Are you coming to South Africa? Don't mind driving a car. Then the Panorama route is certainly worthwhile to include in the travel program.
 
The Panorama route is a nice route along the most beautiful panoramas of South Africa. It lies along the Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon in the world and even the greenest canyon worldwide. Most viewpoints you find along the R532 between Sabie and the "The Three Rondavels" viewpoint on the northwest side of Blyde River Canyon. Viewpoints that are not along the R532, and also worthwhile are the following: Lone Creek Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Echo Caves, Long Tom Pass and the Sudwala Caves.
 
Do not underestimate the route: although the distances are relatively small, you sometimes have to walk a bit to get to the final viewpoints. Moreover, you want to be able to look around quietly everywhere instead of just jumping out of the car, taking a photo and driving on again. Especially if you also want to visit viewpoints outside the R532, it is best to spread your road trip over two days.
Bear in mind that you have to pay a small entrance fee at almost all viewpoints along the route. In addition, you will often find souvenir stalls, picnic areas and toilet blocks.
 
How you drive the Panorama route is up to you. This of course also depends on where you stay. With nice places in the area such as Pilgrim's Rest, Hazyview and Graskop, there is at least enough choice! We have set out the highlights of this route on the R532 from south to north!
The start of the route via Sabie to Graskop, this is approximately 1 1/2 hours drive from Marlove Cottage. Sabie Falls are close to Sabie. After a short walk you will reach a viewing point where you can see this waterfall plunging into the depth of 73 meters. If you drive about 10 minutes further towards Graskop you will pass the Mac Mac Pools: in these natural swimming pools you can take a nice cooling dip and have a nice picnic. If you continue for a few minutes, you will find the Mac Mac Falls with the same name. These are two waterfalls next to each other that come down from a height of around 65 meters. From the Mac Mac Falls you continue to Graskop. A cute little place with nice shops and cozy restaurants. Nice to have your lunch before continuing the Panorama route.
 
Small detour for The Pinnacle and God's Window. After Graskop you leave the R532 for a small detour on the R534. Along this road you will find the beautiful viewpoints The Pinnacle and God’s Window. These viewpoints are on the edge of an 800 meter high hill, which gives you a wonderful view over the Lowveld. When you then drive down the R534, you will automatically return to the R532. Drive a little back south for the impressive Lisbon Falls. These 92 meter high waterfalls flow over almost round shaped rocks, which gives a picturesque picture. If you then drive the Panorama route further north, you will pass the last waterfalls along this road: the Berlin Falls.
 
Last but not least: Blyde River Canyon. We have saved the most beautiful viewpoints of the Panorama Route for the last time. If you follow the R532 further north, you really drive into the Blyde River Canyon. Your next stop is at Bourke's Luck Potholes. These beautiful rock formations were eroded centuries ago in cylindrical form by erosion and perhaps yield the most beautiful picture of the Panorama Route. It is not for nothing that this viewpoint is one of the most popular (and busiest) stops. So take your time here and walk one of the hikes indicated from the main building.
After Bourke's Luck Potholes there is another stop, the Three Rondavels. The end point and one of the highlights of the route. From this point you have a panoramic view of the Blyde River Canyon. Here you could easily sit for 24 hours to see how the light changes the color of the landscape. It looks like a painting so beautiful.
 
Keep in mind that the return trip to Marlove Cottage from here is approximately 3 1/2 to 4 hours' drive!