Panoramic Route - tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

Panoramic Route

travel wonder in South Africa

Why the
Panoramic Route
is special

It runs along the top of an escarpment rising 800 meters (2600 feet) above the Blyde River Canyon and a vast green plain.

The jewel is the Blyde River Canyon. Without it, the Panoramic Route would not earn a Bronze Star. Still, some of the other Panoramic Route attractions are interesting.

Major attractions of

the Panoramic Route

Blyde River Canyon

There are two basic vantages:

From inside the canyon
This lets you see the striking geological formations at river level. However, this requires a modest side trip from the basic Panoramic Route.

From the escarpment's rim
Read the next item.

Bird's-eye views

The Panoramic Route has several cliff-edge lookouts. The top 2 are:

Three Rondavels - This vantage point has a grand view of the Blyde River Canyon and its Three Rondavels. These tall, side-by-side domed outcroppings are also called the Three Sisters.

God's Window - You see the plain below stretching to the horizon. You also catch sight of portions of the sheer cliffs on your left and right. However, you don't get the majestic view of Blyde River Canyon that you do at Three Rondavels lookout.

If you're short of time, I recommend skipping Wonderview, the third major belvedere. It's similar to the one at God's Window, but lacks its lateral sight lines.

Waterfalls

They are impressive during the rainy season. The top three are Mac Mac, Lisbon and Berlin.

Bourke's Luck Potholes

These large, curvaceous pits were eroded into the river gorge's bed by gushing water.

Pilgrim's Rest

In the 18th century, it was a thriving gold-rush town. What you see today is a vaguely authentic replica.

Panoramic Route
tips & insights

Canyon's size

The Blyde River Canyon is the world's third largest. Its heart stretches approximately 60 kilometers (40 miles).

Kruger add-on

The Panoramic Route is an easy side-trip if you are driving from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park.

View my other silver and
bronze medal winners

in South Africa

Each Hillman Wonder has its own web page, with candid tips and insights:

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