The majestic Blyde River Canyon is the centre point of one of the most beautiful regions of the country, combining as it does, a fascinating history, unsurpassed natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife and adventure activities to satisfy all tastes and ages.
READ: Discover the Playground of the Panorama Route
The history of the area alone is enough to capture the imagination of any tourist. For this is South Africa's "Wild West". Scene of the first gold strikes in the region, the picturesque towns and villages echo stories of derring-do, huge riches made and lost and legends that fire the imagination of anyone lucky enough to visit this spectacular countryside. The little town of Pilgrims Rest epitomises the history of the area. Alluvial gold was discovered in the surrounding streams in 1873 and a gold rush was precipitated, which rivalled that of any other in the world. The fact that 18 canteens soon appeared in the town tells all there is to know about the excitement, energy and adventure that must have prevailed around the desperate search for gold riches.
READ: Secret Dullstroom | 5 Things to Love About South Africa's Highest Village
A scenic drive takes one through what is the third largest canyon in the world, Blyde River Canyon. However, it is not the size of the canyon but the sheer breathtaking beauty of its setting that makes such a lasting impact. God's Window is surely one of the most perfect names given to a view site. From its high platform one sees the Three Rondavels, Mac Mac Falls, Lisbon Falls and many other natural gems stretching from the Escarpment, away across the lowveld, to the far distant Indian Ocean. The Pinnacle is a single quartzite column rising out of the deeply wooded canyon, while the phenomenal Bourke's Luck Potholes is a region of water-eroded spirals and hollows gouged into the red and yellow sandstone over thousands of years. Berlin Falls, with its sheer drop of 80 metres, seen from an excellent vantage point, should not be missed. Wildflowers and a vast array of birdlife abound in the afternoon sun which is perfect for the photographic enthusiast.
READ: Wildlife Photography Tips | Practice makes perfect, says NatGeo Explorer Tessa Barlin
The air is delightfully cool and subtle fragrances of the low country rise up to merge with the crisp cool winds of the highveld... this is the territory to explore and here are the 5 ways to do exactly that.
Top 5 Things to Do in The Blyde River Canyon Area
1. Go Underground
They are also in the vicinity containing a complex sequence of passages worn into the dolomite rock. The caves contain fine examples of stalactites and stalagmites which echo when gently tapped giving the caves their charming name.
2. Mariepskop Mountain by foot, by bike or microlight
For those who prefer more action, there are so many ways of actively enjoying the countryside. Scenic quad bike trails through the foothills of the flat-topped Mariepskop mountain can be booked... or explore on foot & enjoy the sunset over the hills. Alternatively, unlock your inner dare devil & microlight. Microlight flights of 20 minutes to two and a half hours are an exhilarating way of viewing the game & the vista!
3. Take an Aerial View
For those of a more tranquil nature, the same can be done, but from the more serene platform of a hot air balloon. Helicopter flights complete the option of aerial ways to explore the region.
4. Go with the Flow
Back on the ground, you may want to calm down a bit by taking a gliding boat trip on the Blyde Dam which is surrounded by sheer cliffs and edged by bushveld, which allows the game to come to the water's edge to drink.
5. Tee-Off vs Afternoon Tipple 🍷
A spectacular natural region like this could not be without a golf course, and The Sabie River Golf Club allows an enthusiast to enjoy his game while appreciating the abundant bird life and the occasional visit of a buck or warthog to the fairways.
To round off the day's action an evening cocktail would seem essential for one to enjoy a typical African sunset,surrounded by the ever present abundance of bird life and the unique sounds of the African bush.
Read more by Topic: