About Blyde River Nature Reserve
Say the word 'Blyderivier' (the Afrikaans version of Blyde River) and on the tip of every South African's tongue is the unmistakable 'canyon'. The third largest canyon in the world is virtually an icon it is so recognisable. However, the average person does not realise that it is encompassed within the Blyde River Nature Reserve.
Did you know? The Blyde River Canyon has now been renamed to the Molatse River Canyon.
The 29 000 hectare Blyde River Nature Reserve rests against the Greater Drakensberg escarpment and preserves not only the canyon but other natural wonders of Mpumalanga as well – Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock, and the Devil's and God's Window.
God's Window is the type of marvel for which people travel miles. From this southerly viewpoint a series of undulating sheer cliffs fall over 700 metres on to the lowveld below, the way the cliffs of Dover plummet into the sea at the coast of Britain, with a more gradual decline, but no less graciously.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve stretches for some 60km, its southerly reaches extending from just beyond Graskop all the way north to the Abel Erasmus pass.
The reserve's remarkable biodiversity includes one of the last remaining montane grassland areas in the province with over 1000 flora species, most of which are endemic, rare or endangered. Specimens include giant ferns, rare orchids and a collection of ericas and proteas. The Taita falcon, found in very few places in the world, lives in the reserve.
Other than the panoramic views, waterfalls and geological wonders, one can hike, horse ride, white water raft, climb the kloofs, hot-air balloon overhead, flyfish, bike and take a boat out on the Blyde Dam, when in the reserve.
Need to Know
WhereBlyde River Nature Reserve, Drakensberg Escarpment / Panorama Route, Mpumalanga, South Africa
WhenDaylight hours.
OvernightStay in Graskop Accommodation, Mpumalanga
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
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Game & Nature Reserves in Mpumalanga
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Graskop
Blyde Chalets
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Panorama Chalets
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Serenity Cottage Graskop
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Khoza House Villa
Eagle's View Eco Estate is a beautiful estate 3km from Graskop in Mpumalanga. Eagle's View Eco Estate's accommodation options offer guests a peac...
Log Cabin and Settlers Village
In the heart of Graskop in Mpumalanga lies Log Cabin Village, a lodge with atmosphere that is unsurpassed anywhere in the vicinity. Nothing beats...
Thaba Tsweni Lodge
This family owned and managed lodge, is well situated to many world famous tourist attractions such as the Kruger National Park and Blyde River C...
Westlodge Bed & Breakfast
Westlodge is an architecturally designed, beautifully appointed, Victorian style home situated in the afforested, tranquil surroundings of the vi...
Paradise View Guesthouse
Adjacent to a stream, Paradise View Guesthouse is perfect for guests visiting the Lowveld. It is conveniently situated at the start of the Jock H...
Angel's View Hotel
Majestic views, tranquillity and leisure. That's what HoyoHoyo Angel's View Hotel is about. Located on the breath-taking God's Window escarpment,...
Blyde Lodge
Centrally located in the pretty town of Graskop, Blyde Lodge is ideally situated to visit well known tourist attractions such as God's Window, Bo...
Wild Forest Inn
Offering cosy accommodation for up to four people, this self catering chalet is nestled against the edge of the natural forest at the foot of the...
Zur Alten Mine
Situated on the outskirts of Graskop and overlooking the eastern Mpumalanga escarpment you will find our Guest farm. We offer our guest self-cate...
Lisbon Eco Lodge
Lisbon Eco Lodge is situated on the banks of the Lisbon River, 8.4km outside the town of Graskop on the R532 highway towards the Blyde River Cany...
Hamba Kancane Ma-Africa Guest House
Hamba Kancane Ma-Africa offers affordable accommodation in Graskop. The guest house is beautifully furnished and caters for both Panorama Route t...
Mosswood B&B
Mosswood B&B is located in Graskop on the outskirts of the town centre, towards God's Window in Mpumalanga. The accommodation offers beautiful vi...
Mulberry Lane Suites
Mulberry Lane Suites is situated 23,5km outside Graskop on the Africa Silks Farm. We offer three types of accommodation, Mulberry Lane and Memory...
A Pilgrim's Rest Guesthouse
A Pilgrim's Rest offers accommodation within walking distance of the town centre of Graskop on the Panorama Route. Attractions such as the world ...
Mogodi Lodge
Situated just above the Graskop Gorge Falls, with magnificent views over the lowveld, Mogodi Lodge offers accommodation in 2-bedroom chalets, as ...
Kruger Park Lodge 543
Kruger Park Lodge 543 provides accommodation for four guests. The estate is close to both Graskop and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and makes an ide...
Kruger Park Lodge 524
Kruger Park Lodge 524 provides accommodation for six guests in the popular Kruger Park Lodge. The estate is close to both Graskop and Sabi Sand G...
Things to do in the area
Pancakes at Harrys Pancake Shop
Harrys Pancake Shop is famous for its delicious sweet and savoury pancakes. The shop is located in the town of Graskop in and it's traditional t...
Visit the Bourke's Luck Potholes
In the 'Land of the rising sun' a 'river of sorrow' was met by a rush of 'joy' and together they carved out 'nature's wishing well'. In the nativ...
Hiking Trails in Sabie
If you are a hiking enthusiast then Sabie is your Mecca! The Fanie Botha Hike Trail is an overnight trail situated in the Sabie area. There are ...
Hippo Trail
Feeling energetic? Looking for a fun challenge? Well get on your hiking gear and head to the Blyde River Canyon and get on the Hippo Trail. The r...
Mac Mac Summit 4x4 Trail
The glorious region of Mpumalanga that is dedicated to the forestry industry is known for its magnificent natural beauty and breath-taking views....
Jock of the Bushveld Trail
Start: the municipal holiday resort in Louis Trichardt street, GraskopFinish: where you started (it's a circular walk)Duration: 8 km, around 4 ho...
Long Tom Toboggan
The Panorama Route winds a beautiful course through the scenic South African province of Mpumalanga, transporting visitors through the Drakensber...
Graskop Gorge Lift
In December 2017, the Graskop Lift Company launched its viewing lift, which takes visitors down into the gorge to experience its splendour and sc...
Noteworthy attractions
Blyde River Canyon
The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of 'Panoram...
Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve
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Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
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Sabie River Golf Club
Rated among the top 10 courses in South Africa, Sabie River Golf Course is situated alongside Nelspruit and White River. The Sabi River course is...
Perry's Bridge Reptile Park
Perry's Bridge Reptile Park is conveniently located just 14kms from Phabeni gate and Numbi gate to Kruger National Park and on the panoramic rout...
God's Window
With magnificent views, canyons, rock formations and waterfalls, God's Window is an area of breathtaking scenic splendour. It is no wonder that M...
Echo Caves
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Horse Shoe Falls
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Mount Sheba Nature Reserve
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Accommodation near Blyde River Nature Reserve
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Mpumalanga Accommodation / Panorama Route Accommodation / Graskop Accommodation