PANORAMA ROUTE

Contact a specialist about exploring the Panarama Route

In my mind South Africa really lives up to its name of 'the Rainbow Nation' – not only due to its many different types of people but its diversity of scenery, leading it to be described as a 'world in one country'. The country features traditional African savannah and wildlife; Indian Ocean beaches; magnificent mountain ranges; first world cities or awesome deserts. There is no end to the breathtaking scenery and smiling faces.

• Laura Pattinson
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A popular drive for visitors to Mpumalanga is The Panorama Route, which abounds with breathtaking views from natural wonders along the eastern slopes of the escarpment. The scenery of the Drakensberg Mountains is some of the most dramatic in South Africa. Visitors enter the Panorama Route via Long Tom Pass from Lydenburg, at 2149 metres above sea level which is the highest tarred road in South Africa. On view is God's Window which provides a magnificent view of miles of thickly forested mountains, the green Lowveld and the Blyde River Canyon. The Canyon is the world's third largest canyon and biggest green canyon. It is a 26km long gorge carved out of the face of the escarpment and it hosts three rivers. From the view point you can see the three rondavels. The towns of Lydenburg and White River are gateways to the route, which takes visitors through the quaint towns of Pilgrim's Rest, a living museum dating back to the hey days of the gold rush, as well as Sabie, Graskop, Ohrigstad and Hazyview.

The Panorama Route will provide adrenaline junkies with their next rush by bungee jumping, white water rafting or going on rigorous 4x4 trails. One of the most popular hiking trails in the country can be found at Blyderivierspoort. Gentler pursuits include hot air ballooning, walking trails and gold panning.

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