The fresh mountain scenery and magnificent panoramic views over the Klein Drakensberg escarpment are quite spectacular and give the area its name of ' Panorama Route'. The nature reserve runs along the Blyde River Canyon's winding path, which at every turn offers more and more impressive views over sheer edges dropping up to 2,600 feet (800metres) into the riverbed.

Viewpoints are named for the spectacles they offer, and God's Window and Wonder View hint at the magnitude of the scenery.

The 'Pinnacle' is a single quartzite column rising out of the deep wooded canyon and the ‘Three Rondavels' (also called the 'Three Sisters’), are three huge spirals of dolomite rock rising out of the far wall of the canyon like rockets about to take off. Their domed heads are iced in green and their sides are stained with fiery orange lichen. From the 'Three Rondavels' you can see the extensive Swadini Dam in the far distance, which marks the end of the reserve.

At the meeting point of the Blyde River (‘river of joy’) and the Treur River (‘river of sorrow’), water erosion has created one of the most remarkable geological phenomena in South Africa. The ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’ have taken thousands of years to form weird cylindrical sculptures carved by swirling water. The smooth red and yellow rocks contrast artfully with the dark pools, in which swim many fish.

The geology and climate of this high rainfall plateau, means there are masses of beautiful waterfalls - many of which you can visit, while others are hidden deep within some of the largest man-made forestry plantations in the world, with row upon row of pine and eucalyptus trees. There are also many streams and fresh trout is on the menu of most restaurants.

Its proximity to Kruger National Park makes this a convenient post-safari scenic stopover.

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