Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve

The northern reaches of the Drakensberg Mountains cut through Mpumalanga, with the road linking Sabie and Graskop forming the spectacular Panoramic Route through the Blyde River Canyon. At 30 kilometres long, Blyde River Canyon is the world’s third largest canyon—after the Grand Canyon and Namibia’s Fish River Canyon—and stands as one of South Africa’s most striking natural wonders. Its landscape is defined by the iconic Three Rondavels and Mariepskop, the highest peak in this section of the Drakensberg. From here, the road winds through rugged farmlands of rich red soil where fruit, vegetables, and tobacco are grown, before leading into the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest.

Along the route are some of the most famous viewpoints in the country, including The Pinnacle, Jock’s View, God’s Window, and Wonderview—each offering dramatic vistas over sheer cliffs and sweeping Lowveld scenery. A little further north lie Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, two of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Just beyond them, walkways guide visitors to Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where centuries of swirling water have carved extraordinary cylindrical formations into the rock. Continuing north, the Blyde River slices through the mountains, creating a magnificent gorge that marks the final highlight of this unforgettable section of the Drakensberg.