Discover the Best Stops on South Africa’s Panorama Route

Nestled in the heart of Mpumalanga, South Africa, Graskop serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Panorama Route and the iconic Blyde River Canyon. This scenic drive is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a nature enthusiast, the Panorama Route offers a plethora of experiences that promise to captivate and inspire.

How to get to Graskop

✈️ By Plane: Most travelers begin their Panorama Route journey by flying into Johannesburg, which offers the best range of international connections and car rental options. From there, it’s about a 4–5 hour drive to the start of the route in Graskop or Sabie.

If you’d prefer to skip the longer drive, you can also fly directly to the Kruger area, landing at either Hoedspruit Airport (HDS) or Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP) near Nelspruit. From both airports, renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to explore the Panorama Route at your own pace. Book a private shuttle if you do not feel like driving yourself.

🚗 By Car:  Driving to Graskop offers the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. From Johannesburg, it’s about a 4-hour drive (approximately 400 kilometers) via the N12 and N4 highways. The roads are well-maintained, and the journey provides scenic views of the South African countryside.

🗺️ By Guided Tour: If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can join a guided tour of the Panorama Route. Most tours start from Hazyview, Hoedspruit, or Nelspruit, and can be completed in a single day, covering highlights such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and the Three Rondavels.

Because of its close proximity, the Panorama Route is often combined with a Kruger National Park safari, allowing you to experience dramatic scenery and incredible wildlife all in one trip. It’s an excellent option if you want to enjoy the sights without worrying about navigation or timing.

Panorama Route Attractions & Entrance Fees

The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s most scenic road trips, famous for its breathtaking waterfalls, dramatic viewpoints, and the iconic Blyde River Canyon—the world’s third-largest canyon. Whether you’re stopping for a quick day trip or exploring the area before heading to Kruger National Park, this route offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country.

Destination	Main Attraction	Entrance Fee (ZAR)
Mac Mac Falls	Twin waterfalls, scenic viewing platform	±R50 per person
Lisbon Falls	One of the tallest waterfalls in the area (94m)	±R20 per person
Berlin Falls	Picturesque waterfall plunging into a deep pool	±R20 per person
God’s Window	Panoramic views over Lowveld	±R20 per person
The Pinnacle Rock	Towering rock formation with lush surroundings	±R20 per person
Bourke’s Luck Potholes	Unique rock formations, bridges, waterfalls	±R80 per person
Lowveld Viewpoint	Hidden gem with breathtaking views over the valley	Free
Three Rondavels	Stunning viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon	±R40 per person
Echo Caves	Underground limestone caves with rock formations	±R100 per person

Your Guide to Graskop and the Panorama Route

Graskop: The perfect starting point

Graskop is the perfect base for exploring the Panorama Route. This small yet lively town has everything you need, from supermarkets to world-class restaurants. We highly recommend staying in Graskop, as it serves as the gateway to this breathtaking region. You can experience the Panorama Route in a single day or incorporate it into your drive toward the edge of Kruger National Park. If you prefer a more relaxed pace or want to stop at every viewpoint along the way, consider spending an extra day to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes.

The Mac Mac Falls

Mac Mac Falls is one of the first major highlights along the Panorama Route and is most likely your first stop when arriving from Johannesburg. Located just a short drive from Graskop, this stunning 65-meter twin waterfall cascades down rugged cliffs into a deep pool below. The falls were originally a single stream, but during the gold rush, miners blasted the rock to divert the flow, creating the striking twin falls seen today. A short walk from the parking area leads to a viewing platform, offering a fantastic vantage point to admire the falls. It’s a great place to stretch your legs after the long drive and take in your first taste of the breathtaking scenery that defines the Panorama Route.

Lisbon and Berlin Falls

The Lisbon and Berlin Falls are two stunning waterfalls located close to each other along the Panorama Route. Lisbon Falls, standing at an impressive 94 meters, is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region, offering a majestic view as the water cascades into a lush, forested gorge. Just a short distance away, Berlin Falls presents a picturesque scene with water plunging into a deep pool, surrounded by rugged rocks and vibrant vegetation. Since the falls are so close, you can choose to visit both or just explore one. We chose to only visit Lisbon Falls since we had planned a packed day already.

God’s Window and the Pinnacle Rock

God’s Window and The Pinnacle Rock are also situated near each other, making it easy to visit both in one go. God’s Window offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Lowveld, showcasing lush valleys and distant mountains. However, the morning mist often obscures the full beauty of the view, so we found the best vistas were in the later part of the day, when the mist had cleared. Nearby, The Pinnacle Rock rises dramatically, offering a unique perspective of the surrounding forested area. The rock’s striking formation, coupled with the surrounding lush vegetation, makes this spot perfect for photography. Together, these two viewpoints offer a truly unforgettable experience, especially as the day progresses and the views become clearer.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Bourke’s Luck Potholes was our favorite stop along the Panorama Route. This fascinating geological site showcases deep, circular holes carved into the rock by centuries of flowing water. The area is not only stunning, but it also features bridges and small waterfalls, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere. There is a great hiking trail that allows you to explore the site up close and experience the beauty of the rock formations and surrounding landscape.

Lowveld Viewpoint and Three Rondavels

Lowveld Viewpoint and Three Rondavels are two incredible spots along the Panorama Route that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Lowveld Viewpoint is a hidden gem, providing breathtaking vistas over the valley below in a peaceful, less crowded setting. Just a short distance away, Three Rondavels offers the most famous view of the Blyde River Canyon, with its three iconic rock formations resembling traditional African rondavel huts. The viewpoint provides sweeping views of the canyon’s deep gorges and lush vegetation.

The Echo Caves

Echo Caves is a fascinating underground attraction, where visitors can explore a network of limestone caves with intricate rock formations. The caves are home to fascinating stalactites and stalagmites, and the acoustics in the caves create an eerie yet captivating experience.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Visiting the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre was an unforgettable experience. This incredible sanctuary rescues injured, orphaned, and poisoned animals, giving them a second chance at life. Some animals will remain here forever because they cannot survive in the wild, while others are only temporary residents, recovering before being released back into nature. Each visit feels unique, as the animals at the center are always changing. The dedication of the staff is truly inspiring, and their efforts go beyond caring for the animals. They play a crucial role in educating local communities and addressing the challenges of wildlife conservation, making a real difference in the area.

Where to eat in Graskop

If you’re in Graskop and looking for great food, there are some fantastic spots to check out. We like these restaurants.

Abe’s at the Glass House – This is our favorite fancy spot in Graskop, offering the best food in town. It’s perfect for a special meal, but make sure to book in advance – reservations are a must, and you can easily reserve via WhatsApp.
The Garden Shed – If you’re into trying something a little different, this place is famous for its game dishes. We got to try zebra for the first time here, and it was perfectly cooked. The vibe is cozy and rustic, making it the perfect place for adventurous foodies.
Divine Foods at the View – This spot not only serves up delicious meals but also has incredible views to go with them. The Malva cake here was hands down our favorite – a sweet, comforting treat to round off a fantastic meal. Definitely a place to visit if you’re looking for great food and even better scenery.

Where to stay in Graskop

Graskop is the perfect base for exploring the Panorama Route, conveniently located between Johannesburg and Kruger National Park. If you’re driving from Johannesburg, Graskop makes a logical overnight stop before starting your scenic route the next morning. Travelers coming from Kruger can spend a night here after completing the Panorama Route, breaking up the journey back to Johannesburg with ease.

This charming little town has a relaxed atmosphere and several good restaurants, making it a pleasant place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Our favorite places to stay in Graskop include Dar Amane Guest House, Panorama Villa, and Mosswood Bed & Breakfast, all offering cozy accommodations and excellent locations for exploring the region.