Panaroma Tour The , Mpumalanga is one of ’s most scenic provinces and when you drive through the Panorama region or visit the Canyon Nature Reserve, you’ll see why.

With its breathtaking vistas around every mountain corner, waterfalls plunging down faces of sheer rock, memories of the gold rush following you as you meander down an endless river canyon, and eagles hovering above your head – you can't help walking with your head in the clouds.

The 's lush subtropical foliage makes it the world's DID YOU KNOW? largest 'green canyon'. Berlin Falls was named by German miners who panned for gold One breathtaking view after another – that's South Africa's famous here. Panorama Route, where you'll experience mountains, sky, forests and the truly impressive Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest The Waterfalls Route in Mpumalanga is amongst South canyons. Africa's best-kept secrets: visitors are often so captivated by the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with its magnificent cliffs and stunning views, not to mention dazzling flora and fauna, that this The small town of is the gateway to the Panorama Route. It's superb cluster of waterfalls is often overlooked. a good place to set up base. Scenic landmarks with evocative names like God's Window, Wonder View, the Pinnacle, Bourke's Luck There are more waterfalls here than anywhere else in southern Potholes and the Three Rondawels beckon. The awe-inspiring Lisbon Africa, and you'll be astonished by their beauty and diversity. Falls, Berlin Falls and Mac Mac Falls are also just a short drive away. Forget the Big Five and that magnificent canyon for a while, set Adding some historical romance into the mix, half an hour's drive aside a day or two, and take yourself on a waterfalls tour. from Graskop, the goldrush town of Pilgrim's Rest gives you the chance to relive the 1873 goldrush in surroundings of unparalleled Start in Sabie and head north on the R532 towards the clearly beauty. You can even try your hand at panning for gold. signposted Horseshoe, Lone Creek and Bridal Veil Falls. From Graskop, head on to the Blyde River Canyon Reserve. Thread As the name suggests, the Horseshoe Falls creates an almost your way along the cliff btops 800m above the Blyde River Canyon, perfect horseshoe as it cascades down the mountainside. It's an and at God's Window, be sure to walk in the thick, indigenous mist easy walk through a campsite to get a superb view. forest that's often among the clouds. A short drive away is the evocatively named Lone Creek Falls, The Bourke's Luck Potholes are also well worth a visit. These giant which tumble down almost 70m into lush ferns and forest. potholes have formed at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers You'll understand why the Bridal Veil Falls, again just a brief drive and mark the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. away, are so-named when you see the delicate tracery of water and Although the visual element dominates on the Panorama Route, all spray that wafts like a veil from the high cliffs. your senses are enriched by the wealth of plant and animal life that the region supports. Mammals you might see along the Panorama For more Sabie waterfalls, go further north on the R532 and head Route include klipspringer, dassies, grey rhebuck, oribi, kudu, for the gorgeous Mac Mac Falls, named for the Scottish miners who bushbuck, bushpig, monkeys, bushbabies, chacma baboons and sought their fortune here during the 1870s gold rush. black-backed jackals. This area is also rich in birdlife including eagles that might well look Next stop is South Africa's highest waterfall – The Lisbon Falls, named by Portuguese miners who panned for gold here. These falls you in the eye. crash down 90m into the gorge below. Some of the Panorama Route's lesser-known but no less fascinating Finally, it's off to the Berlin Falls, shaped like a huge white candle, attractions are clustered around . Echo Caves extend for which flows through a natural sluice before dropping 80m into a 40km into the rock, a limestone fairyland. At Ohrigstad Dam Reserve deep pool below. Then enjoy your packed lunch in the green shade you can fish for yellowtail or carp on tranquil waters surrounded by of a lovely picnic spot. mountains, an ideal refuge from the crowds in peak season. Sabie the bottom, 60 to the top. Curio sales and a. St Peter’s Anglican Church in town, is an picnic spot. R10 entrance per car. DID YOU KNOW? example of the style of Sir Herbert Baker. d. Horseshoe Falls, approx 10km east of The Joubert Bridge was built in 1896 at The church is built from stone and Sabie on the old road (gravel). the western entrance to the town. shingles. 30 minutes from Summerfields. R10 entrance, with a labrador guide to Pilgrim's Rest is situated on the b. Bridal Veil Falls, approx 6 km to the take you to the falls. Wonderful picnic magnificent Panorama Route of the north-west of Sabie. A 750m walk brings area, also trout fishing next door. Allow Mpumalanga province. The entire village you to the pools at the bottom of the 30-60 minutes. is a tourist attraction and was declared a waterfall, where the fine mist will envelop e. Maria Shires Falls, approx 15km from National Monument in 1986. Today, you. If you have more energy, a path, some Sabie on the Graskop road, just past the Pilgrim’s Rest is a living monument to the fixed with ropes and chains, takes you to railroad. feverish gold rush days of the late 1800s. the top with an expanded view over the f. MacMac Falls & pools, approx 20 km from valley. Allow 30 minutes to the bottom, 60 Sabie. R10 entrance per car. At the You're in the village where that famous dog Jock of the Bushveld roamed with his to the top. R10 entrance fee MacMac pools is the Secretary Bird master, where thieves and diggers and c. Lone Creek Falls, approx 7.5km to the hiking trial, approx 4 km long. Great place good-time gals gathered in scores of pubs, east of Sabie. Tarred to the falls, a short for a braai, picnic and a swim. where a gold nugget was thrown onto the walk from the car park to the bottom of g. Forest Falls, another 5 km towards bar counter to buy a round of drinks and the falls. Again there is a path to the top Graskop. 3 km hike to these beautiful where the surrounding hills still ring with for the fit and healthy. Allow 15 minutes to waterfall, ideal for a swim. R10 per car. gold rush clamour every year when the gold panning championships come around. (These championships are still held each year in September.) Visit the Alanglade House Museum, which was once the mine manager’s home. It's an elegant Edwardian house built in 1915 and furnished with period pieces. Pilrgrim’s Rest is home to a wide variety of shops selling antiques and collectables, as well as arts, crafts and curios. You can also take a walk between uptown and downtown to see a number of historic buildings and sites. Graskop a. Pinnacle viewpoint, 3 km from town f. Pot Luck Boskombuis, a local restaurant b. God’s Window, the most spectacular on the , is a must visit. Sample viewpoint and rainforest. Quite a traditional South African mealiepap, strenuous walk, but can be missed and boerewors and T-bone steaks, or a potjie, driven straight to World’s View at the washed away with a cold beer. Authentic, top.R20/vehicle. Allow 30 – 60 minutes. basic yet thoroughly enjoyable!. Food c. Berlin & Lisbon falls, approx 5-7km from around R80/meal, RR20/beer. Allow 60 Graskop on the Blyde road, R10 minutes. entrance, close to the road, beautiful g. Harries pancakes in Graskop is a sights. 15 minutes each. traditional hangout for fluffy pancakes d. Bourkes Luck Potholes, approx 35 km with numerous options to fill. Approx 30 – from Graskop. R30 pp plus R20/vehicle. 60 minutes Probably the mostly frequently area on h. Also worth visiting is African Silks, a the escarpment, with phenomenal rock silkworm weaver across the road from formations. Picnic site with small kiosk, Harries, with a farm approx 23 km noisy locals. Allow at least 30 minutes. towards . The product e. Three Rondavels viewpoint, another ranges are exquisite, and the farm very 10 km north, overlooks the Swadini Dam informative and educational. The farm and the escarpment mountains. R10 does tours every hour from 09h00 – 15h00, entrance. Allow 30 minutes. cost R55 pp. Pilgrims Rest a. Pilgrims is an old gold mining town, where gold was first discovered in 1873; b. There are numerous myths and tales, notably that of Wheelbarrow who pushed his ‘modern’’ craft all the way from Cape Town, and reportedly made himself a fortune from gold; c. The Royal Hotel is an institution still operating, albeit rather haphazardly; d. The town is a national monument and belongs to the government, and with tenders being awarded to often inexperienced operators, the town’s future is hanging in the balance. Allow two hours The village of Pilgrim’s Rest is a settlement lost in time. Here you can walk in the footsteps of early gold prospectors and relive the heady days of pioneers, garter-snapping barmaids and highway robbers. You can also stay over in an historic hotel and drink in a legendary bar

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