The Blyde River Canyon is one of South Africa’s most remarkable natural landmarks and one of Mpumalanga’s greatest treasures. As the largest green canyon in the world, it stands apart from arid canyons like the Grand Canyon by being richly covered in subtropical vegetation. Towering cliffs, deep ravines, and cascading waterfalls all come together to create a lush, living landscape that’s both dramatic and serene.
A “green canyon” refers to a canyon that supports a dense cover of plant life. Thanks to Mpumalanga’s summer rainfall and rich biodiversity, the Blyde River Canyon is vibrant, alive, and teeming with natural beauty year-round.
The name “Blyde” means “happy” in old Dutch. It dates back to the 1800s, when a group of Voortrekkers returned safely from a perilous journey and were joyfully reunited with their party near the river, hence the name Blyde River, or Happy River. That joy still lingers in the landscape today; you can feel it in the fresh mountain air and see it in every panoramic view.
The Blyde River Canyon is located along the renowned Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most scenic self-drive routes. This unforgettable journey stretches over 25 kilometers along the northern Drakensberg escarpment, offering sweeping views over the Lowveld. Along the way, you’ll encounter iconic sights like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and of course, the famous Three Rondavels. These towering rock formations resemble traditional African huts, overlooking the canyon in majestic silence. The canyon itself forms part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, a protected area that preserves this incredible ecosystem for generations to come.
Things to do in the area:
The Blyde River Canyon and Panorama Route offer a host of unforgettable experiences, perfect for families, nature-lovers, and thrill-seekers alike. Here are just a few:
- Boat cruises on the Blyde Dam, with views of wildlife, cliffs, and waterfalls.
- Scenic viewpoints at God’s Window and the Three Rondavels as well as majestic waterfalls
- Hiking trails that range from short walks to full-day adventures.
- Horseback riding in the nature reserve.
- Helicopter flips, microlight flights, or even hot air balloon rides over the canyon and surrounding escarpment.
Visit the Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre to view and book activities at the Blyde River Canyon.
A special natural wonder: Kadishi tufa waterfall
One of the canyon’s most extraordinary features is the Kadishi Tufa Waterfall which is said to be the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth. It’s one of only a few living tufa waterfalls in the world—formed when water, rich in calcium carbonate, slowly deposits limestone as it flows over the cliff edge. This creates a constantly growing, almost sculptural waterfall. Some even say it resembles a weeping face carved into the rock. It’s a striking and unusual natural phenomenon that speaks to the geological uniqueness of the area.
A lifestyle that puts you close to it all
Living at Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate means you’re just a short, scenic drive from all of this. Imagine waking up in your modern bushveld home, surrounded by wildlife and uninterrupted views, then heading out for a day exploring waterfalls, mountain passes, and forests all before coming home to a sundowner on your patio.
With one-hectare stands now available in Likweti Views, the estate’s third phase of development, this is your opportunity to put down roots in one of South Africa’s most sought-after regions. The Lowveld isn’t just a holiday destination it’s a way of life. And at Likweti Bushveld Farm Estate, that lifestyle is yours to enjoy, every day.
