Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
4.5
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The 33 km long spectacular gorge has an abundance of wildlife.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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30 within 3 miles
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- Andi MBergisch Gladbach, Germany751 contributionsSophisticated - but beautifulWe 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2024
- ChristiaenHaacht, Belgium261 contributionsDefinitely worth a stop on your tripThe 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 13, 2024
- D DSamarate, Italy8,582 contributionsBeautiful canyonThe 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 16, 2024
- Lis4444444 contributionsSpectacular 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 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 5, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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Lesia D
Geelong50 contributions
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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 🌍.
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
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.

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
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
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
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!
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.
How long would you suggest visiting Blyde River Canyon for? 1 or 2 days? Or even more?!
Written July 13, 2022
Très facile. Ils peuvent rendre le parcours préparé et adapté à tous les âges ou comme alternative, la randonnée, beaucoup plus complexe et exigeante. J'ai pris la première option à cause de mon âge
Written November 7, 2019
Is this activity doable with a 6 year old and how much time is recommended for this?
Written January 23, 2019
Yes you can do it. About one hour, plus time to travel there from where you stay
Written January 24, 2019
yarwenh
Medellin, Colombia
The hotel we stay is in Graskop, how do we arrive Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve? We drive from R532 or R40? Thanks!
Written January 15, 2019
Hi. I want to hike the Blyde River Canyon. Im a solo hiker and would like to join a group. Is there guided tours?
Written September 5, 2018
Sorry, I don't have info on hiking the canyon. We drove to the lookout, wandered around a bit, then continued on our journey
Written September 7, 2018
Hi, I would like to know if is it necessary to book anything in advance, for example the hikes, Leopard Trail, etc.?
Thanks for the help
Written August 3, 2018
Hi, we will be travelling from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park via hazy view and we plan to see the Blyde River Canyon enroute. We need to reach Skukuza Camp by 3:00 p.m. and we dont mind starting from Johannesburg as early as 5:00 a.m. Wanted to know is it really possible considering the roads or I am being over ambitious.
Written July 22, 2018
From JHB to Nelspruit is roughly 330km and 3,5 hours. From Nelspruit to Hazyview is around 67km and and an hours drive. Hazyview to Kruger Gate is around 40km and depends on your time of arrival on how long that would take. That covers your time to Kruger.
At Hazyview you would turn right off the main road to continue to Kruger but continue straight if you went to Blyde River. That is a whole other trip and you could take a whole day to see those sights like- Gods window, Bourkes luck, three rondavels. Sabie is probably an hour out from Hazyview and Gods window is close to that. The view you get from Gods window is of the Blyde river Canyon. That you can comfortably do in your time frame.
If you wanted a really busy, rushed day you could go further and see the potholes, and then further to the three rondavels and another view of the canyon. That would be a push and any delay would be a challenge.
Sorry, I didn’t cover from Kruger gate to Skukuza. Give yourself time as there are speed limits in the park. Probably minimum of a half hour to get there.
Written July 22, 2018
Gostaria de saber informacoes sobre safari vom visita ao CANYON. Estaremos indo em janeiro 2 ad e 1 jovem. Obrigada
Written July 18, 2018
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