Blyde River Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga
The Blyde River Nature Reserve is situated in the heart of the magnificent Blyde River Canyon – the third largest canyon in the world. The Blyde River Canyon, stretching along the length of the Drakensberg escarpment in the Mpumalanga lowveld, is renowned for its stunning panoramic views. It is no wonder then that the reserve is situated along Mpumalanga’s stunning Panorama Route.The reserve includes the fascinating natural wonders of God’s Window, the Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
The mountains of the reserve form an impressive 800m drop down to the Blyde River, and because the escarpment lies below a high-rainfall plateau, there are many impressive waterfalls to be seen from the reserve. The range of altitude in the reserve also makes for a rich variety of plant life, which supports an equally rich variety of fauna. All five of South Africa’s primates can be found in the reserve, namely the somango and vervet monkeys, greater and lesser bushbabies and chacma baboons. The reserve is also one of the favoured spots in South Africa to spot the elusive klipspringer antelope and river otters.
A visit to the Blyde River Nature Reserve is a fantastic way to experience one of the most impressive geological formations in the world, and is an absolute must when travelling along the Panorama Route.
Getting there: from Gauteng, take the N4 going East into Mpumalanga. Turn off at the R539 going North towards Sabie. The R539 then becomes the R37. Continue along the R37 and then take the R532 going through Sabie. Continue along the R532 to Graskop. At Graskop turn onto the R533 going East. The R533 becomes the R40, continue along this road. Turn left onto the R531. After about 10km you will see a sign to turn left towards the Blyde River Nature Reserve.
Find out about camping and activities in the Blyde River Nature Reserve
| More info on the town of Graskop | More info on the Panorama Route area |
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