The world’s third largest gorge, this Canyon is simply awe-inspiring. Starting at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and ending at the Three Rondavels, it cuts a 16km zig-zag passage at a depth of 750m. This natural wonder forms part of 27 000 ha Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve, stretching from Swadini in the north to just north of Graskop in the south. The Reserve features a rich selection of birdlife, including a breeding colony of the rare bald ibis.

There are many well-positioned vantage points from which to view this magnificent gorge, such as The Pinnacle, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck, and a lookout point on the Three Rondavels.

Wildlife in the canyon area is as varied as the habitats. There are mountain reedbuck on the escarpment, dassies on the canyon walls, hippo and crocodile in the Blyde Dam, and impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, waterbuck and zebra on the Lowveld plain near the canyon’s mouth.

Secure parking is available at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, for the numerous nature reserve walking trails. One of the best viewpoints of the Blyde River Canyon is from the parking lot behind the chalets at the Aventura Blydepoort Nature Reserve Resort, 51 km north of Graskop on the R532 road.