Panorama Route
Panorama Route
4.5
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- lian58744943 contributionsGod's beauty, blown away with the route and sitesIncredible after 30 yrs last visit ,was blown away. Well sign posted, excellent roads to sites. Friendly staff. Sites were clean. Beautiful places to visit .Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 February 2024
- waynearnold60 contributionsAmazing viewsWe enjoyed a memorable day exploring the Panorama route with our guide Beukes (from the Chestnut Country Lodge in Hazyview). Incredible scenery and breath-taking views. The drive between the different stop offs was also amazingly picturesque.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 July 2024
- BradHong Kong, China178,402 contributionsAnother good stay time exploring the Panorama RouteWe have enjoyed exploring the Panorama Route north and around Graskop and the Blyde River Canyon Reserve several times over the years and find this to make for a scenic and adventurous add-on for those visiting nearby Kruger National Park (KNP). After several days of game drives in KNP, a trip over to the Blyde River Canyon area and taking in the Panorama Route scenic stops is a relaxing way to enjoy light hikes, rewarding viewpoints and opportunities to stretch your legs and walk around. The Panorama Route includes impressive viewpoint stops, highlighted by the Three Rondavels and the view into Blyde River Canyon. Bourkes Potholes and God's Window are fun stops to make as well. There are a handful of waterfalls viewpoints and for those who fancy more adventure activities, try the Graskop Gorge Lift Co. where you can find Zipline, Gorge Swing and valley walks accessible by large lift that takes you up and down from the escarpment above. During our last visit we stayed three nights in Graskop, a nice little community with quite a few accommodation options, filling station, supermarket and a handful of good restaurants.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 11 July 2024
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RiaD10
Farnborough, UK160 contributions
June 2022 • Couples
Nice drive but pick only a couple of spots to stop at. I would highly recommend the three rondavels, Lisbon falls and George lift valley. All the spots have an entrance fee. Pack some food to eat on Route because the spots have very little food options and there are no rest stops in between. Graskop is a small town with limited food options. If you plan to stop here overnight know the prices will be high for what is on offer due to its remote location.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vadim
Murmansk, Russia34,986 contributions
Dec 2021
This scenic road is interesting in itself, but of course the main object of attraction is the canyon of the Blyde River. The 26-kilometer canyon itself is of course noticeably smaller than the famous American Grand Canyon or Fish River Canyon in Namibia that I visited in 2013, but unlike them it is covered with subtropical greenery. The most beautiful and transportable place is the bizarre rock formation of the Three Rondavels, where the river Blyde makes a bend. This is the most photo-replicated place on the route. By the way, during the campaign against the colonial past, the Blind was renamed Motlatse in 2005. However, tourists still use the euphonious old name, which in translation from Old Dutch means "glad" or "happy". You will be happy if you are lucky with the weather. I. For example, I got into a fog. In addition to the Three Rondavels (other names Three Wives or Three Sisters) on the R532 highway there are several waterfalls Berlin Falls (R10 per car), Lisbon Falls (R10), unusual Bourke's Luck Potholes,(R55) caves and several observation decks overlooking epic cliffs and valleys (God's Window (R10 per car), Wonder View (free), The Pinnacle (R10). All of the above is problematic to visit in one day. Having rented a car at Nelspruit airport, I stopped for the night in Graskop, as many travel bloggers advised. This town has been known since the time of the famous Voortrekker campaign, when the leader of the Boer settlers, Andris Pretorius, left women here on a "grassy hill" in 1837, if you translate the name Graskop. The town has a good tourist infrastructure, but "dies out" in the evening from 7 pm. The next day I repeated the classic route that thousands of tourists did before me and will do after me. In the morning I went to Three Rondavels, so that after visiting one waterfall, a viewing platform, I could visit Kruger Park, staying overnight in Hazyview.
Written 12 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karrst
Pretoria, South Africa3,896 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The Mpumalanga Panorama Route still has the great views God's Window, Three Rondavels Long Tom Pass and the road to Pilgrims Rest. Along with the natural features of numerous waterfalls and the magnificent Blyde River Canyon along with Bourke's Luck Potholes to rival anywhere we have been to.
However on our latest tour it was sad to see the deterioration that had taken place since our last visit.
Access roads to some of the waterfalls were nothing but potholes and not much road to Lone Creek, we had to turn back from Horseshoe as the road was bad. As was the road to the Three Rondavels. and Lookout. At Bourke's Luck the magic vista you used to see as you came to the top of the footpath has been ruined by on of the those red frame tourist pictures, why you need these is beyond me. Then there's the graffiti on the rocks by the footpath!!!
The other irresponsible fad is that of attaching "padlocks" to everything of a natural beauty. Why!! Just be glad you were fortunate to see these natural wonders a lot of people don't. So why spoil it!!!!!!!
Then to cap it all there are the arrogant and aggressive tour guides who think they have priority over everyone else. While paying to enter God's Window a guide came from three vehicles backt and interrupted the Ranger who was taking our entrance fee, which he promptly stopped and dealt with her.
All this while we were taking visitors from the UK around. You can gather they were not impressed.
So yes while the natural beauty of the Panorama Route is still amazing it is being spoilt by irresponsible people. When we first toured here the roads were great and access was free. Now you pay and it's sad to see the deterioration.
However on our latest tour it was sad to see the deterioration that had taken place since our last visit.
Access roads to some of the waterfalls were nothing but potholes and not much road to Lone Creek, we had to turn back from Horseshoe as the road was bad. As was the road to the Three Rondavels. and Lookout. At Bourke's Luck the magic vista you used to see as you came to the top of the footpath has been ruined by on of the those red frame tourist pictures, why you need these is beyond me. Then there's the graffiti on the rocks by the footpath!!!
The other irresponsible fad is that of attaching "padlocks" to everything of a natural beauty. Why!! Just be glad you were fortunate to see these natural wonders a lot of people don't. So why spoil it!!!!!!!
Then to cap it all there are the arrogant and aggressive tour guides who think they have priority over everyone else. While paying to enter God's Window a guide came from three vehicles backt and interrupted the Ranger who was taking our entrance fee, which he promptly stopped and dealt with her.
All this while we were taking visitors from the UK around. You can gather they were not impressed.
So yes while the natural beauty of the Panorama Route is still amazing it is being spoilt by irresponsible people. When we first toured here the roads were great and access was free. Now you pay and it's sad to see the deterioration.
Written 21 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1977gerrie
Johannesburg, South Africa31 contributions
Jan 2021 • Friends
The road is in acceptable condition when we're there after a lot of rain. Markers of sites is clearly marked. Small fees to access most of the water falls. The areas to the waterfalls is clearly marked and clean, definitely a great route to do over a weekend for a road trip to getaway from the rat race
Written 8 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AFD22
Algonac, MI147 contributions
July 2021
We took a full day tour with Sable Tours. Our guide was Mike and he definitely knew where to go. The scenery was amazing. We made several stops to see gods window the pool and many other areas that we would probably not found on our own. He knew when to be at the different areas to have the best pictures and lighting. It was an amazing trip. There is so much to see on this drive you feel you want to do it a second time just to catch the things you missed. Will be going back again on our next trip. Just make sure you have the right weather,
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CH
Bury St. Edmunds, UK285 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Weather dependent the views and waterfalls on this route are amazing.
The first time we tried to do this route back in 2017, we didn’t manage to see anything at God’s Window or Lowveld due to the weather and it being cloudy. This time we were lucky to be blessed with excellent weather. The route is easy to follow and as we didn’t do any hikes, we were able to view most of the ‘must see’ views in one day. One thing to take note is that care needs to be taken on the roads at present, the potholes are terrible and could cause major damage to tyres if you hit them. Get the right weather and the views are amazing!
The first time we tried to do this route back in 2017, we didn’t manage to see anything at God’s Window or Lowveld due to the weather and it being cloudy. This time we were lucky to be blessed with excellent weather. The route is easy to follow and as we didn’t do any hikes, we were able to view most of the ‘must see’ views in one day. One thing to take note is that care needs to be taken on the roads at present, the potholes are terrible and could cause major damage to tyres if you hit them. Get the right weather and the views are amazing!
Written 27 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
waynearnold
60 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We enjoyed a memorable day exploring the Panorama route with our guide Beukes (from the Chestnut Country Lodge in Hazyview). Incredible scenery and breath-taking views. The drive between the different stop offs was also amazingly picturesque.
Written 9 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mientjie Pretorius
2 contributions
Dec 2020
Breathtaking, tranquillity, calming.....the list go on and on! A definite for travelers from abroad visiting South Africa. Make sure the weather is good if you don't want to miss the spectacular view over God's Window. Visit the magnificent waterfalls.
Take part in the adventurous events like bungee jumping and zip lining at great the mystic gorge in Graskop. OMW! There is too much to mention! I love it, love it love it!
Take part in the adventurous events like bungee jumping and zip lining at great the mystic gorge in Graskop. OMW! There is too much to mention! I love it, love it love it!
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rennie22018
Center Valley, PA15 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We had a wonderful tour of Blyde Canyon. Our driver, Jeffery, gave us great information about the canyon’s formation and history . He tailored the experience so we could get to the game lodge for the afternoon Safari! He was previously a game tracker and gave us great information about the Kruger Park area and wildlife!
Written 29 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ed Longley
Guildford, UK650 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
There’s a lot of hype about the panorama route, and in most part it’s not really justified.
The first stop was Bourkes Luck pot-holes. At ZAR 220 for a family of 4, you don’t get much.
A small “canyon”.
Litter including flip flops, food packets, nappies and sanitary ware floating around.
3 Rondavels is amazing, but no signage.
Gods Window was shut due to rain (not a fault of the route
The first stop was Bourkes Luck pot-holes. At ZAR 220 for a family of 4, you don’t get much.
A small “canyon”.
Litter including flip flops, food packets, nappies and sanitary ware floating around.
3 Rondavels is amazing, but no signage.
Gods Window was shut due to rain (not a fault of the route
Written 10 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi All,
My partner and I are thinking to complete part of this panorama route for our upcoming trip to South Africa. Our idea is to arrive in Johannesburg in the morning- drive to Sabie. Spend the night in Sabie and then drive on our way to our lodge in the north toward Hoedpruit. Question- what are the roads like on R532 road to see sights such as God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, and Three Rondavels? Second, is it safe to leave our luggage in the trunk if we carry our important documents with us? We have heard about the break in situation but was curious. Thanks in advanced for your help
Written 10 June 2023
Yoli Y
Johannesburg, South Africa
Good day all,
Please assist.
I would like to go on a holiday in Mpumalanga. I would like to know, firstly where I can stay for 3 nights. The place has to have beautiful mountain views preferably. Secondly, I would like to visit the Panorama route , long tom pass and sudwala. When doing the visits, where do I start from?
Thanking you all in advance.
Written 28 November 2019
Hi,
Last year around this time I booked at Bush Baby Glen lodge at Sabie. It's about 11 KM from Hazyview. I close to the Elephant Sanctuary and I could drive to other nearest places from the, including Panorama. I hope they answer the rest of your questions:
Address: R536 Rd to Sabie
Phone: 082 577 2130
Written 29 November 2019
Hi, We have half day and one night on the Panorama route, how is it best spent?
We'd like to see some natural sights/ viewpoints on the Panorama route.
It all looks beautiful, so it's difficult to narrow it down. Also we cannot tell how long these drives will really take.
Itinerary
(After 6 nights in Kruger)
Day 7 - early drive west from Balule Satelite camp, out of Orpen Gate, spend afternoon exploring Panorama route (what do u recommend?)
Stay over one night at ?
Next day leave to drive to JHB for 8pm international flight.
Recommendations on best use of time we have are appreciated.
Thanks for your help
Jo
Written 4 June 2019
I would view the Three Rondavels and Blyde River Canyon (1 hr), then go to Berlin falls (5-10 min), Wonder view (5 min), Pinnacle Rock (30-60 min) and lastly, Lisbon falls (5-10 min). God's Window is beautiful (same view as Wonder view, but the experience and what you see before the view is amazing)... It does take more time (more than 2 h)... Bourke's Luck Potholes also takes more than 2 h, so if you have time do God's Window or Bourke's Luck Potholes... If I had to choose I would do the latter and see God's Window when I visit again...
Written 5 June 2019
I will reach Joburg from George by 11 am on 21 July and plan to hire a vehicle at the airport and drive to Kruger but on way would like to visit panaroma route and /or haze view.
We plan to stay enroute somewhere on 21 July ,and on 22 morning proceed to Kruger doing panaroma route.
Is that feasible.
Thanks
Written 2 March 2019
Rakesh62,
I would not advise you to do the Panorama route on the day you arrive it is going to be winter which means it is getting dark earlier. It is at least a four hour trip which is going to leave you with very little time. Rather do that trip when you exit the Kruger.
Try to onernight in Hazyview. Hazyview is close to two gates, Phabeni and and Paul Kruger, but Sabie and Graskop are further away.
Written 17 April 2019
Hi there,
We're planning a trip to Hazyview in April from Johannesburg. We want to do the Panorama route and I would like some suggestions on where we can sleep over before we proceed to Hazyview.
Thank you!
Written 5 February 2019
Hi
Hazyview has a lot of choices depending on your budget. Please check online for something that suit your taste.
Best,
Munya
Written 5 February 2019
Die boskombuis bij Donkerhoek nabij Pretoria. Of licht er een gelijknamig resto op de panoramaroute?
Written 17 June 2018
we logeren in Graskop, is het van daaruit te doen om de panoramaroute heen en terug te rijden?
Written 14 June 2018
We are checking out of Klaserie mid morning and driving back to JNB this December - any tips on how to catch the highlights of the Route on the way back to JNB? We could spend a night on the way.
Written 13 June 2018
Hi Josh,
Would recommend a night in Graskop. The scenic route Graskop to Bourke's Luck is worthwhile and a fine example of the South African escarpment. Probably need to check at Klaserie whether best to head for Graskop and then go north, or whether can come down via Borke's Luck to Graskop. The drive to Joburg the following day is an easy one and interesting until you come back up to the Highveld which is pretty flat terrain.
Regards
Ian
Written 14 June 2018
We will be driving from Johannesburg on 08th April and will be staying at Graskop till 11/4/18. I would like to go half day tour to KNP on the 9th. To what I understand the tour starting at 5.30am. Should I take tour which the owner recommended for the price of Rand 775 per person where the pick up will be from our accommodation. Or should I drive all the way to KNP. Is it safe to drive in the dark. I am worried about our safety and might get lost.
Can you all give suggestion what should I do in the evening or on the 10th? The company also quoted me Rand 775 per person for half tour to Panaroma Waterfall from KNP which I think the price is high and half day should not be enough to cover all the scenery places that not be missed.
Any suggestions is appreciated. Thanks
Written 16 March 2018
Some good points from the previous responses. Graskop is a good base for your tour of the Panorama Route. Try not to cram all your visits into 1 day, spread them out and visit at leisure. You are on holiday, so enjoy. Set aside 1 day at least for KNP. Arrive there early, and plan your trip inside to meet with the exit times. Purchase a map at the entrance, which will indicate distances, and you can calculate your travelling time. Self drive (if you can) will be the ideal choice. However, be careful of potholes along the route. My last trip there was quite tense, trying to avoid potholes on the roads.
Written 22 March 2018
Hi, wie lange habt ihr für die Route bis zum Flughafen gebraucht?
Written 14 March 2018
Hallo, unseren Ausflug haben wir von Hazyview aus unternommen, wo wir zwei Nächte gewohnt haben. Bis Hazyview fährt man 4-5 stunden vom Airport Johannesburg.
Written 14 March 2018
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