A view over the three "rondawels" - the three hut like features to the middle in this image - at the Blyde River Canyon of South Africa - (Photo Credit:  MBS Photography)
Once, an attraction to gold rush prospectors, the Blyde River Canyon is now a recommended destination for nature-lovers and adventurers visiting South Africa. The canyon, spanning more than 30 kilometers, starts just below the merger point of the Blyde River and the Treur River in the country’s northeast and is located close to the Kruger National Park.

Carved out of red sandstone over a long period of time, the Blyde River Canyon is part of the Panorama Route, offering breathtaking glimpses of rocks, waterfalls, and escarpments at heights of over 1,600 meters. Alongside and following the canyon is the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Most of the spectacular sights are accessible by car.
(Photo:  Views along the famous Blyde River Canyon Panorma Route - South Africa.  Photo Credit:  MBS Photography)

HOW TO GET TO THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON

You can hire a car and drive to the Blyde River Canyon from Johannesburg – the journey will take around five hours. Alternatively, you can hire a car and drive from closer cities  by like Nelspruit and Hoedspruit (to which flights are available). Most visitors going to the area visit the Kruger National Park, so you can also drive to the Canyon from there.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON

The best time to take a trip to the Blyde River Canyon is between May and August since the vegetation is less dense, which means you will have better views of the attractions and the animals. For those who indulge in and are skilled at abseiling and other rock-related activities, June to the end of August (winter months) is the most suitable time.



The view over the Blyde River Dam inside the Blyde River Canyon close to the famous feature titled, the "three rondawels."  Viewpoint was inside the Blyde Canyon Forever Resort - South Africa.
(Photo Credit:  MBS Photography)

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON

• The Blyde River Canyon is the world’s third largest of its kind ,after the Grand Canyon of the US and Namibia’s Fish River Canyon. It is also South Africa’s greenest canyon.  
• 'Blyde’ is a Dutch term meaning ‘happy’.
• The Blyde River Canyon is home to a large variety of wildlife, specifically South African species like the Vervet and Samango monkeys, Chacma baboons, Bush Babies, Black–backed jackals, Bush pigs, Oribi, and the Grey Rhebuck. The rare Taita Falcon, Verreaux’s Eagle, Bald Ibis are also inhabitants of the canyon.
• The Blyde River Canyon is surrounded by the highest mountain range in South Africa, the Drakensberg.
• The drive along the canyon offers evidence of layering of sandstone and dolomite over millions of years, following the breaking up of the super-continent, Gondwanaland.

WHAT TO SEE AT THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON

The Three Rondavels of the Blyde River Canyon of South Africa - Image taken from the Blyde Canyon Forever Resort Viewpoint and Leopard Trail.  (Photo Credit:  MBS Photography)

1.  The Three Rondavels
The Three Rondavels or the Three Sisters are a trio of giant beehive structures around 700 meters high, which have this name because of their resemblance to the homes of the natives. Over time, erosion has done away with the top layer to reveal the slate and quartzite and thus giving the mountains their unique shapes.

2.    Bourke’s Luck  Potholes
These are a series of natural geological formations that are a result of centuries of water flowing through the land; what is left behind today is nothing less than a work of art – interconnected cylindrical sandstone pools of water. Named after Tom Bourke, a 19th-century gold ‘prospector,’ the dramatic rock structures lie at the confluence of the Blyde River and the Treur River.

Image:  A visit to Bourke's Luck Potholes is an absolute must on a visit to the Blyde River Canyon.  It is by far one of the most fascinating, beautiful and awe-inspiring sight along the route.  (Photo Credit:  RANA Photography)

3.    God’s Window
The highlight of the Blyde River Canyon is said to be God’s Window.  But don't expect it to be.  Although many travelers raved about the sight, was it pretty dull to us, and a little disappointing to say the least.  Bourke's Luck Potholes is much more worthwhile.  The viewpoint does indeed give a panoramic view over the area for miles on end, but most of the land is agricultural or forested, thus not authentic and natural.
Pro's:   Although, it is a strategic viewpoint that not only overlooks 700 m deep cliffs, waterfalls, and the Lowveld, and lucky visitors can see as far as the Kruger National Park and the Lebombo Mountains on the border with Mozambique.

4.    Lisbon Waterfall
To the north, just outside the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and on the Panorama Route is the Lisbon Waterfall. Named after Lisbon (also a farm nearby) the waterfall is at a spectacular height of 92 meters. Most of the waterfalls in this area are named after the nationalities of gold miners who flocked here in the 19th century. It is a nice place to rest, relax, and observe exotic birds.

5.    Berlin Falls
Not far from God’s Window lie the Berlin Falls that plunge down some 80 meters into a large green pool surrounded by red cliffs. As the name suggests, it was German miners who discovered this beauty.

(Photo Credit:  Ptosio)
6.    Kadishi Tufa Waterfall
Located right at the end of the Blyde River Dam is a unique Tufa waterfall (these falls have taken over a million years to form as the water runs over dolomite rock, absorbs calcium, and deposits rock formations on the surface of the waterfall, thus the meaning of ‘tufa’) at a height of 200 meters. Kadishi means, “weeping face of nature” and since the waterfall resembles a crying face, so it is named. It is the tallest tufa waterfall in Africa.

7.  Lone Creek Waterfall
Lone Creek Waterfall don't receive much mention, especially since it might be a little 'off the beaten track,' but to us was it actually one of the most worthwhile waterfall visits. Unlike all the other waterfalls, the Lisbon-, Berlin- or Mac Mac Waterfalls where you'll only find viewpoints from the top of the waterfall, will you be able to view the Lone Creek Waterfall from the bottom up.  It gives one a better perspective at the beauty of the surrounding cliffs and flora.

ACTIVITIES IN THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON

1.    Boat trips
Take in the beauty of the canyon on a boat trip on the waters of the Blyde River Dam. Besides the wildlife, visitors can see the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall and the Three Rondavels from the river itself. A tour guide will accompany you on this trip. Cost: ZAR 140 per person.
2.    Hiking trails
Serious outdoor trekkers will love this. The Blyde River Canyon trek can be customized from two to five days and you can even go in groups. The trail introduces trekkers to spectacular geographical features, along with the diverse flora and fauna. Overnight accommodation is organized in huts. Charges on request.
3.    Microlight flights
For those who would love a scenic aerial view, these microlight flights flying over the Blyde River Canyon can be very thrilling. You can choose the duration of the flight from 10-20-30 minutes to an hour. Fees start at ZAR 420 per person.
4.    White water rafting
This activity is not for the faint-hearted, since steep gradients in the river mean that rafting is a very tedious activity. Test your skills along 8 kilometers of water. Later, take a cruise around the dam in a motorboat. Charges on request.
5.    Hot air balloons
Experience the wonderful sunset in a hot air balloon near the foot of the Drakensberg Escarpment. One-hour flights over the Lowveld section of the Blyde River cost around ZAR 3400.

WHERE TO STAY AT THE BLYDE RIVER CANYON

• Blyde Canyon Forever Resort was by far the best value for money accommodation we stayed at.  We had our own chalet with barbecue facilities and private parking. The amenities, bathroom, bedroom and self-catering kitchen was furthermore fully equipped and tastefully decorated. Prices starts at ZAR 116 per person/night with options to stay in the youth hostel, caravan park, camping area, or in 3/4 Star accommodation.
  
• Swadini A Forever Resort in Limpopo (Mpumalanga). Prices starting at ZAR 560 per person/night.
  
• Amafu Forest Lodge in Kampersus. Prices starting at ZAR 2,000 per person/night.
  
• Blue Swallow Chalets in Graskop. Prices starting at ZAR 540 per person/night. 
  
• Havana Nights in Graskop. Prices starting at ZAR 400 per person/night.
  

If you want to be one with nature, then a trip to the Blyde River Canyon has got to be at the top of your list – whether you like adventure sports, bird watching, want to see your geography lessons come to life, or maybe to just sit back and relax. The sheer beauty of the canyon coupled with great good accommodations, activities, and food will surely make for a memorable trip.

PHOTO GALLERY

Viewpoint: Bourke's Luck Potholes  (Photo Credit:  MBS Photography)