South Africa : Panorama Route in One Day

South Africa is known for its scenic drives and diverse landscapes. The Panorama Route is a circular scenic drive located in the northeastern portion of South Africa in Mpumalanga. Dotted with stunning overlooks, waterfalls and canyons, the views will keep you marvelling the whole way round. Here’s how to do the Panorama Route in one day during your visit to South Africa.

Panorama Route Itinerary

The route is approximately 5 hours north of Johannesburg and 2 hours from Dullstroom. Depending on what time of day you visit the loop, the town of Graskop is a great place to stop for lunch and shopping either before or after the loop. You can take a half day or full day tour of the route or self-drive depending on your preference.

We chose to visit the panorama route ending with lunch in Graskop but if you want to start with lunch you would do the loop in the reverse order. We chose to experience the route during our stay at Dunkeld Estate in April and the weather was perfect.

Panorama Route Attractions

Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon is the third deepest canyon in the world and is the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage. The dramatic scenery here was nothing like I imagined for South Africa. The vast views and lush foliage was mesmerizing. The river canyon extends for 31 miles and includes many view points, a nature reserve, activities and accommodations.

Three Rondavels

There are many viewpoints along the Blyde River Canyon but the most iconic is the Three Rondavels. The Three Rondavels are three round mountaintops with slightly pointed tops, very similar to the traditional round African homesteads. They are named after the chief’s three troublesome wives – Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

The Three Rondavels are sometimes referred to as the three sisters which can be confusing, as we just visited the three sisters in the Blue Mountains of Australia two months ago.

At the parking area you will find restrooms and locals selling souvenirs. From here it is just a short and easy walk to the viewpoint. There are multiple lookouts providing unforgettable photo opportunities. Make sure to visit the lookout to the far left where there is no fence between you and the cliff. It is not advisable for those with a fear of heights but the views from this point are some we will never forget.

Bourkes Luck Potholes

Despite the name, this attraction has nothing to do with the roads in need of repair. Bourkes Luck Potholes are actually the result of years of swirling eddies of water where the Treur and Blyde River meet. This major turbulence in the water has caused massive erosion over time. The results is a series of cylindrical rock sculptures.

Payton said it looked like something she would imagine on Mars. Others have referred to it as something you would see on the moon. It is definitely something you most likely have not seen before. This geological wonder has made it onto Frommer’s list of 500 places to take your kids before they grow up.

Accessibility at Bourkes Luck Potholes

The walk to the attraction and back is not as easy as the Three Rondavels. The walk there is all downhill which means you have to walk all uphill to return. The views are worth every step. I would recommend allowing extra time and stopping along the way if you need to rest. Once you reach the bottom (the attraction) there are a series of bridges and walkways taking you over the rivers and rocks. The views are simply impossible to put into words. I could have spent hours here taking photos. There are some areas between bridges that you will have to walk on the rocks so I recommend good walking shoes.

The parking area here also has restrooms available and locals selling souvenirs.

Lisbon Waterfalls

Our next stop (a very short drive away) was the Lisbon Waterfalls. These falls are located in the heart of the waterfall area of Mpumalanga, where there are more falls than anywhere else in Southern Africa. At 308 feet high, the Lisbon Falls are one of the highest in the province.

This stop does not require much time at all as the falls are literally a 1 minute walk from your vehicle. We snapped a few photos and were on the road again to our next stop on the panorama route.

God’s Window

God’s Window is known for having the most magnificent views of the entire Panorama Route. On a clear day, standing on the majestic cliffs, it has been said that you can look over Kruger National Park, see the Lebombo Mountains on South Africa’s border with Mozambique and the indigenous forest 3000 feet below.

On a really clear day it has been said that you can see the Indian Ocean over 200 miles away. However, during our visit we couldn’t see the other side of the parking area due to the thick fog that had just moved in. The stairs and paths are steep and the walk can be difficult. With zero visibility we decided to keep driving, only taking a photo of the sign.

Pilgrim’s Rest

Pilgrim’s Rest is an adorable museum town from the gold rush days of the 1800’s. It immediately reminded me of some of the old gold rush towns back in the US out west. One street down the middle of town, with shops lining the road. The saloons, post office, bank, shops, etc looking just like it did years ago. We drove through the town, imagining what it would have been like in 1874 booming with 1500 people.

Lunch in Graskop

The town of Graskop is 10 miles from Pilgrims Rest and the perfect place to begin or end your route with lunch. There are many restaurant options to choose from but Harrie’s Pancakes is one of the most famous. Here you will find everything wrapped in a pancake. Not a traditional sweet pancake but more like a thin crepe. Everything on the menu from starters to mains to desserts are wrapped in one of these. Options such as duck livers, thai-style chicken, beef curry with salsa, smoked trout with cucumber and more. Breakfast, lunch and dinner all served the same. Very unique restaurant.

There is also shopping available in town. Our favorite was the local candy store next to Harrie’s Pancakes. So many different chocolates to choose from. We loaded up on variety of chocolates to have during our stay.

Blyde River Canyon Activities

The Blyde River Canyon is famous for the abundance of natural wonders and the Panorama Route. However, there are lodging options and many activities available in the area as well.

The most popular one is probably Kruger National Park, one of the most well known national parks in the world.

Hiking is the next most popular as there are hiking trails throughout the area and many at each stop along the Panorama Route.

Other popular attractions are Jessica the Hippo, Blyde River Canyon boat cruises and hot air ballooning.

Panorama Route, South Africa, in One Day

The sights and natural wonders along the Panorama Route are simply breathtaking. It is also convenient that so many of them can been seen in such a short amount of time as they are located close together. When visiting Dullstroom or anywhere in Mpumalanga I would definitely make time to explore the route and experience the sights. There is an entrance fee at each location that changes with the seasons but it is minimal and well worth the experience. These natural wonders are some we will never forget.

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