A full-day tour of the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga typically begins early in the morning from towns like Hazyview or Graskop, where the landscape quickly transforms from lowveld bush into cooler, misty mountain scenery. One of the first stops is God’s Window, where a short walk leads to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the vast Lowveld and even toward Kruger National Park on clear days. From there, the journey continues to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have carved striking cylindrical rock formations into the riverbed, creating a fascinating natural spectacle. By mid-morning, you’ll reach the iconic Three Rondavels, offering sweeping views over the immense Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest green canyons in the world.
Around midday, the tour usually pauses in Graskop for lunch, where visitors can enjoy local specialties in a relaxed small-town setting. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the region’s famous waterfalls, starting with Lisbon Falls, the tallest in the area, followed by the elegant Berlin Falls, known for its wide cascade and deep pool below. Some itineraries also include a stop at the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, where a glass elevator descends into a lush forest gorge with walkways that offer a unique perspective of the surrounding environment. As the day draws to a close, the return journey is often accompanied by golden-hour light across the escarpment, enhancing the already spectacular scenery before arriving back at your starting point in the late afternoon or early evening.
Trip Info
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Guided
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English
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Available
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Yes
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Available
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Bus, Car, Taxi
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VISA, Master Card
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5
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110
Overview
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga offers a full-day journey through some of South Africa’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes, combining towering cliffs, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and expansive canyon views. The trip typically begins in nearby towns such as Hazyview or Graskop, where travelers set off into the escarpment, gradually ascending into cooler mountain air and dense vegetation. One of the first highlights is God’s Window, a breathtaking viewpoint that reveals sweeping vistas over the Lowveld and, on clear days, as far as Kruger National Park. The route continues to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of water erosion have sculpted fascinating rock formations, before reaching the iconic Three Rondavels overlooking the vast Blyde River Canyon.
Midway through the day, the tour usually pauses in Graskop for a relaxed lunch, offering a chance to experience local cuisine and recharge before continuing. The afternoon features visits to some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls, including Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, each showcasing unique natural beauty and excellent photo opportunities. For those seeking a more immersive experience, an optional stop at the Graskop Gorge Lift Company allows visitors to descend into a forested gorge via a glass lift and explore elevated walkways. The tour concludes with a scenic return drive through the escarpment, often enhanced by the warm glow of the late afternoon sun, leaving travelers with a memorable impression of one of South Africa’s most iconic scenic routes.
Highlights
- God’s Window – Panoramic views over the Lowveld, with sightlines stretching toward Kruger National Park on clear days
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes – Unique cylindrical rock formations carved by centuries of swirling water
- Three Rondavels – Iconic rock formations overlooking the vast Blyde River Canyon
- Lisbon Falls – The tallest waterfall on the route, set in a lush green gorge
- Berlin Falls – A wide, graceful waterfall with a deep blue pool
- Graskop Gorge Lift Company – Glass lift descent into a forest gorge with elevated walkways
- Scenic drive through Mpumalanga – Constant viewpoints, mountain passes, and photo opportunities throughout the route
