Hello Lykkers! If you're planning a trip to South Africa and want more than just wildlife and cities, then Blyde River Canyon is a destination we must not miss.

It’s not just one of the world’s largest green canyons—it's also packed with scenic viewpoints, unique rock formations, hiking trails, and the best part? Most of it is free to visit! Let’s dive into everything we need to know to make the most of our trip.

Where Exactly Is Blyde River Canyon?

Blyde River Canyon is located in Mpumalanga Province, about 400 km (5–6 hours' drive) northeast of Johannesburg. It's part of the Panorama Route, a scenic drive filled with mountains, waterfalls, and cultural spots. It lies just west of the world-famous Kruger National Park, so we can easily combine both destinations into one trip.

Entrance Fee and Opening Hours

One of the best things about visiting this canyon is that most viewpoints are free of charge, including the famous Three Rondavels and many roadside stops along the Panorama Route.

However, some individual attractions charge a small fee:

- Bourke’s Luck Potholes: approx. $3–4 USD (ZAR 65–80)

- Skyline Viewpoint: approx. $1.5 USD (ZAR 30)

- Wonder View & Pinnacle Rock: approx. $1.5 USD each (ZAR 30)

Opening Hours for Paid Sites:

- Daily from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (some close slightly earlier in winter).

How to Get There

The easiest way to reach Blyde River Canyon is by rental car. From Johannesburg: Rent a car and follow the N12 and N4 highways to Lydenburg, then R36 to Hoedspruit, and R532 to Graskop/Sabie. Expect to pay $25 USD (ZAR 500) – $50 USD (ZAR 1,000) per day (depending on vehicle type).

Public transport in this region is limited, and driving gives us flexibility to stop wherever we like.

Private day tours are also available from Nelspruit or Hoedspruit, often including multiple stops along the Panorama Route:

- From Nelspruit: $60 USD (ZAR 1,200) – $100 USD (ZAR 2,000) per person (includes stops at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, etc.)

- From Hoedspruit: $50 USD (ZAR 1,000) – $80 USD (ZAR 1,600) per person

Best Time to Visit

The best time to explore the canyon is during the dry winter months:

- May to September – clear skies, cool weather, great visibility.

- Avoid December to February, as it's rainy season and clouds may block the views.

Must-See Spots in the Canyon

Here are some top stops we shouldn’t miss:

- Three Rondavels Viewpoint – Free, open all day. Best visited in the late afternoon.

- Skyline View – Famous for its stunning views. Best visited early before the mist rolls in.

- Bourke’s Luck Potholes – Fascinating rock formations and pedestrian bridges.

- Pinnacle Rock – A towering granite column surrounded by jungle.

Popular Hiking Trails

If we’re up for some walking, here are three scenic trails worth our time:

1. Leopard Trail – 5 km loop, medium difficulty. Ideal for spotting wildlife.

2. Belvedere Day Walk – 10 km, leads down to the old Belvedere hydro station on the river.

3. Kadishi-Tufa Trail – Short but includes views of a waterfall that looks like a face.

- Tips: Bring good walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and layers—weather can shift quickly.

Where to Stay Nearby

We can stay in nearby towns such as:

- Graskop – Closest to the famous panoramic viewpoint, offers B&Bs, restaurants, and budget stays.

- Hoedspruit – A bit farther but ideal if we also plan to visit Kruger Park.

- Sabie – Great for waterfall lovers and forest lodges.

- Most accommodations range from $30 to $120 USD per night (ZAR 600 - 2,400), depending on season and type.

Extra Travel Tips

- Mobile signal is patchy—download offline maps

- Local cafés in Graskop serve great breakfasts before a big hiking day

- Bring some cash (ZAR) for entrance fees and small local shops

- Some signs are only in Afrikaans, so it helps to plan stops in advance

Let’s Wrap Up Our Canyon Adventure!

So Lykkers, if we’re dreaming of a trip filled with jaw-dropping scenery, peaceful hikes, and incredible value, “Blyde River Canyon” is the perfect choice. From gazing out over sweeping valleys at the Three Rondavels to feeling the cool breeze atop the famous high lookout point, every stop brings a new moment of awe.

What’s the first spot you'd pin on your map? Share your thoughts, tips, or travel dreams with us—we’re always excited to explore more together!