Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
4.5
About
The 33 km long spectacular gorge has an abundance of wildlife.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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  • Andi M
    Bergisch Gladbach, Germany751 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sophisticated - but beautiful
    We first hiked 2 trails from the Forever Resort. First the Leopard Trail and then from the 2nd turning point a part of the Loerie Trail. Leopard is quite a sporty hike up and down over stones and gains a few meters in altitude. Not for the inexperienced and sturdy shoes are recommended. We gave up Loerie after a good half hour. The "path" goes beautifully along the stream. Crossings of the stream over tree trunks and over very slippery rocks/stones forced us to turn around at some point. But the scenery is top notch.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 7, 2024
  • Christiaen
    Haacht, Belgium261 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Definitely worth a stop on your trip
    The view you have over the Blyde River during the panoramic tour is nothing compared to the boat trip on the Blyde Rivierspoort dam. Highly recommended. You will get close to crocodiles, hippos and many other residents of the area. Drive towards the Blyde Rivier Dam Visitor Center and then at some point you will follow a dirt road to the boat. There you pay 320R per person.
    Visited June 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 13, 2024
  • D D
    Samarate, Italy8,582 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful canyon
    The third largest canyon in the world, it contains various natural attractions that can all be admired from various vantage points. Views, pinnacles, waterfalls, mountains, strange rock formations, Giant Marbles and more. All enclosed in a path (ring and state section that crosses the park) that can be 'done safely in less than a full day. You enter the reserve from the south ( Graskop ) . Individual payments in the various parking lots (7.00-17.00)
    Visited September 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 16, 2024
  • Lis4444
    444 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Spectacular but cloudy!
    The weather in the day of our boat trip at Blyde River canyon was overcast and this influenced our appreciation of this spectacular place. The canyon is the third largest in the world and the world’s largest green canyon. Our guide was very knowledgeable but the wildlife was staying out of the way. This can’t be helped, but another time I’d choose which day I visit more carefully. I still recommend it and will return one day and hopefully see the waterfall at full power and many more birds and animals.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles946 reviews
Excellent
682
Very good
218
Average
38
Poor
5
Terrible
3

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Lesia D
Geelong50 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023
There were 4 of us on a day trip to the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve from Hoedspruit. Our driver supplied us with interesting historical and present information on the drive through changing landscape. In the limited time we had, we drove the Panorama Route and were in awe of the stunning scenery at the 3 viewpoints: Bourke's Luck Potholes, The Pinnacle and God's Window. We were given ample time to soak in the views. The walk to each of the view points is not far but one needs well supported shoes. I highly recommend a visit to each of the viewpoint. We had lunch at The Blyde Canyon Resort restaurant, 2 opting for the buffet lunch and 2 from the Ala Carte menu. Buffet lunch was immediate and the service for the other was SLOW. If planning to go independently I highly recommend a guide.
Written April 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Raf De Paepe
Haaltert, Belgium905 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Family
We were overwhelmed by the beauty of the scenery; canyon, waterfalls, plains. Schedule a full day to get through. We lunched at the Chubby Pig (cfr other chapter), ideally located in the middle. The putholes were to us the highlight of the day, but the other stops are als very worthwhile!
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Saras Moodley
Johannesburg, South Africa134 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2021 • Couples
I was suitable impressed that the place was so neatly maintained. It is certainly something special to visit in South Africa.
I do hope that the tourist industry ensure that the toilets whilst clean in COVID conditions is upgraded.
The payment into the nature reserve is suitable proced
Written December 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heather P
Preston, United Kingdom4 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Family
Great location .
Dreadful accommodation.
Tired and dowdy furnishings.
Very uncomfortable bed, bottom sheet didn’t fit the bed , mattress looked ancient. Couldn’t hang clothes in the inbuilt wooden wardrobe as it smelt of mould. Needs a total makeover.
Written March 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

AFD22
Algonac, MI145 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
We took a boat tour of the canyon and it was just amazing. Our guide was very knowledgable of the area and the animals in the area. This was a highlight of the trip and gave a great perspective after driving the upper area the day before.

Do not miss doing this as part of your trip as it will be a highlight for you.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Meera
Gauteng, South Africa103 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2019 • Family
The scenery and views are absolutely stunning and breath - taking. You will fall head over heels in love with this amazing place. Hiking trails and mini rain forests are some of the most popular things about this canyon... The views are spectacular and uplifting.
I love South Africa 🌍.

Written August 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BigFamily78
Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, France538 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
We stopped at several magnificent places that you absolutely must see: Bourke’s Luke potholes, the three rondavels and the canyon of course. There is a charge for all access but the views are definitely worth the trip. On this road, there are also 2 beautiful waterfalls to see: Lisbon Falls (the most beautiful in my opinion) and Berlin Falls.
Google
Written November 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emmanuel A
8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
Blyde River canyon is a wonderful place to visit. It's full of nature and an amazing scenery. You will never regret visiting such a natural wonder of the world in South Africa. South Africa has a beautiful landscapes..
Written October 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mentina89
Rome, Italy96 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2024 • Couples
The canion is beautiful, we took a boat ride. But nothing shocking... in Africa I have seen more unique things than what I see in my country. But there is no denying it is a beautiful place. Hippos and crocodiles are also spotted (for the lucky ones it seems there is the leopard).
Automatically translated
Written September 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

K72
Melbourne, Australia3,086 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2023
Absolutely stunning landscapes and scenery here- the canyon is apparently the 3rd largest in the world. Lots to do and see, many stopping points.
Even just driving in the area is incredible.
River cruise is worth doing for an up close look!
Written January 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2025)

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