The Blyde River Canyon is a majestic natural attraction that is sure to delight all visitors. It’s a large canyon with a length of 26 km (16 miles) and an average depth of 800 m (roughly 2,600 feet). Despite being much smaller than other famous canyons, it’s certainly still impressive in size.
Located in the province of Mpumalanga, the Blyde River Canyon is one of South Africa’s main tourist spots. It’s also easy to visit, thanks to the nearby airport and the excellent infrastructure. Moreover, it’s located almost adjacent to the Kruger National Park, one of the best known safari locations on the whole continent. This makes the Blyde River Canyon a perfect addition to your trip if you’re venturing to South Africa.
There is plenty to see in the area, and if you want to really explore it all you should stay for at least two days. Some visitors stay for a weekend or even a full week. Not to worry though, it’s possible to see the most spectacular spots in one day as well!
If this is your plan, this article provides a convenient 1-day itinerary for the Blyde River Canyon, alongside useful tips on where to stay and how to get around.
Be sure to check out these handy general tips for visiting South Africa, and this post on how to stay safe during your trip there.
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Where to stay
Choosing where to stay is crucial to have a great trip. There are plenty of towns near the Blyde River Canyon, and there is no shortage of accommodation and facilities.
However, they are all quite different and, depending on what you are looking for, you may prefer one over the others. Below are the three places that in my opinion offer the best value, be sure to pick the one that suits your needs best. Click here to find your perfect accommodation in the Blyde River Canyon.
Mbombela
Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit) is the capital and largest city in the Mpumalanga province. It’s a very convenient place to stay when visiting the area and the Blyde River Canyon. You can easily drive to all the famous spots, and organised tours can pick you up from Mbombela as well.
It’s only a half-hour drive from the airport, and has plenty of options for accommodation. It also offers plenty of things to do, with shops and many eateries to try.
Moreover, here you can find the beautiful Lowveld National Botanical Garden. With its waterfalls, forest trails and wildlife, it offers a glimpse of what awaits you in this area.
White River
White River is a small town that houses many farms and holiday accommodation. It’s also a great place to stay when visiting the area.
It’s a 15-minute drive from the airport, and, like Mbombela, has good road links to all the famous attractions in the area. Moreover, organised tours can usually pick you up from White River.
The town has plenty of shops and eateries to explore, and a much quieter atmosphere than Mbombela. Therefore, White River is the better option if you’re looking for a quaint place to stay, that also has plenty to do.
Graskop
Graskop is a small town located at the start of the ‘Panorama Route’, the stretch of road that loosely contains all the main attractions in the area. As discussed later on, the first stop I recommend on the best 1-day itinerary is just outside Graskop.
It’s much farther from the airport than Mbombela and White River, and it takes more than one hour to drive there. On the flipside though, in Graskop you’ll be right on the doorstep of the most beautiful locations. The town is also lively and has no shortage of interesting eateries and shops.
If you’d like to spend less time in the car during your 1-day exploration of the Blyde River Canyon and the surrounding area, Graskop is probably the best place to stay.
How to get around
1-Day organised tours
There are plenty of organised tours that can pick you up from your hotel and take you along for an unforgettable day in the Blyde River Canyon!
Below are three great tours from Viator, with knowledgeable guides and an amazing selection of activities.
Rental car
If you’d rather visit the area on your own, you should rent a car. You can rent a car straight from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, and compare the best prices here.
The roads are generally in excellent condition in this area. They are also spacious and the traffic volume is quite low. Therefore, it’s an easy area to drive in.
For those who are used to driving on the right, bear in mind that you’ll be driving on the left in South Africa. Also, the steering wheel will be on the right-hand side of the car.
Be sure to carry some cash with you to pay the entrance fees at the various locations.
Your top 1-day itinerary
Much like the organised tours do, if you have only one day you should stick to visiting the Panorama Route (R532). While there are multiple spots you can stop at along the way, I would recommend the following four locations for your day trip.
First stop: Graskop Gorge Lift
Located just outside of the town of Graskop, the Graskop Gorge Lift is an unmissable spot that provides fun activities for everyone.
If you’re staying in Graskop, the Gorge Lift is only 1.4 km (just under one mile) from the town centre, only a few-minute drive.
From Mbombela, you’ll drive for about 91 km (56.5 miles), which will take one hour and 15 minutes.
From White River, it’s 76.5 km (47.5 miles) and it will take just over one hour.
The main attraction is the lift, which takes you 51 m (167 feet) down the gorge into the ancient indigenous forest. There is a 600m (almost 2000-foot) trail through the forest, where you can explore and learn more about its history, flora and fauna. It’s on an elevated wooden walkway, parts of which are also wheelchair-accessible.
For the adrenaline seekers, this venue also has a big swing, a zipline and a suspension bridge across the gorge. You need to be at least 7 years old to ride the zipline, whereas for the big swing you need to be at least 12.
I would suggest allowing for at least one hour at the Graskop Gorge Lift if you’re only taking the lift and exploring the forest. If you’re planning to do any of the other activities, you should definitely spend a few hours there.
For more information and to book your tickets, visit their website.
The Graskop Gorge Lift (Pexels)
Second stop: God’s Window
You’ll find the second stop of your 1-day itinerary just 11 km (6.8 miles) from the Graskop Gorge Lift. Drive through the town up the R532, and then turn right onto the R534. It should only take about 15 minutes to reach God’s Window.
One of the most popular locations in the area, God’s Window boasts a stunning view over the large valley and rainforest below. After enjoying the view, why not explore the short trail that runs through the forest. Soak in even more views, listen to the sounds of the forest and see if you can spot any monkeys leaping across the trees above you.
I would suggest spending up to one hour at God’s Window. While the views are stunning, the trail is short and there isn’t much else to do there. The next stop on the itinerary is a better location to have lunch and spend a few hours exploring.
Third stop: Bourke’s Luck Potholes
The third stop is a half-hour drive away, with a distance of about 36 km (22 miles). Turn right from God’s Window onto the R534, and later turn right back onto the main R532 road. You’ll now be driving north towards Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
Another popular location of this region, Bourke’s Luck Potholes are located at the meeting point between two rivers. They are the Treur river and the Blyde river, the latter of which goes on to form the homonymous canyon. When they meet, they produce a series of waterfalls and spectacular rock formations. There is a bridge and plenty of walkways for visitors to explore in complete safety.
You can also find a café next to the car park, where you can enjoy a well-deserved lunch. After exploring the waterfalls and a tasty meal, hop back on the road to reach the spot that you will have been waiting for the whole day!
Fourth stop: Three Rondavels Viewpoint
Turn right from the car park and continue driving north for approximately 14 km (8.7 miles). Then turn right when you see a sign for the Three Rondavels Viewpoint and keep driving for about 3 km (1.9 miles). It will be 17 km (10.4 miles) in total, and it should take 20 minutes.
You will now be in the most famous spot of the area, looking down over the majestic Blyde River Canyon. On the other side of the canyon you can see three large rock formations that resemble local huts. These huts are known locally as rondavels, and they give the viewpoint this curious name.
Looking northwards you can see another beautiful rock formation. Behind it is the artificial lake formed by the dam, which is located just out of view.
The views from this spot are sensational, and you’ll likely spend quite a while admiring the sheer beauty of the scenery and taking lots of photos. If you’re lucky you may also spot a group of baboons walking across the area.
It will now be the evening time, which means you should start driving back to your accommodation. I wouldn’t recommend driving in the dark in Mpumalanga or in South Africa in general. The roads are not lit up outside of urban areas, and pedestrians may be on the road.
If you’re staying in Graskop, it will take about 45 minutes to drive back.
If your accommodation is in White River, it will take one hour and 45 minutes.
And if you’re staying in Mbombela, it will take almost two hours.
