endless adventure through rugged terrain. Those with a head for heights can look forward to abseiling, micro-gliding, helicopter rides, and even hot-air balloon flights. 

A Not To Be Missed Adventure

At Klaserie Drift, we can help organise a tour along the Panorama Route from our camp, or you can choose to self-drive if you would prefer.  Either way, we want to ensure you get the most out of your time spent in one of the most beautiful parts of the world!

We are proud to offer one of the best wildlife experiences that also sits on the doorstep of an area of such outstanding natural beauty that is teaming with adventurous things to do. With so much on offer, you would be forgiven for adding a few more days to your stay with us. Contact our team to start planning your trip today!

Words by Marian Geddes