Visit the Blyde River Canyon when visiting South Africa

BLYDE RIVER CANYON

- Blyde River Canyon -
the third biggest canyon in the world

Set in the verdant countryside of Mpumalanga, the dramatic Blyde River Canyon – or as it is now called, the Motlatse River Canyon in the Motlatse Canyon Provincial Nature Reserve - is part of the so called Panorama Route, a stretch of about 300km which meanders along the boundary of Kruger National Park. This area is simply a must if you’re planning a trip to the nearby Kruger for a safari.

Blyde River Canyon is the third biggest canyon in the world after the United States’ Grand Canyon and Fish River Canyon in Namibia. Like its famous counterparts, it offers breath-taking formations like the must-see Bourke’s Potholes – where through the slow passage of time the river’s whirlpools have ground spectacular cylyndircal potholes into the river bedrock. You can also look forward to plunging views onto spectacular sights - such as the aptly named God’s Window, stunning waterfalls and villages like Pilgrimsrest, a historical village frozen in time during the gold-rush at the beginning of the 20th century.

Best of all, while you can of course hike to your heart’s content, you don’t need to be ultrafit to reap the rewards. Most attractions have been made accessible for pretty much anyone, and can be accessed with wheelchairs.

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Itineraries to South Africa

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- Best time to go to The Blyde River Canyon -

Just like the neighbouring Kruger Park, the Blyde River Canyon and the Panorama Route is a year-round destination.

Winter (June - September): While the sights will still be breath-taking in winter, is is not necessarily the best season for the Panorama Route. Like Kruger Park, it experiences its dry season in winter. Because of the lack of water, the vegetation is very dry and brown and the waterfalls are either reduced or dried up.

Temperatures can get as low as low as 5°C / 40°F, so it’s important to pack something warm. However, the temperatures improve much during the day, averaging around 15°C / 60°F. However, even if you can only travel in winter, magnificent sights such as Three Rondavels are still definitely worth the visit.

Autumn (April- May) and Spring (September - November): Our own favourite time to go to Blyde River Canyon is the in-between seasons, when the temperatures are milder, so that you can enjoy your swimming pool, and the days are still generally dry. November is an especially nice month, when everything is green and lush but just before the summer arrives in full force.

Summer (November - March): Summer is the rainy season in this region. The heat and humidity levels peak, and you can easily expect temperatures up to or even exceeding 40°C / 105°F. However, thanks to the rains, the scenery becomes green and lush and it is simply stunning.