Blyde River Canyon Tours
Blyde River Canyon is the third largest in the world and second deepest in Africa. Known as the “River of Joy”, its towering cliffs rise nearly 800 meters above the winding valley, providing backpackers and day hikers with epic views of the Drakensberg Mountain Range and the lush natural forests that make a trek through Blyde breathtakingly scenic.
Lucky visitors to the canyon may spot a pair of Taita Flacons—one of the most rare bird species in the world—near the Abel Erasmus Pass. Travelers can also get up close to some of South Africa’s other natural rarities too, like Three Rondavels viewpoint, where massive rocks spiral out of canyon walls. Hundreds of years of flowing waters have created Bourke’s Luck Potholes, natural rock sculptures that are recognized as one of the country’s most memorable geological formations.
A helpful information center is located near the mouth of the canyon, where man-made dams have crated placid pools perfect for swimming. Visitors can venture towards Blydesrivierpoort (near Swandini) and travel by boat across the dam to the scenic Tufa Waterfalls. Miles of well-marked trails make Blyde River Canyon a true hiker’s destination, but a wealth of canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling excursions mean there’s also plenty to occupy adventurers.
Lucky visitors to the canyon may spot a pair of Taita Flacons—one of the most rare bird species in the world—near the Abel Erasmus Pass. Travelers can also get up close to some of South Africa’s other natural rarities too, like Three Rondavels viewpoint, where massive rocks spiral out of canyon walls. Hundreds of years of flowing waters have created Bourke’s Luck Potholes, natural rock sculptures that are recognized as one of the country’s most memorable geological formations.
A helpful information center is located near the mouth of the canyon, where man-made dams have crated placid pools perfect for swimming. Visitors can venture towards Blydesrivierpoort (near Swandini) and travel by boat across the dam to the scenic Tufa Waterfalls. Miles of well-marked trails make Blyde River Canyon a true hiker’s destination, but a wealth of canoeing, rock climbing and abseiling excursions mean there’s also plenty to occupy adventurers.
Practical Info
Blyde River Canyon is part of the Panorama route, and is accessible from the western end of Kruger National Park. Travel is at its pique between June and August, but a visit to Blyde River Canyon is beautiful any time of year.
Address: Blyde River Canyon, Hoedspruit, South Africa
15 Tours & Activities to Experience
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US$679.07
5 Day Budget Kruger National Park Safari
- The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s most popular game reserve and a multi-day tour lets you explore more of the park and increase your chance of spotting the Big Five. This tour is designed for those on a budget, with a mix of camping and lodge accommodation, and delicious breakfasts and dinner included. Highlights include a sunset game drive, a thrilling bushwalk along the Olifants River, a visit to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, and a scenic drive along the Panorama Route.
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US$75.09
Full-Day Blyde Dam Cruise and Moholoholo tour from Hazyview
- Embark on a full-day tour that includes a cruise around Moholoholo's Blyde River and a look at its gravity arch dam. Depart from Hazyview—near Kruger National Park—for an informative boat ride within Blyde River Canyon, learning about local flora and fauna from an area expert. Keep an eye out for hippos and crocs as you go. After lunch (own expense) receive a guided tour of the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre where you'll witness the recovery efforts of injured animals and birds such as lions, eagles, and honey badgers firsthand.
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US$822.10
6 Day Lodge and Treehouse Kruger National Park Safari
- Handling the logistics of a safari be challenging so leave it to the experts with this inclusive package. With two full days of open-vehicle safaris in Kruger Park, as well as ranger-led bush walks and drives, you'll have plenty of chances to spot the Big Five, and you can even get up close to injured and orphaned animals at the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre.
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US$779.19
4 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari
- The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. On this classic 4-day tour, enjoy extra time to explore the Orpen, Satara, and Nwanedzi regions of the park, and maximize your wildlife sightings with sunrise and sunset game drives, and a thrilling bush walk. Also included is a visit to the Blyde River Canyon and a traditional Bush Braai at the Marula Tree Boma.
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Panaroma Route Guided Day Tour from Hazyview
- Cross all the highlights of the Panorama Route off your must-see list with this comprehensive tour from Hazyview. Stops include Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, the Three Rondawels, Wonderview, God's Window, and River Canyon. As you travel, learn about the history, flora, and fauna of the region through in-depth guided commentary. Entrance fees and hotel pickup/drop-off included.
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US$865.01
5 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari
- The Kruger National park is one of the largest and most famous in Africa, and home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. This classic 5-day itinerary offers ample wildlife-watching opportunities, including thrilling game drives in an open safari vehicle, a bush walk along the Olifants River, a visit to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, and sightseeing along the Panorama Route, with views of the Three Rondawels and the Blyde River Canyon.
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US$707.67
4 Day Lodge and Treehouse Kruger National Park Safari
- Explore South Africa’s largest game reserve and spot the Big Five on this epic 4-day tour of Kruger National Park. Maximize your wildlife-watching opportunities with an action-packed itinerary including a sunset game drive, a full-day safari in an open-top Gameviewer, and a bush walk in the Balule Game Reserve. Plus, enjoy a traditional bush braai (barbecue), a visit to the Blyde River Canyon, and accommodation in an atmospheric treehouse.
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US$650.46
3 Day Lodge and Treehouse Kruger National Park Safari
- Arranging a multi-day safari in Kruger National Park on your own can be a difficult task, but this 3-day tour from Johannesburg is a breeze with all details arranged in advance. Take multiple safari game drives in off-road vehicles to seek out Africa's Big 5, learning about the animals through guided commentary along the way. You'll also take a sunrise bush walk, enjoy a bush barbecue, and stop by Blyde River Canyon for some sightseeing to finish out this jam-packed tour.
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US$307.53
Two Days, One Night Tour: Blyde River to Kruger National Park
- Extend your visit to Kruger National Park by visiting more nearby scenic areas and leave all the travel planning to the experts. This two days, one night tour takes you to see such sights as Mac-Mac Falls and the Three Rondawels before embarking on an open-vehicle Kruger safari the following day.
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US$950.84
6 Day Classic Kruger National Park Safari
- The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve and one of the best places to spot the Big Five. On this epic 6-day tour, journey even further into the park and venture off-road into more remote areas like Orpen, Satara, and Nwanedzi. Traveling in a small group, enjoy sunrise and sundowner game drives, take a thrilling bush walk along the Olifants River, visit the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Centre, and explore the Blyde River Canyon.
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US$568.57
2 Night Elephant Tour from Nelspruit
- Escape Nelspruit for a 2-night 'Elephant Tour' of Kruger National Park, with a visit to Blyde Canyon. Embark on three days of safaris, setting out on morning and evening game drives in search of Africa's 'Big Five,' including elephants. Sleep nights at a park camp and even live like a local with a traditional South African braai, or barbecue. Before returning to Nelspruit spend several hours exploring some of Drakensberg's most spectacular natural sights, including God's Window, Lisbon Falls and the planet's only canyon that's increasing in size.
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US$64.37
Half Day Panorama Tour from Hazyview
- On a tight schedule? Don't worry: you can still experience Mpumalanga's spectacular Panorama Route and have plenty of time to spare. Set out from Hazyview—outside of Kruger National Park—on a convenient half-day tour of the region's stunning natural highlights. Experience awe-inspiring views around every corner, including the dramatic Lisbon Falls, God's Window—so named because of its incredible views, and the always verdant Blyde River Canyon, the third largest canyon on the planet. You'll be back at your Hazyview hotel without skipping a beat.
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US$72.95
Full-Day Panorama Tour from Hazyview
- Experience some of South Africa's most spectacular natural wonders on a full-day trip from Hazyview, close to Kruger National Park. Set out along Mpumalanga's stunning Panorama Route, known for its gushing waterfalls, prolific fauna, and awe-inspiring vistas. Wind past hidden caves and towering mountain peaks, taking in sights like the always verdant Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes—a series of cylindrical rock formations created by years of erosion. Tour the former gold mining town of Graskop and marvel at the Three Rondavels, iconic mountain tops resembling traditional African homesteads.
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4-Day Safari at Kapama Game Reserve with optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
- In a remote wildlife reserve, far from the madding crowds on the very outskirts of Kruger National Park, lies an African Garden of Eden. A peaceful lush place that exudes the charm of Old Africa and where silence is revered and it’s easy to lose yourself in the bush experience. An arcadia that’s known for the high-density of its big game animals and its superior safari experiences as vast herds of buffalo, elephant and antelope roam free. Here at the exclusive Kapama Private Game Reserve in the shadow of the Drakensberg Mountain range, luxe camps and nature-inspired lodges provide safari-goers with the luxury of choice from a romantic star-bed under the sky to prestigious private suites.
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US$759.88
3 Days Kruger National Park Overnight Safaris
- Spend three days exploring Kruger National Park for three days with a guide which allows you the best chance of spotting Africa's Big Five game. Planning a tour like this on your own may be time-consuming; booking this tour means you just show up and all the details are taken care of. Get to know the history and landscape of Kruger through guided commentary as you travel. Opt to add on a stop at the Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest.
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