South Africa
The Panorama route
With so much to see along the route, you could easily spend a few days to explore this area. Because of our tight schedule, we did a self-drive one day panorama tour.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
After half an hour, you will reach the next stop on this route : Bourke's Luck Potholes. It is located at the start of Blyde River Canyon, about 35km's north of Graskop. The area is named after the gold prospector Tom Bourke. He was the first to proclaim that gold could be found in the area. The cylindrical holes which make up the site are caused by a phenomenon known as a 'Giant's Kettle' - where swirles of water wear away the rock. It is definitely worth a visit but be prepared for a lot of tourists at this stop.
The Pinnacle Rock
When back in Graskop, follow the R532 further North. After a few kilometers, you will have to take a turn onto the R534 and drive a loop past three spectacular look out points. The Pinnacle Rock will be the first lookout point on this loop. This rock is a freestanding rock that towers over the forest of Driekop Gorge.
Lisbon Falls
Back on the R532, the next stop on this route, will be the Lisbon Falls. With its 94 meters, it is the highest waterfall in the Mpumalanga region. The Lisbon Falls can easily be viewed from above on a platform or from the base of the waterfall. In that case, put on some good shoes (its a slippery path) to hike to the base of the Waterfall. It will only take you 45 minutes and the view will definitely be worth it!
Mac Mac Falls
Most of the viewpoints of the Panorama Route lie along the R532. The route itself starts officially in Sabie and ends with the three Rondavels. It is possible to complete this tour in 1 day, but it is definitely recommended to start your day early in the morning. Most viewpoints are open from 7 o’clock. Only 15 km's South of Graskop (or 15 km's North of Sabie, if you decide to use this town as the base of the Panorama Route), you will find the Mac Mac Falls. This will be the first stop of this day.
Take the same road back to Graskop.
Continue your drive further up north on the R532 for another 30 kilometers.
After making a quick stop at God's Window and Wonder View (the other two viewpoints on this loop) , make your way back to R532 to continue the Panorama Route.
Head towards the last (but definitely not least) viewpoint of the Panorama Route.
Three Rondavels - Blyde River Canyon
The Three Rondavels are the most northerly attraction of the Panorama Route, about 50 km north of Graskop. The three rocks are also called Three Sisters, or sometimes the chief and three wives. This stop is a must-do on your list of things to do in Mpumalanga. The 3 rondavels give a spectacular view over the Blyde River Canyon.
Start making your way back to Graskop.
Back in Graskop
Spend another night in Graskop (at Rustique) and take some well deserved rest after a long but fulfilling day.
