Let MoAfrika guide you through a journey that combines scenic splendour, fascinating historical insights, and an adventurous spirit along one of South Africa’s most admired routes with our Panorama Route tours. We also offer Blyde Rivier Canyon tours and private Kruger Safaris.
Need more Info?
MoAfrika Tours offers an exceptional opportunity to explore South Africa’s celebrated Panorama Route, a scenic drive through Mpumalanga that features an abundance of natural wonders and historical landmarks.
As you travel along this route, you will experience the impressive expanse of the Blyde River Canyon, recognised as the world’s third largest canyon, alongside several striking waterfalls and remarkable rock formations.
Highlights include God’s Window, where extensive views of the Lowveld are visible, and the iconic Three Rondawels, whose distinctive shapes have long inspired local legends. The route also reveals significant historical sites, including remnants of the old transport roads from the gold rush era and tales dating back to the Anglo-Boer War.
With its rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, our Panorama route tours are designed to offer a well-curated experience for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The Panorama Route has long served as one of South Africa’s most intriguing scenic drives, rich in both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Dating back to the late 19th century, parts of this route were originally used as transport roads between Lydenburg and Delagoa Bay, playing a key role during the gold rush and subsequent development of the region.
Early travellers and prospectors helped shape local settlements, with towns such as Pilgrim’s Rest bearing witness to the era’s adventurous spirit and economic ambitions.
Over time, the route gained historical prominence when it became a vital passage during the Anglo-Boer War. Notably, it is along this path that General Louis Botha famously evaded his pursuers, an episode that remains a point of historical interest.
The area also reflects the rich cultural tapestry of South Africa, with indigenous communities such as the Shangana and Pedi having deep-rooted connections to the land. Their traditions and stories are echoed in the names and lore of local landmarks, including the famed Three Rondawels, which symbolise both natural formation and cultural narrative.
Today, the Panorama Route stands as a symbol of South Africa’s diverse heritage, offering a window into its geological wonders, historical milestones, and cultural traditions. It is a route that caters to history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, promising an experience that is as educational as it is enjoyable.
Discover more about our carefully designed tour packages and find the perfect Panorama route tour for you. View our packages now to start planning your journey with MoAfrika Tours.
Below is a list of the key highlights you should not miss when exploring the Panorama Route. Each attraction offers a unique experience, combining natural splendour with historical and cultural significance.
God’s Window is renowned for its expansive views of the Lowveld. From this vantage point, visitors can see far into the distance, with views extending towards the Kruger National Park and beyond.
A network of well-maintained access trails allows for a leisurely walk and exploration of the surrounding area.
Many travellers ask, “What makes God’s Window special?” and the answer lies in its impressive panorama that has captivated visitors for decades.
These three distinctive rock formations owe their name to their resemblance to traditional African huts. Each “rondavel” offers impressive views of the Blyde River Canyon and serves as a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.
Travellers visiting the Three Rondawels will find that their historical significance and scenic appeal make them a must-see stop.
Pinnacle Rock stands out as a singular column of weathered quartzite, rising well above the surrounding indigenous forest. Its unusual shape and significant height – 30 metres above the local forest – make it a noteworthy landmark along the route.
It is an ideal spot for those searching for scenic viewpoints and curious about the natural history of the area.
Lisbon Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mpumalanga, cascades down a 95-metre drop in a graceful triple cascade. Its name commemorates early Portuguese miners in the area.
Berlin Falls, with its 45-metre plunge into a serene pool, is equally significant. The falls are named after the farm on which they are located and are part of the region’s gold rush history.
These natural wonders are often favoured by travellers looking for waterfall tours on the Panorama Route.
One of the most interesting geological things on the Panorama Route is where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet. At the point where the two rivers meet, there are swirling whirlpools that have been formed over countless millennia. Sand and rocks carried by the water have worn deep cylindrical potholes into the bedrock over time.
At the Visitors Centre, you can see some of the interesting natural and social history of the reserve. The Blyde River Canyon also starts at the Potholes.
It is said to be the third largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in Nevada, USA, and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia and boasts some of the most dramatic and overwhelming scenery in the country. Unlike the Grand and Fish River Canyon, the Blyde River Canyon is a “green canyon” and dominated by subtropical vegetation.
The canyon forms part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (also officially known as Motlatse Canyon Provincial Nature Reserve), which covers about 30 000 hectares. The 57-kilometer nature reserve belt starts at Graskop and goes along the edge of the escarpment.
Because the southern section is high and gets a lot of rain (about 3 000 mm per year at God’s Window), the route goes through a lot of grasslands and natural rain forests.
MoAfrika Tours offers a variety of tour types to suit different schedules and interests along the Panorama Route. Whether you are looking for a compact, full-day experience, a shorter half-day visit, or a more comprehensive multi-day package, there is an option for you.
Full-day tours typically run for 8–10 hours, starting from major hubs such as Hazyview or Hoedspruit. These tours include convenient pickup, entrance fees, an experienced guide, and comfortable transport to cover the major attractions on the route.
Half-day tours are designed for travellers with limited time; they last about 4–5 hours and focus on the most popular highlights.
Multi-day packages provide an in-depth experience, often spanning 2–5 days. They combine daily excursions along the Panorama Route with additional activities, local accommodation, and sometimes meals, allowing for a thorough exploration of the region’s cultural and historical sites.
Below is a quick reference table outlining the key differences:
our Type | Duration | Key Inclusions | Pros | Cons |
Full-Day Tour | 8–10 hours | Pickup, entrance fees, guide, transport | Comprehensive route coverage; efficient schedule | May feel rushed for detailed stops |
Half-Day Tour | 4–5 hours | Pickup, entrance fees, guide, transport | Ideal for short visits; flexible timing | Limited number of attractions |
Multi-Day Package | 2–5 days | Multiple pickups, accommodation, meals, fees, guide, transport | In-depth exploration; relaxed pace; extra activities | Requires more time and planning |
If you’re wondering, “Which tour is best for me?” our flexible options cater to all needs. View our tour packages now and choose the perfect Panorama route tour with MoAfrika Tours.
On a typical Panorama Route tour with MoAfrika Tours, guests can expect a well-planned day that provides a comprehensive introduction to one of South Africa’s most celebrated scenic drives.
How long is a typical Panorama Route tour? Most of our full-day tours run for eight to ten hours, striking a balance between covering key attractions and allowing sufficient time for short walks and photo stops.
The day begins with a convenient pickup from central locations like Hazyview or Hoedspruit, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey.
Throughout the tour, you will visit renowned landmarks such as God’s Window, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pinnacle Rock, and the significant Three Rondawels. Each stop is timed to give you the opportunity to explore on foot and absorb the local history and natural beauty of the region.
Practical tips include wearing layers due to fluctuating temperatures from early morning to late afternoon, and donning comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
Although the dry season (April to September) generally offers favourable conditions, it is wise to bring a light rain jacket as weather in Mpumalanga can change rapidly.
Safety is a top priority: our modern, well-maintained vehicles and experienced drivers ensure a secure journey, while our knowledgeable guides provide insights and answer any questions along the way.
If you are ready to enjoy an engaging and informative day on the road, view our tour packages now and select the perfect Panorama Route tour with MoAfrika Tours.
Travellers choose MoAfrika Tours for their Panorama Route tour because of our deep local expertise and rich understanding of the region’s history.
Our team has decades of experience, ensuring you receive informative insights about the historical landmarks and natural wonders along the route.
We pride ourselves on offering reliable and safe vehicles, coupled with highly qualified guides who are eager to answer your questions.
“What makes MoAfrika Tours the best choice for my Panorama Route tour?” is a common query we address with our personalised service.
Our tours are fully customisable, allowing you to tailor your experience to suit your interests and pace.
The Panorama Route is home to various notable cultural and historical attractions due to the area’s long history. These are some examples:
Shangana Cultural community near Hazyview is a traditional community that honours the Shangana people.
The Lydenburg Museum displays exhibits of the area’s early human residents, the most notable of which being the Lydenburg Heads. A small kid discovered unusual shards of pottery eroding out of a gully in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa, between 1962 and 1964. Although the fragments were not properly excavated, the majority of them were discovered and reassembled to form seven clay heads known as the Lydenburg Heads.
The museum also provides visitors with an overview of the Pedi people’s anthropological past.
Joubert Bridge is one of the area’s oldest bridges. It was constructed to span the Blyde River and connect Pilgrim’s Rest with Lydenburg. The bridge was designed by Italian engineer Giovan B Gilletti and was opened in 1897 by Pilgrim’s Rest mine commissioner Jacobus Stephanus Joubert.
Andries Potgieter, a Voortrekker leader, built this historic town in 1850. It was the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek for a short time.
The Lydenburg Heads, 500-year-old hollow clay sculptures on display at the Lydenburg Museum indicate that an unknown culture colonised the region long before this as these people are believed to have utilised the statues in religious events.
The discovery of alluvial gold in 1873 triggered a brief gold rush in the town. The village was also on the way from the Transvaal Republic to Delagoa Bay. Lydenburg is now recognised for its farming, trout fishing, and mining. The Panorama Route begins immediately outside of Lydenburg, near the Long Tom Pass.
Sabie is well-known as a forestry and tourist destination.
The Sesotho lived in the town in the early 1800s but after the discovery of gold in the area in 1873, Europeans began to settle in the town.
Because of its high elevation, it was utilised as a base for early big game hunters because it was malaria-free and due to the river (also known as the Sabie river) frequently overflowing and infested with crocodiles, the locals dubbed it uluSaba – the river of terror.
Much of the natural forests in the area were cleared to supply wood for the mining industry, and since 1876 commercial trees were planted in, leading to Sabie being surrounded by one of the largest man-made forests in the world.
The town of Graskop dates back to 1837, when Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius and his followers were looking for greener pastures. In his memoirs, he told about leaving women behind in Graskop (translated as “grassy hill”) while searching for an ox waggon passage to Delagoa Bay.
Today, Graskop is mostly a tourist town near various natural wonders such as God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Pilgrim’s Rest is around 35 kilometres north of Sabie.
The entire town is a national monument, a restored gold-mining village with curio stores and Victorian architecture.
Its history begins in 1873, when Alex Patterson discovered alluvial gold. It quickly became known as a community for fortune seekers, with around 1500 “diggers” joining Patterson within a year.
Later, Transvaal Gold Mining Estates became South Africa’s first publicly traded gold mining corporation.
Annually, the town hosts the National Gold Panning Championships, and visitors can also book a panning excursion.
Hazyview is a small village that serves as an important gateway to the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni Gate. Hazyview is well-known for its animal sanctuaries, including a world-renowned elephant sanctuary.
According to legend, a French-Canadian named Perry landed in the area while fleeing an alleged murder conviction. He started a trading store, but following his death, the property was sold and one of South Africa’s first private wildlife reserves was established on the area.
Tourism, agriculture (particularly banana growing), and retail drive the economy of this town.
Ohrigstad is a small settlement on the border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The town was named after Voortrekker leader Andries Hendrik Potgieter and G. G. Ohrig, an Amsterdam trader who desired to foster trade between the Netherlands and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.
There are now various game farms and commercial crops around the town. The well-known Echo Caves are located around 28 kilometres north of town.
Experience a well-organised day along South Africa’s famed Panorama Route with MoAfrika Tours.
Our tours provide local insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of the region, taking you to must-see attractions such as God’s Window, Lisbon and Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Pinnacle Rock, and the iconic Three Rondawels.
Enjoy the benefits of a customisable itinerary, safe and modern vehicles, and expert guides who bring the story of the landscape to life. Whether you opt for a full-day adventure or a multi-day package, our tours are designed to offer flexibility and comfort while delivering an engaging experience.
Create lasting memories and gain a deeper understanding of South Africa’s natural and historical legacy. Ready to plan your trip? Book your tour or contact MoAfrika Tours today for more information.
It is a scenic drive in Mpumalanga, South Africa, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes, historical landmarks, and unique natural attractions such as the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, waterfalls, and the Three Rondawels.
A full-day tour usually lasts between 8 and 10 hours, with shorter half-day options available and multi-day packages ranging from 2 to 5 days.
Some of the most popular sights on the Panorama Route tour include the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window.
The entire tour drive along the Panorama Route can take anywhere from half a day to a full day depending on the time taken for stop-overs, lunches etc. If a sleep-over is included in your tour itenary it can take more or less 1 and a half – two days.
Wear layers and comfortable walking shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, a light rain jacket, water, and a camera.
The best time to tour the Panorama Route is during the dry season, from April to September, when the weather is more pleasant and the views are clearer.
Yes, there are several guided tours available that take visitors on the Panorama Route and provide more in-depth information about the sights along the way.
Copyright © MoAfrika Tours 2025
MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).