One of South Africa's most scenic areas, the Panorama Route refers to the escarpment in Mpumalanga Province, where the Drakensberg mountains separate the Highveld from the Lowveld to the east. Along your journey from Piet Retief to Graskop along the R540, you will encounter a number of hiking trails that will give you a closer look at the geography. It’s a 30 minute drive from
to the starting point of the Panorama Route. It's also very accessible from other towns like Sabie, Hazyview, White River, and Nelspruit.
It’s called panorama route because it offers 360 degree views of the towns and the surrounding scenery. The route portrays the diversity of landscapes that characterise South Africa. From the bush to the extraordinary vistas and impressive mountain ranges. The Panorama Route is an amazing destination for nature lovers, with countless waterfalls, hiking trails and adventure activities in every town. The Panorama route in Mpumalanga is one of the most spectacular routes in South Africa and is perfect for a good old fashioned road trip.
In the past, a section of the Panorama Route was used as a transport road between Lydenburg and Mozambique. The area also saw its share of Anglo-Boer military conflict, the scars of which are still visible on the landscape to this day. However, most people who came to this area in the past were coming in search of gold! These days, visitors flock to the Panorama Route from far and wide to find a somewhat different kind of treasure.
It’s a 30 minute drive from Hoedspruit to the starting point of the Panorama Route. It's also very accessible from other towns like Sabie, Hazyview, White River, and Nelspruit.
The Panorama Route guides you through multiple attractions such as the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window - a viewpoint which looks down over the sweeping Lowveld, The Three Rondavels - overlooking the expansive Blyde River Canyon, The Pinnacle - a craggy standalone pillar of rock, Bourke’s Luck Potholes - a unique geological structure of eroded rock that now forms a series of deep pools, and Pilgrim’s Rest - a village rich in history and with many attractions. The Panorama Route encompasses several scenic and picturesque villages, the most central of which is Graskop Village with its landmark Harrie's Pancakes and curio shop.
Raging waterfalls are another key feature of the Panorama Route and become particularly powerful just after heavy rains, a common occurrence in this part of Mpumalanga. Berlin Falls, Lisbon Falls and Lone Creek Falls are some of most impressive. Plenty of hiking trails criss cross the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, starting from easy hour-long walks through to multi-day treks through the region.