Blyde River Area, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon area is our name for the beautiful uplands area close to the Kruger National Park. It encompasses the Blyde River Canyon, the waterfalls of Sabie, the gold rush town of Pilgrims Rest and the various excursions and adventure activities around Hazyview.

This area is great for a couple of days of relaxation after the excitement of your safari. This beautiful area is only two hours drive from the private game lodges and the Kruger, and three hours from Johannesburg. Here several convivial country lodges offer excellent food and wine such as the sybaritic Cybele Forest Lodge and Spa, the charming Rissington Inn and the beautifully situated Tanamera Lodge.

The Blyde River Canyon, a majestic red sandstone gorge with sheer cliffs plunging 1000metres into the river below, is magnificent. The 'panorama route' is a scenic road alongside the canyon.  The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest river-formed canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia.

Pilgrim's Rest, a restored mining village, was the epicentre of the 19th century gold rush when rich deposits of gold were found in a nearby creek. The town’s many preserved houses and museums bring alive this fascinating history of false hopes and dashed dreams.

The heart-warming Cheetah Research and Breeding Centre near Hoedspruit began as a cheetah rehabilitation centre and has expanded to include other endangered species such as the African wild dog, the Blue Crane, the Aardwolf and the African wild cat. The Museum of Man and the Shangaan cultural village at Hazyview are also well worth a visit.

Other highlights of the Blyde River Canyon area :
· Bourke’s Luck Potholes
· Walks to the attractive Bridal Veil Falls and Lone Creek Falls
· Hot air ballooning
· Shangaan cultural village
· Horse-riding
· Adventure activities: ziplines over the forest and quad bike trails

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