1. Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kruger National Park lies on nearly 8,000 square miles, which represent 14 different systems. Established in 1898, the park houses a number of endangered species, as well as lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffalos. Considered the best managed African National Park, Kruger, which has been combined with the Gonarezhou National Park, the Manjinji Pan Sanctuary and the Malipati Safari Area in Zimbabwe, and the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique, is an incredibly rich sanctuary with lush vegetation and dense forest areas.
2. Natural Wonder
The third largest canyon in the world, the Blyde River Canyon is located on the Panorama Route and connects to the Kruger National Park. The canyon offers stunning views from 2,600 feet above the river. Water erosion over thousands of years at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers has created the Bourke's Luck Potholes, which form unique red and yellow rock sculptures. The fauna in the canyon includes klipspringers, dassies, grey rhebucks and oribi, as well as vervet monkeys, chacma baboons and nocturnal bushbabies, which live in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The somango monkey, nocturnal greater and lesser bushbabies, vervet monkeys and chacma baboons are all present. For crocodile and hippopotamus sightings, visitors are encouraged to travel to the wetlands of Swadini Dam.
3. Breathtaking Views
Located on the Drakensberg cliff, God's Window offers breathtaking views of the canyons, waterfalls and forests. Overlooking a private game reserve, God's Window lies on the 155 miles that form the path along the cliffs. From there, visitors can go hiking on the trails, horseback riding or mountain biking. The lookout also provides spectaculars view of the exotic flora and fauna of the valley below. Visitors will also enjoy the curio shops at the site as well as the opportunity to capture stunning photographs of the scenery.
4. Explosion Of Color
The result of years of water erosion, Bourke's Luck Potholes, named for gold digger Tom Bourke, are formed at the confluence of the Treur River and the Blyde River. These cylindrical rock sculptures, which appear almost otherworldly, have been listed on Frommer's 500 places to take your kids before they grow up. Displaying a striking array of colors, including whites, yellows and browns, the potholes are one of the highlights of the Panorama Route. By following the metal bridges above, visitors can marvel at the unobstructed view of the potholes below.
5. Astounding Peaks
The rounded mountain tops, known as the Three Rondavels, mark the start or end of the drive along the the Blyde River Canyon. Similar to the traditional rondavels, or homesteads, made by locals, the mountain tops represent Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto, the three wives of Mapjaneng, known for stopping a Swazi invasion. The views from the rondavels are legendary, and are considered, along with God's Window and Bourke's Luck Potholes, one of the highlights of the journey to Blyde River Canyon.
