Taking the ‘Panorama Route’ in South Africa means falling head long into an immersive adventure. The Panorama Route is steeped in history, famous natural land formations, incredible waterfalls, caves and canyons. Set deep in the Mpumalanga Province, it is centred around the Blyde River Canyon. There is no other canyon like it in the world and is uniquely African. It is the third largest canyon in the world and is exceptional for being the largest forested canyon in the world. The views from the rim are spectacular. They seem to stretch forever filled with waterfalls, wildlife and of course the indigenous forest nearly 3000 feet below. The forest is home to an enormous diversity of wildlife, from fish and other water inhabitants such as crocodiles and hippos, antelope species and every primate species South Africa has. Among the many species of birds found here is the beautiful and much sought Narina trogon, a bird named after the mistress of French ornithologist François Levaillant. And when you hear the haunting cry of the African fish eagle, you’ll have heard the heart of Africa.

The area was once home to mysterious civilizations whose presence is only felt through the hollow terracotta sculptures dating back to 500AD which they left behind. These are known as the Lydenburg Heads. Many of the small towns found along the route, such as Pilgrim’s Rest- a small museum town, was created as a result of the gold rush of the late 1880s. The village holds the National Gold Panning Championships every year.

Famous for its many mountain passes, the panorama route has a number of viewing spots revealing the different faces of this amazing location. Among them are the views to God’s Window, the Lowveld Viewpoint, the Pinnacle Rock view, and the view of the Three Rondavels.