Panorama Route
240km scenic loop through Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, and spectacular waterfalls along the Drakensberg Escarpment.
About this route
The Panorama Route in Mpumalanga follows the Drakensberg Escarpment where the Highveld dramatically drops into the Lowveld, creating a landscape filled with towering cliffs, plunging waterfalls, lush forests, and breathtaking viewpoints. This 240km loop showcases some of South Africa's most spectacular natural scenery including the Blyde River Canyon (third-largest canyon in the world), God's Window with views stretching to Kruger National Park, and numerous waterfalls cascading into forested valleys.
Stops along the route
- 1HazyviewMajor stop
Stays along this route
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Rissington Inn
Rissington Inn is an award-winning, affordable, family-friendly country lodge in the heart of South Africa's Lowveld in the north-east of the country. Relaxed and informal, the inn makes the perfect stopover en route to the game reserves and an easy base from which to explore all that Mpumalanga offers. Twenty individual rooms and suites are surrounded by 20 acres of colourful gardens and offer comfortable, spacious, airy accommodation. All have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, bar fridges, en-suite bathrooms, verandahs, and private entrances. All have televisions. The rooms and the charming, thatched farmhouse are shaded by magnificent trees and have breathtaking views down the valley. The popular garden suites and hillside suites all have hammocks/daybeds and outside showers. Outstanding breakfasts, lunches, light meals, and table d’hôte dining, seven days a week. Extensive choices including child, vegan, and African options. Welcoming licensed bar. Complimentary high-speed WiFi throughout. Rissington’s easy-going hosts ensure cheerful, attentive hospitality allowing guests total freedom to unwind and enjoy the peace of the bush, to lie by the sunny pool or to walk, enjoying spectacular birds and small game sightings. Activities are on offer for children. One kilometre through indigenous bush on a good gravel road off the R40, south of Hazyview. Ten minutes from Kruger National Park. Close to attractions of the Escarpment and Panorama Route. Golf, horse-riding, elephant interactions, and numerous adrenaline activities nearby. Rissington – the perfect balance of friendly, unobtrusive personal service. Everything you need and a little more than you expected.
Ubuntu Lodge at Elephant Point
Designed by leading game lodge architects, Nick Plewman A+A, Ubuntu Lodge celebrates a contemporary Afro-chic aesthetic. The lodge is characterised by an abundance of beautiful spaces where you can gather in community or retreat in solitude. Whether indoors or outdoors, in good weather or bad, there is a space that will inspire you. The possibilities for dining or lounging, entertaining or relaxing are endless. Floor-to-ceiling steel windows and doors flood the voluminous interiors with light, while the same doors open wide to allow cooling breezes to naturally moderate the interior temperature. Four equal sized air-conditioned luxurious master suites with elegant bathrooms provide superior accommodation for all guests. Overlooking the sights and sounds of the Kruger National Park and close to Panorama Route attractions, Ubuntu Lodge is the perfect base for your large group.
Summerfields Rose Retreat & Spa
A 5-star Luxury Retreat on the Sabie River with 11 secluded Tented Suites, a new Luxury Suited Tent, and a Forest Suite. Just 10 minutes from Kruger Park and close to Panorama Route, the perfect place to relax, 2 award-winning restaurants, a sumptuous spa. macadamia and litchee orchards and more Kruger Park Safaris, Panorama Tours, and many other activities in the area
Mdluli Safari Lodge
Mdluli Safari Lodge sits inside the south-western region of the Kruger National Park, between Numbi Gate and Pretoriuskop Rest Camp — accessible via a private road near Numbi (the closest gate to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport). The lodge is a sustainable tourism initiative and a proud partnership with the local Mdluli community, who receive direct and indirect socio-economic benefits. The property comprises 50 double en-suite luxury tented safari suites, each with a private patio facing the bush, indoor and outdoor showers, and full air-conditioning. Guest facilities include an infinity pool overlooking the park, a spacious bar and lounge above the watering hole, a separate boma area for group dining, conference facilities for up to 20, complimentary Wi-Fi and disabled-guest facilities. Game drives are led by experienced rangers; daily breakfast and dinner are included in all rates with an à la carte lunch menu available.
Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge
A luxury train hotel suspended over the Sabie River, offering a once-in-a-lifetime safari stay immersed in nature and steeped in history. This unique accommodation features 24 Train Carriage Suites suspended on the historic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, plus 7 Bridge House Suites at ground level. The experience includes all meals, house beverages, two game drives per day, and transfers from Skukuza Airport. With panoramic views, African-inspired design, and an elevated pool deck with wildlife views, this is an unparalleled safari experience in the heart of Kruger National Park.
Rhino Sands Safari Camp
Rhino Sands Safari Camp is a five-star luxury eco-safari camp nestled in the riverine forests of Manyoni Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal. Designed with sustainability at its core, the camp offers an intimate and immersive bush experience with only a few luxury tented suites, world-class game viewing, and personalised service. Guests enjoy an all-inclusive safari with daily game drives, fine dining, and exceptional service.