The Panorama Route is one of the most beautiful and popular

The Panorama Route is one of the most beautiful and popular travel destinations in South Africa. The Panorama Route leads through the rugged mountain range of the northern Drakensberg in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. The Panorama Route passes the north-eastern part of the Great Escarpment, the inland plateau declines abruptly and steeply and opens up fantastic views of the plains of the Lowveld a thousand metres below. This view is most reliable in the dry winter months. At other times the spectacle is often impaired, since the escarpment is a barrier for the clouds coming from the east, rising at this point and bringing a lot of rain.

The most spectacular stretch of the Panorama Route is the Blyde River Canyon. From many well-positioned vantage points one has a view of the 33 km long gorge, which starts at "Bourkes Luck Potholes" and ends at the "Three Rondavels". The Potholes are very impressive rock formations that were shaped millions of years ago by erosion. The bizarre swirl holes developed when the once rapid river carried masses of sand and debris.

Towns of the Panorama Route

Hazyview, gateway to the Kruger National Park and the hub of adventure activities also offers a vast selection of accommodation, tours and safaris to ensure every holiday is a memorable one. Home to the Parks new Phabeni Gate, only 16kms from Numbi Gate and a mere 25 mins drive from the Paul Kruger Gate, Hazyview is the ideal base from which to explore the natural wonders and the Big 5.

The small village of Graskop is situated on the magnificent Drakensberg Escarpment above Kowyns Pass, and was established in the 1880s. Originally a gold mining settlement, Graskop is now a major forestry centre.

Ohrigstad was founded in 1845, and is now an agricultural centre. Echo Caves, Abel Erasmus Pass and Ohrigstad Dam are conveniently close by.

Alluvial Gold was discovered in Pilgrims Rest by Alex Patterson in 1873 and mining continued until 1972. Many of the buildings have been restored to create a living museum with historic structures such as the St Marys Anglican Church, the Royal Hotel, Miners Cottages Jouberts Bridge (1896) and the graveyard. Excellent trout fishing, hiking and mountain biking venues abound nearby. No visit to Pilgrims Rest is complete without trying your hand at gold panning.

Sabie is located in the foothills of the Drakensberg and beneath Mount Anderson - on the banks of the Sabie River. This village was established in 1895 after gold was discovered during a target match when bullets chipped the rock and revealed indications of the precious ore. Sabie is focal to the thriving and extensive forestry industry, and the largest sawmill in South Africa is located nearby. St Peters Church, designed by Sir Herbert Baker in 1913, is a must-visit.

Hoedspruit (hat creek) acquired its name when, after a long trek over the mountains into the heat of the Lowveld, one of the pioneers removed his hat and threw it into the cool waters of the Sandspruit River and decided to stay. Hoedspruit is surrounded by beautiful game-rich countryside and has distinctive rural charm.

Panorama Route Attractions

• The Panorama region is world famous for its scenic beauty, so start with a scenic drive. Climb the mountain passes onto the Escarpment and gaze down at the wonders of the Lowveld unfolding to infinity beneath you!
• Must Visits are Gods Windows, The Pinnacle, Bourkes Luck Potholes, the awesome panorama of the Blyde River Canyon and the Three Rondawels.
• Inhale the champagne fresh air at the highest point of the magnificent Long Tom Pass and watch waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet down gorges and valleys.
• The Panorama region is renowned for pancakes: visit Harries in Graskop or The Motlatse Community pancake project at the potholes. Enjoy traditional Greek fare at The Woodsman in Sabie or experience appetising Italian Country cooking at The Artists Cafe.
• Lodges and Hotels in the area also offer a delicious selection of good wholesome food.
• For a wonderful cultural experience visit Shangana Cultural Village in Hazyview. Shangana offers tours during the day, traditional lunches and a festival at night. Kids get free entry. Visit the Marula Market for a unique shopping experience.
• Hot Air Ballooning is big in The Panorama. Spoil Someone Special with a romantic early morning champagne ride!

Accommodation in and around Garen Route