The Panorama Route is one of the most scenic journeys in South Africa, travelling through the province of Mpumalanga. There are plenty of cheap flights to Johannesburg, where you can depart to Mpumalanga. This is a brilliant way to see Africa on a budget.
The route is immensely popular because of its many natural landmarks, including waterfalls, canyons and famous national parks. Driving your own car means motor vehicle insurance comparison and other admin, but there are plenty of places to rent a car in Johannesburg as well, so try to do some research before your arrival.
The route begins in Graskop and comes to an end at the border of Limpopo. If you’re wondering how to plan your Panorama Route itinerary, you’re in the right place. This article will cover everything you need to know about each attraction, and the entrance fees along the way.
Panorama Route Entrance Fees
Make sure you have cash handy before you embark on your drive along the Panorama Route. For almost every amazing viewpoint en route, there is a fee involved. Don’t worry, these are generally quite affordable, and we’ve listed all the relevant prices below.
These prices are subject to change, and opening times may be affected throughout the year.
Panorama Route Attractions
Spanning 180 kilometres, the Panorama Route passes through a number of world-famous attractions. From canyons to mountain overpasses, waterfalls and viewpoints, here are the best attractions along the way:
Three Rondavels, Mpumalanga
Located in Graskop, the Three Rondavels are a trio of mountain tops in South Africa’s Blyde River Canyon region. This natural wonder will mark the beginning of your journey.
A rondavel is essentially an African homestead with a conical roof, which this trio of mountains resembles. The Three Rondavels are also known as the Three Sisters. Flanked by the Drakensberg mountain range, this epic viewpoint is one you’ll never forget.
Entrance fee: R35
Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon (or the Motlatse Canyon) is one of the largest on earth, 26km along and a wonder to behold. Thanks to Mpumalanga’s rich natural landscape, this canyon is considered a “green canyon.”
Unlike the Grand Canyon, with its arid vistas, Blyde River Canyon is brimming with vegetation. Listed as a key contributor to the globe’s biodiversity, this marvellous natural wonder possesses over 1200 plant species.
Entrance fee: R55
Pinnacle Rock
Pinnacle Rock is a gigantic, naturally-occurring quartzite rock in Graskop. You’ll be able to climb to the observation deck at the height of this fascinating rock formation. At 30 meters high (98 feet) the panoramic view of the cliff sides and adjacent forest will blow you away.
From the deck, look out for a small waterfall nearby, which leads into the Ngwaritsane Stream.
Entrance fee: R17
God’s Window
On the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment lies God’s Window, one of South Africa’s most picturesque vantage points. You’ll find yourself on what feels like the top of the world, with cliffs plunging hundreds of meters down into the Lowveld.
You’ll need to hike a rather narrow route from the road to reach God’s Window, but it is absolutely worth it. Look out over the Blyde River Canyon and commit to memory one of South Africa’s stupendous natural wonders.
Entrance fee: R10
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Tom Bourke got lucky in the late 19th century when he predicted the discovery of gold deposits in what is now known as Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Twenty minutes from God’s Window, this water feature is located where the Truer River meets the Blyde River.
Thanks to centuries of whirlpools, these stunning potholes have been carved into the riverbed. Toss a coin down these cliffs and, legend has it, you can leave a lifetime of bad luck like behind you.
Entrance fee: R50
Lisbon Falls
North of Graskop you’ll find the highest waterfall in Mpumalanga, Lisbon Falls. This waterfall is a whopping 94 meters (308 feet) high and lies in the centre of numerous other falls.
As if you needed any other reason to visit these stunning falls, it’s also a fantastic place to bird-watch. The area is abundant with diverse avian species, not to mention the incredible vistas. You can also picnic nearby with family or friends.
Entrance fee: R10
Berlin Falls
Can one ever grow tired of glistening water cascading over sky-high cliffs? If your answer is no, then the Panorama Route is definitely the place for you.
Mere minutes away from Lisbon Falls is the spectacular Berlin Falls – not nearly the height of the former but just as beautiful. The falls stretch about 80 meters (260 feet), dropping onto a gorgeous basin of water from the Sabie River.
Entrance fee: R15
Kruger National Park
A big component of the Panorama Route’s popularity is how close it is to Kruger National Park. This world-renowned park is unrivalled in terms of its diversity and wildlife, not to mention historical and archaeological sites.
Here you can visit such historical sites as the Albasini Ruins, the remains of a 19th-century trading post. Built by the famous trader from Portugal, Joao Albasini, this post was the first of a network of posts throughout the Lowveld.
A safari and a few nights in Kruger is an unforgettable experience where you can spot the Big 5 and see sensational views of the Mpumalanga landscape. Amazingly, the park encompasses over 2 million hectares of land. You can even spot the Birding Big Six. This park is not to be missed.
Final thoughts on the Panorama Route, Mpumalanga
The Panorama Route won’t take you more than five hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the scenery at each stop. Remember that this is one of the most popular scenic drives in South Africa, so you may want to start your day off earlier rather than later.
Don’t expect to be alone at the attractions. There are bound to be families and tourists in the area taking pictures and enjoying the wildlife. Regardless, you are bound to enjoy your journey through the Panorama Route. The views are simply incomparable.