The Panorama route offers beautiful views, a dramatic terrain of lush mountain peaks, waterfalls and endless skies. Pictures simply don’t do this beautiful stretch of the Lowveld any justice, so if you fancy having your breath taken away, then you should definitely plan a trip to this part of the country.
Long Tom Pass
The perfect Panorama route roadtrip starts with a climb up the scenic Long Tom Pass. The mystical area of the Long Tom Pass is one filled with beautiful mountain ranges. Situated in the middle between the towns of Sabie and Graskop, the area is home to swirling mists, and the road cuts through seemingly endless pine plantations. Once over the pass and into the riverside town of Sabie you’ll find yourself in waterfall heaven. There are almost 10 in the immediate area, with some viewpoints ranking higher than others. These gorgeous natural rock pools are formed by a fast-flowing stream.
God’s Window
Part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, this is the place people come from all over the world to see. God’s Window is a place where the world seems to open up. From a height of about 700 metres (2,297 feet), this incredible viewpoint allows visitors to see out from the escarpment right over the Lowveld, where South Africa’s wildlife roams across the Kruger National Park. Climb through the cooling forest mist to reach the highest lookout point and undoubtedly the best view.
Bourke’s Luck
Over millennia, whirlpools and rivers have gradually ebbed and flowed, etching away at the rock-faces and leaving cylindrical potholes in its wake. Situated at the confluence of the Blyde (Joy) and Treur (Sorrow) rivers, the bizarre riverine formation known as Bourke’s Luck comprise a series of deep cylindrical potholes created entirely by water erosion and can be explored along a short network of paths and footbridges. Visitors can examine these mysterious pools from the extensive wooden walkways that guide visitors around it. This spot is an absolute must for photographers as well as travelers in search of unusual views.
Blyde River Canyon
The most famous point of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. It is considered one of the largest canyons on earth and the largest ‘green canyon’ as it has a particularly lush subtropical covering, and dam at the bottom. The fresh mountain scenery and panoramic views over the Blyde River Canyon escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of ‘Panorama Route‘. It’s at its most beautiful in the early morning or at sunset when you’ll be able to spot the hippos, crocodiles and trumpeter hornbills that live there.
The Panorama Route’s proximity to the Kruger National Park and its private reserves isn’t the only thing this slice of paradise has going for it. Its lush and dramatic terrain not only inspires awe in the eyes of those who look upon it, but proffers a host of activities, too. If you’re looking for exciting career opportunities in South Africa, make sure you click through to our job section today!
