The 8 Best Panorama Route Stops Near Kruger (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 8 picks

The best Panorama Route attractions in 2026 are the Three Rondavels viewpoint over Blyde River Canyon, God's Window, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Pinnacle Rock, the Graskop Gorge Lift, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls and the gold-rush village of Pilgrim's Rest. Most sit within an hour of Graskop and make an easy day trip from Hazyview or Hoedspruit.

The Panorama Route runs along the Drakensberg escarpment above the Lowveld, between Sabie, Graskop, Pilgrim's Rest and the Blyde River Canyon. The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, managed by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, includes the most famous stops: Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, Pinnacle Rock and God's Window.

It is the classic add-on to a Kruger safari: drive it as a day loop from Hazyview or Hoedspruit, or stay a night in Graskop. Go early, because mist often rolls in over the escarpment by midday, and carry cash for the small entry fees at each viewpoint.

1. Three Rondavels viewpoint — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Three hut-shaped peaks above Blyde River Canyon and the dam below.

Best for Photographers · Families

The Three Rondavels are three round, grass-capped rock peaks that look like traditional huts, rising above the Blyde River Canyon and the Blydepoort Dam. The viewpoint is part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

It is the northern end of the classic route, closest to Hoedspruit.

Good to know: Come in the morning, when the sun lights the peaks from the east.

Three Rondavels Viewpoint, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps Website

2. God's Window — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, near Graskop

The famous lookout over the Lowveld from the edge of the escarpment.

Best for Couples · Photographers

God's Window is a lookout on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment with a view hundreds of meters down over the Lowveld. A short paved path leads up through rainforest to higher viewpoints.

It is one of the reserve's best-known natural wonders and a short drive north of Graskop.

Good to know: Check the weather; mist can hide the view entirely after mid-morning.

God's Window, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps Website

3. Bourke's Luck Potholes — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Cylindrical potholes carved by swirling water where two rivers meet.

Best for Families · Photographers

At Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Treur and Blyde rivers meet and have carved deep cylindrical potholes into the rock. Footbridges cross the gorge so you can look straight down into them.

There is a visitor center, and the site is part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

Good to know: Allow an hour for the walk and bridges; wear shoes with grip.

Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps Website

4. Pinnacle Rock — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, near Graskop

A free-standing quartzite column rising out of a forested gorge.

Best for Families

Pinnacle Rock is a single quartzite column rising from a deep, forested gorge, a short stop just north of Graskop. It is listed by the provincial parks agency among the Blyde River Canyon reserve's natural wonders.

It takes only a few minutes, so combine it with God's Window.

Good to know: Stop on the way to God's Window; the two are a few minutes apart.

Pinnacle Rock, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps Website

5. Graskop Gorge Lift Company — Graskop

A glass lift down into a forested gorge, with a forest walk and swing.

Best for Families · Adventurers

The Graskop Gorge Lift takes you down the face of the gorge in a glass elevator to a forest walk with boardwalks and suspension bridges at the bottom. There are also adrenaline options such as a gorge swing.

It is one of the few Panorama Route attractions that works for families with small children or anyone who cannot hike.

Good to know: Visit after God's Window; the gorge forest is cool in the midday heat.

Graskop Gorge Lift Company, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps Website

6. Lisbon Falls — North of Graskop

The highest waterfall on the route, plunging over a wide amphitheater of rock.

Best for Photographers · Families

Lisbon Falls drops over a wide rock amphitheater in several streams and is often described as the highest waterfall in the area. Viewpoints sit right at the top.

It is a short detour off the R532 north of Graskop.

Good to know: Combine with Berlin Falls, a few kilometers away.

Lisbon Falls, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps

7. Berlin Falls — North of Graskop

A narrow chute of water falling into a deep pool, shaped like a candle.

Best for Photographers

Berlin Falls pours through a narrow gap before dropping into a deep pool, a shape often compared to a candle flame. The viewing area is close to the parking.

It is one of the quickest and most photogenic waterfall stops on the route.

Good to know: Go in the morning for the best light on the water.

Berlin Falls, Graskop, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps

8. Pilgrim's Rest — West of Graskop

A preserved gold-rush village of tin-roofed houses, museums and old pubs.

Best for Families · History buffs

Pilgrim's Rest is a gold-rush village from the 1870s whose main street of corrugated-iron buildings has been preserved as a living museum. It is a short drive west of Graskop on the R533.

Stop for lunch and a wander, or stay overnight to see it quiet after the day visitors leave.

Good to know: Combine with Graskop's famous pancakes on the way back.

Pilgrim's Rest, Mpumalanga, South Africa

Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive the Panorama Route?

Allow a full day to see the main stops — God's Window, Pinnacle Rock, the waterfalls, Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondavels — at a comfortable pace. Add a night in Graskop or Sabie if you want to hike or visit Pilgrim's Rest too.

Can you do the Panorama Route as a day trip from Kruger?

Yes. From Hazyview it is under an hour to Graskop, and from Hoedspruit the Three Rondavels end of the route is about an hour's drive. Many visitors loop the whole route in one day between Kruger stays.

What is the best time of day for God's Window?

Early morning. Mist and cloud frequently cover the escarpment later in the day and can hide the view completely.

Do Panorama Route viewpoints charge entry?

Yes, most viewpoints in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and the waterfalls charge small entry fees per person and per vehicle. Carry some cash.

What is the most famous view on the Panorama Route?

The Three Rondavels, three round rock peaks above the Blyde River Canyon and the Blydepoort Dam, is the signature view; God's Window, looking out over the Lowveld, is the other must-see.

1. Three Rondavels viewpoint — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

2. God's Window — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, near Graskop

3. Bourke's Luck Potholes — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

4. Pinnacle Rock — Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, near Graskop

5. Graskop Gorge Lift Company — Graskop

6. Lisbon Falls — North of Graskop

7. Berlin Falls — North of Graskop

8. Pilgrim's Rest — West of Graskop

Frequently asked questions

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