Blyde River Canyon 1


The Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga (Eastern Transvaal), South Africa, takes up part of the magnificent Panorama Route. The Canyon was formed when the Blyde River (River of Joy) cut through the quartzite and dolomite eastern rim of the Drakensberg Mountain range.

The Blyde River Canyon is the only true Canyon in South Africa. It is the world’s third-largest Canyon after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. This site must be visited when touring South Africa.

It is almost impossible to describe this region’s magnificence and awe-inspiring beauty, which runs for 50 km along the Drakensberg escarpment with cliffs rising 600 – 800 meters up from the river bed.  The vegetation in the area is green and lush. It includes various animal and birdlife, including the Taita Falcon, which is found in very few places globally, and even a breeding colony of the very rare Bald Ibis.

At the Blyde River Canyon Nature reserve, an area of outstanding beauty, several places are so breathtaking that their splendor defies description.  The best description given is by the various names given to specific viewpoints such as “God’s Window” and “Wonder View.” Rising out of the richly wooded Canyon is a quartzite column called “The Pinnacle.”  “The Three Sisters,” more usually referred to as the “Three Rondavels,” are three enormous Dolomite Rocks that rise out of the sides of the Canyon.  They have green-domed tops, and their sides are orange.

At the confluence of the Blyde River and the Treur River is one of the most extraordinary examples of geological occurrences in the whole of South Africa, and that is the Bourkes Luck Potholes, where over a long period of time, dark swirling pools have been formed and are contrasted by surrounding red and yellow rocks.

The Blyde River Canyon nature reserve is within easy distance of the Kruger National Park and other interesting places and sights to see in Mpumalanga.
There is a full range of activities in the area, both exciting and places of interest for the less adventurous.

Accommodation in the surrounding area is varied, plentiful, and of high quality.

Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon Three Rondavals
Blyde River Canyon Gods Window

One thought on “Blyde River Canyon

  • World Explorer

    Great blog – we really need to showcase & explore our beautiful country!

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