Action and Adventure
Panorama Route
The Panorama Route, with its breathtaking vistas around every mountain corner, waterfalls plunging down faces of sheer rock, memories of the gold rush following you as you meander down an endless river canyon, and eagles hovering above your head, is one of the key attractions in the area. You will experience mountains, sky, forests and the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon.
The small town of Graskop is the gateway to the 300 km long Panorama Route. Scenic landmarks with names like God’s Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels beckon. Just a short drive away you will find the awe-inspiring Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls. A half hour’s drive from Graskop, the gold rush town of Pilgrim’s Rest gives you a chance to relive the 1873 gold rush in surroundings of unparalleled beauty.
From Graskop, head on to the Blyde River Canyon Reserve. Thread your way along the cliff 800 m above the Blyde River Canyon, and at God’s Window, be sure to walk in the thick, indigenous mist forest that’s often among the clouds.
The Bourke’s Luck Potholes are also well worth a visit. These giant potholes have formed at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers and mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.
The area is also rich in flora and fauna. Some of the Panorama Route’s lesser-known, but no less fascinating, attractions are clustered around Ohrigstad. Echo Caves extend for 40 km into the rock, a limestone fairyland. At Ohrigstad Dam Reserve you can fish for yellowtail or carp on tranquil waters surrounded by mountains, an ideal refuge from the crowds in peak season.
Mariepskop
For an unforgettable view, don’t forget to go to Mariepskop. This mountain top (1,945 m) is situated on the east side of the Drakensberg Mountains. On a clear day you can see the Indian Ocean and Maputo in Mozambique.
While the view is fantastic, to access the site you need a car in good condition, or a mountain bike, in which case you should be in good condition.
Blyde River Canyon
Magoebaskloof
Other Activities
Relaxation
Reach the pinnacle of tranquillity by looking down on the plains from a balloon, or spending a day in an African wellness centre. You can end your day in one of the (typical or not African) restaurants.
Culture
Africa breathes centuries-old traditions and culture. Look for the roots of the African people by visiting an ancient tribe, or eat pancakes at a giant baobab made from centuries-old African roots.
Wild Life
For many the reason to come to Africa: to experience animals in the wild that don’t roam freely in Europe. Going on safari is what you do here! Learn more about living in and with the wild in special centres.
Sport
If a walking giraffe or running leopard inspires you to take action, don’t think this is not possible in Africa. You can go jogging, horseback riding, but also cycling and golf among the impressive fauna and flora.
