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Strange Americana: A Guide to Route 66, the Historic “Main Street of America”

Thinking of taking a road trip down America’s most historic highway? Whether you’re driving your personal car or renting an Airstream , Route 66 — the so-called “Mother Route” that was established in 1926 — makes for an incredible tour across a large chunk of the country. Spanning eight states, the “Main Street of America” runs from bustling Chicago, Illinois to the coastline in Santa Monica, California.

But before you hop in the car, it’s important to do a little planning; you don’t want to miss any of the wonderfully strange sites along the way, after all! To help you get started, we’ve mapped out some of the must-see stops in each state you’ll travel through while motoring down Route 66.

Looking for a way to fuel your excitement for the cross-country trek? Well, there’s no better place to start than the Route 66 Hall of Fame  in Pontiac. The museum houses thousands  of pieces of memorabilia from the days of yore — you know, when Route 66 was the most important highway in the country.

Next, get your kitsch fix started by stopping in at selfie-worthy landmarks like the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle  in Collinsville and the Gemini Giant  in Wilmington. Last but not least, be sure to check out Henry’s Rabbit Ranch  in Staunton. The ranch’s owner, Rich Henry, runs the highway memorabilia station, which features both VW Rabbits and actual  rabbits, some of which he’s even trained to do tricks for visiting motorists.

If you find yourself driving through Missouri over a weekend, you can check out a movie without ever leaving your car thanks to the Route 66 Drive-In  in Carthage. If natural wonders are more up your alley, Springfield’s aptly named Fantastic Caverns  are the place to visit. Trade your car for a jeep-tram tour, which, over the course of 55 minutes, will carry you through a river-made underground cave. 

Need some rest? To get the most out of every experience, consider a historic location, like the Wagon Wheel Motel, Cafe and Gas Station  in Cuba — the only continuously operating hotel on Route 66. For car lovers, there’s also the Munger Moss Hotel  in Lebanon, which features a Historic Vintage Auto Court. Both spots are equally unique and capture that feeling of vintage Americana.

While Route 66 only goes through Kansas for 11 miles, there are still some worthwhile stops in the Sunflower State. In Baxter Springs, for example, you’ll find Fort Blair Historic Site , a detailed replica of an American Civil War-era fort that saw action in 1863.

Another great stop? The town of Galena, Kansas’ oldest mining town. There, you can visit the Galena Mining & Historical Museum  to learn more about the town’s history — and the history of mining in general. It’s also worth checking out the Galena Historic District , which features all kinds of fascinating relics, sites, and murals.

As you travel through Oklahoma, you’ll find plenty of places to stop and stretch your legs. One of those places is the Blue Whale  in Catoosa; this local favorite features a fantastically quirky metal whale next to a fishing area.

Or maybe you’re feeling thirsty? Well, look no further than the Pops Soda Ranch  in Arcadia. Not to be confused with Archie Comics’ Pop’s , this pitstop has pretty much every soda known to humankind on offer. Another great place for a bite to eat (and a history lesson on the side) is the Rock Cafe  in Stroud. Established in 1939, this historic restaurant was built with rocks unearthed during the original paving of Route 66.

Last but not least, there’s Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park . Located just 3.5 miles off of Route 66 in Chelsea, the park was constructed over several decades — from 1937 to 1961— and features large-scale folk-art pieces that were inspired by Indigenous artists’ designs.

If you’re into cars, you’ll love the part of Route 66 that winds through Texas. First up? The Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe  in Shamrock, Texas. Originally built in 1936, the cafe was restored to its former glory in 2003. In fact, you might even recognize this pitstop since it was used as the model for Ramone’s Body Art in Pixar’s Cars  (2006) . While you won’t find Lightning McQueen at Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Cafe, you can grab some free coffee and tea at the cafe-turned-visitor’s center.

As you pass through Amarillo, the unofficial rules of traveling along Route 66 sort of require that you check out Cadillac Ranch . The site features 10 Cadillacs, all with their noses buried in a field at the same angle as the Cheops Pyramid (a.k.a. the Great Pyramid of Giza) in Egypt. Can’t get enough of car-themed art installations? Stop off at the nearby Slug Bug Ranch , where you’ll find a very similar site — only this one, as the name suggests, features a slew of iconic Volkswagen Bugs .

No trip along Route 66 is complete without (kitschy) souvenirs, so be sure to stop in at New Mexico’s last remaining curio shop.  Located in Tucumcari, the shop is stocked with postcards, jewelry, pottery, and T-shirts. Needless to say, you’ll find something to toss in your trunk.

Once you’re done perusing the curios, take in the natural beauty of a desert oasis at Santa Rosa’s infamous Blue Hole . Last but not least, car lovers  need  to spend some time in Santa Fe at the Route 66 Auto Museum , which houses an array of both classic and custom cars. Without a doubt, it’s a very Instagramable stop.

Among the most obvious lures of Arizona is the Grand Canyon , which is well worth a slight detour. But the natural wonders don’t end there; Holbrook is home to the Petrified Forest National Park  and the Painted Desert , which are well worth a day or two of exploring.

There are also plenty of unique roadside attractions and pitstops, including the historical Jack Rabbit Trading Post  in Joseph City. While there, you can pick up all kinds of keepsakes from magnets and Route 66 replica signs to T-shirts.

And if you’re an animal lover, you can’t miss the town of Oatman . Back in 1915, two miners hit it big when they found $10 million worth of gold nearby. The mining town looks incredibly similar today as it did 100 years ago, but its best feature — by far — are the wild burros that still roam the streets.

Keep the fun going as you approach the final stage of your journey by checking out a real-life ghost town; we’re not kidding — Calico Ghost Town  in Yermo is not only abandoned, but rumored to be haunted. For something less spooky, take in the whimsical sites at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch  in Oro Grande, where the titular proprietor turned two acres of California desert into a glass-bottle forest.

As you reach the end of the line, you’ll arrive at the Santa Monica Pier , a popular beachfront attraction that’s pretty unlike the rest of Route 66. That is, you can sunbathe or ride the pier’s Ferris wheel — and it’s the opposite of desolate, motel-speckled desert.

Want more from our Strange Americana  series? Check out our other regional recommendations ahead of your next road trip:

• The Best Roadside Attractions in the Western States
• The Best Roadside Attractions in the Southwestern States
• The Best Roadside Attractions in the Midwestern States
• The Best Roadside Attractions in the Northeastern States
• The Best Roadside Attractions in the Southeastern States

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FULL DAY PANORAMA TOUR

SHARED TOUR : From: R 1,560 (2 Pax Min) All entry fees Included

PRIVATE TOUR: R8,460 (1-4) & R14,813 (5-10) (Vehicle + Guide) Include all entry fees

Duration: 7-8 Hours

Location: Graskop and Sabie

Day Tours Include Transfers from Hazyview or Hoedspruit or any of the 4 Kruger National Park gates: Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni and Numbi gates.

The Blyde River Canyon Panorama Route day tour rates include:

Book your panorama tour

PANORAMA ROUTE TOURS

Panorama Route is a fantastic day tour that allows visitors to experience the awe-inspiring waterfalls, valleys, mountains and rivers of the magnificent Mpumalanga region that border the Kruger National Park.

As one of the geographically oldest areas in the country, the Panorama Tour route has become a popular tourist attraction for those who visit the area. The route has been designed to highlight only the best and most interesting areas of the province to give tourists the opportunity to see everything that the area has to offer; from waterfalls to caves & the third oldest canyon in the world, the Panorama Tour route is a must-see for every tourist.

The Vomba Tours’ Panorama Tour in Mpumalanga is designed to allow guests to see the most popular attractions within a single day. The tour group will depart at 8 am and head off into Africa’s biggest pine and eucalyptus forest.

God’s Window lies up ahead and from this lookout point, guests will be able to look down 1000m from the escapement into the Lowveld. After spending some time there, the tour departs for the famous waterfalls in the area and Bourke’s Luck Potholes , a stunning natural formation in the ancient rocks.

Next on the list is the famous Blyde River Canyon . With an impressive 40km of length and a 1200m depth, this is the world’s third largest canyon . When walking up to the end of this canyon it is difficult to think that such a massive canyon is but meters away, as the landscape can be deceiving; once at the top of the canyon, looking down into the vast plant life, river and dams that make up the floor of the canyon, you are sure to find a new appreciation for the beauty that nature delights us with.

From one of the most popular lookout points, you will get to see another gem on the Panorama Tour and that is the Three Rondavels . They are called the Three Rondavels because of their Rondavel-like shape, these three rocky structures are an unusual and uncommon sight. This 8 hours tour include visiting beautiful places like the Lone Creek, Sabie, Lisbon, Mac Mac & Berlin falls, God’s Window, Three Rondawels and the Burke’s Luck Potholes and enjoy a spot of curio shopping .

The Panorama Route is steeped in rich history and many tales and stories are told throughout the Panorama Tour. When you are enjoying this exceptionally laid-back tour you will feel as though you have been transported back in time as you enjoy the views of this old area.

The Panorama Tour ends at about 4 pm giving guests time to relax after the day of adventuring.

PANORAMA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

This tour is for those with limited time, the tour provides an opportunity to experience the highlights of the Panorama Route, your visit some of the better known attractions of the region. We take guests to Graskop and along the Blyde River Canyon to God’s Window, returning to Hazyview via the Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls.

SHARED TOUR: From: R 1,145 (2 Pax Min) All entry fees Included

PRIVATE TOUR: R6,443 (1-4) & R10,953 (5-10) (Vehicle + Guide) Include all entry fees

Duration: 4 Hours

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The Panorama Route Tours

Full day panorama tour, 5-day kruger park and panorama route hotel safari, 4-day kruger park and panorama route hotel safari.

The Panorama Route Tours in South Africa is a beautiful drive that passes by many historical and natural landmarks. This adventure route lies in Mpumalanga province, near the Blyde River Canyon, the third greatest canyon (and the largest green canyon) in the world. 

The Panorama Route in South Africa is a beautiful route that passes by many historical and natural landmarks.

Mpumalanga province, home to the Blyde River Canyon, the world’s third-largest canyon, is where you will find this historically significant path.

There are a number of natural sites, including waterfalls and one of the largest forested areas in South Africa along the route that “officially” begins outside of Lydenburg at the foot of the Long Tom Pass and winds its way down the Great Escarpment and across the Lowveld to the provincial border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo, near the Echo Caves.

This route is profoundly ingrained in South African history. Parts of the route were utilised as a transport road between Lydenburg and Delagoa Bay beginning in 1871.

It is also on this route that General Louis Botha fled from the English during the Anglo-Boer War, and it houses The Long Tom, one of the world’s most famous Victorian-era canons.

Many settlements along the road, such as Pilgrim’s Rest, were founded during the late-nineteenth-century Transvaal gold rush. Thousands of gold seekers traversed the steep mountains and rough terrain in pursuit of riches.

Percy Fitzpatrick, a former Pilgrim’s Rest storekeeper, was one of them. He wrote the iconic book Jock of the Bushveld, which recounted some of his adventures while travelling this famous path with his beloved bull terrier Jock.

Sightseeing on the Panorama Route

Among the many natural attractions found here are numerous waterfalls and one of the largest forested regions in South Africa. Depending on how you view it, the Panorama Route includes the following drives:

One route begins in Nelspruit, where the Lowveld Botanical Garden can be visited. It then travels to White River, where you can visit a motor museum. With activities like 4×4 trips and abseiling, Sabie provides plenty of adventure. Pilgrims Rest has a few spectacular pubs and restaurants that are a must-see if you want to experience the town’s culture.

With attractions such as God’s Window, Lisbon Waterfalls, Berlin Falls, and Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Graskop can be seen as the highlight of the Panorama Route.

This route concludes at the Blyde River Canyon with the Swadini Forever Resort, which offers a variety of activities ranging from boat rides to Microlight battles.

Alternatively, a route begins outside Lydenburg at the base of Long Tom Pass, winds its way down the Great Escarpment and into the Lowveld, and ends close to the provincial border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo, not far from the Echo Caves.

On the Panorama Route you will find:

Gods Window

At the famous Gods Window, the steep walls of a deep gorge frame the view of the escarpment forest. From this “window,” a paved path along the escarpment leads to Quartzkop and the Rain Forest, which has a natural garden under a tree canopy and brightly coloured aloes in the winter. 

All of this is separated by outcrops of sandstone that have been worn down into strange prehistoric shapes.

Through the rain forest at God’s Window, there is a path that leads to Wonderview. At 1 750m above sea level, the walk gives you beautiful views of the Lowveld, with its forested area in the foreground, the Kruger National Park in the background, and the Lebombo mountains, which are the natural border between South Africa and Mozambique, in the far distance.

Lisbon Falls

The Lisbon Falls are situated just north of Graskop along the R532 road.

The falls in the Lisbon Creek, a right bank tributary of the Blyde River, were named after the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, to commemorate that some of the people who came to the area to mine gold in the late 1800s were from Portugal. The water falls 95 metres in a triple cascade into a pool at the bottom and are the highest waterfalls in Mpumalanga.

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

One of the most interesting geological things on the Panorama Route is where the Treur and Blyde rivers meet. At the point where the two rivers meet, there are swirling whirlpools that have been formed over countless millennia. Sand and rocks carried by the water have worn deep cylindrical potholes into the bedrock over time.

At the Visitors Centre, you can see some of the interesting natural and social history of the reserve. The Blyde River Canyon also starts at the Potholes.

Pinnacle Rock

This is a tall column of weathered quartzite with lots of colourful aloes growing on it. It is 30m taller than the native forest in the Driekop Gorge, which is situated all around it. This is also the source of the Ngwaritsana River, which flows through the narrow cleft on the right at the top of the gorge.

Berlin Falls

A single stream of water drops 45 metres into a pool at the bottom of this waterfall, which is named after the farm where it is located. At the top of the falls, where there are great views, there is a path that people use to cross the falls. This area is typical of the early days (the second half of the 19th century), when people looking for their fortunes panned the streams for alluvial gold.

The R532 will take you from the Berlin Falls through thick Pine and Eucalyptus plantations. About 33 km from Graskop, the road connects to the Treur River and the southern end of the Blyde River Canyon. During the summer, orange and yellow lichen cover the amazing rock formations and waterfalls, which are most impressive when the sun is shining in the afternoon.

Blyde River Canyon

It is said to be the third largest canyon in the world, after the Grand Canyon in Nevada, USA, and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia and boasts some of the most dramatic and overwhelming scenery in the country. Unlike the Grand and Fish River Canyon, the Blyde River Canyon is a “green canyon” and dominated by subtropical vegetation. 

The canyon forms part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve (also officially known as Motlatse Canyon Provincial Nature Reserve), which covers about 30 000 hectares. The 57-kilometer nature reserve belt starts at Graskop and goes along the edge of the escarpment. 

Because the southern section is high and gets a lot of rain (about 3 000 mm per year at God’s Window), the route goes through a lot of grasslands and natural rain forests.

The Lowveld View site

This viewpoint is situated between Bourke’s Luck Potholes and The Three Rondawels on the R532 and provides the best panoramic view of the Blyde River Canyon, The Blydepoort Dam and the Lowveld beyond.

The Three Rondawels

These rock formations, which used to be called the Three Sisters, are one of the many natural sights that stand out on Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route. 

Also, it used to be called after three of Chief Maripi Mahile’s many wives. Magabolle, which is 1 354m above sea level, is on the left. Mogoladikwe is 1 377 metres above sea level and Maseroto is 1 465 metres above sea level. 

The name ‘Rondawel’ also signifies their similarity to the traditional beehive-shaped huts that indigenous people have built and lived in for hundreds of years.

You might also like  Blyde River Canyon Tours  or  Best Kruger Park Day Tours .

Historical and Cultural Sites Along the Route

The Panorama Route is home to various notable cultural and historical attractions due to the area’s long history. These are some examples:

Shangana Cultural community near Hazyview is a traditional community that honours the Shangana people.

The Lydenburg Museum displays exhibits of the area’s early human residents, the most notable of which being the Lydenburg Heads. A small kid discovered unusual shards of pottery eroding out of a gully in Lydenburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa, between 1962 and 1964. Although the fragments were not properly excavated, the majority of them were discovered and reassembled to form seven clay heads known as the Lydenburg Heads.

The museum also provides visitors with an overview of the Pedi people’s anthropological past.

Joubert Bridge is one of the area’s oldest bridges. It was constructed to span the Blyde River and connect Pilgrim’s Rest with Lydenburg. The bridge was designed by Italian engineer Giovan B Gilletti and was opened in 1897 by Pilgrim’s Rest mine commissioner Jacobus Stephanus Joubert.

Towns Along the Panorama Route

Andries Potgieter, a Voortrekker leader, built this historic town in 1850. It was the capital of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek for a short time.

The Lydenburg Heads, 500-year-old hollow clay sculptures on display at the Lydenburg Museum indicate that an unknown culture colonised the region long before this as these people are believed to have utilised the statues in religious events.

The discovery of alluvial gold in 1873 triggered a brief gold rush in the town. The village was also on the way from the Transvaal Republic to Delagoa Bay. Lydenburg is now recognised for its farming, trout fishing, and mining. The Panorama Route begins immediately outside of Lydenburg, near the Long Tom Pass.

Sabie is well-known as a forestry and tourist destination.

The Sesotho lived in the town in the early 1800s but after the discovery of gold in the area in 1873, Europeans began to settle in the town.

Because of its high elevation, it was utilised as a base for early big game hunters because it was malaria-free and due to the river (also known as the Sabie river) frequently overflowing and infested with crocodiles, the locals dubbed it uluSaba – the river of terror.

Much of the natural forests in the area were cleared to supply wood for the mining industry, and since 1876 commercial trees were planted in, leading to Sabie being surrounded by one of the largest man-made forests in the world.

The town of Graskop dates back to 1837, when Voortrekker leader Andries Pretorius and his followers were looking for greener pastures. In his memoirs, he told about leaving women behind in Graskop (translated as “grassy hill”) while searching for an ox waggon passage to Delagoa Bay.

Today, Graskop is mostly a tourist town near various natural wonders such as God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

Pilgrim’s Rest

Pilgrim’s Rest is around 35 kilometres north of Sabie.

The entire town is a national monument, a restored gold-mining village with curio stores and Victorian architecture.

Its history begins in 1873, when Alex Patterson discovered alluvial gold. It quickly became known as a community for fortune seekers, with around 1500 “diggers” joining Patterson within a year.

Later, Transvaal Gold Mining Estates became South Africa’s first publicly traded gold mining corporation.

Annually, the town hosts the National Gold Panning Championships, and visitors can also book a panning excursion.

Hazyview is a small village that serves as an important gateway to the Kruger National Park’s Phabeni Gate. Hazyview is well-known for its animal sanctuaries, including a world-renowned elephant sanctuary.

According to legend, a French-Canadian named Perry landed in the area while fleeing an alleged murder conviction. He started a trading store, but following his death, the property was sold and one of South Africa’s first private wildlife reserves was established on the area.

Tourism, agriculture (particularly banana growing), and retail drive the economy of this town.

Ohrigstad is a small settlement on the border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The town was named after Voortrekker leader Andries Hendrik Potgieter and G. G. Ohrig, an Amsterdam trader who desired to foster trade between the Netherlands and the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek.

There are now various game farms and commercial crops around the town. The well-known Echo Caves are located around 28 kilometres north of town.

Mountain Passes Along the Panorama Route

Mpumalanga and Limpopo are known for their beautiful mountain ranges. The Drakensberg is a portion of the Great Escarpment that separates South Africa’s huge high plateaus from the lower plains along the coast.

The range runs from Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces in the northeast to Lesotho province in the east.

Driving along the Panorama Route, you may drive over several scenic mountain passes, including:

• Long Tom Pass between Lydenburg and Sabie
• Bergvliet Pass between Sabie and Hazyview
• Blyderiver Poort Pass between Graskop and Ohrigstad
• Bonnet Pass between Graskop and Pilgrim’s Rest
• Kiepersol Pass between Sabie and Kiepersol
• Robber’s Pass between Pilgrim’s Rest and Ohrigstad
• Sudwala Pass between Lydenburg and Sudwala Caves

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular sights on the panorama route tour.

Some of the most popular sights on the Panorama Route tour include the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels, and God’s Window.

How long does it take to tour the entire Panorama Route?

The entire tour drive along the Panorama Route can take anywhere from half a day to a full day depending on the time taken for stop-overs, lunches etc. If  a sleep-over is included in your tour itenary it can take more or less 1 and a half – two days. 

What is the best time of year to tour the Panorama Route?

The best time to tour the Panorama Route is during the dry season, from April to September, when the weather is more pleasant and the views are clearer.

Are there any guided tours available on the Panorama Route?

Yes, there are several guided tours available that take visitors on the Panorama Route and provide more in-depth information about the sights along the way.

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MoAfrika tours and the Kruger Safari Co. are destination management companies (DMC) and are not entities of the South African National Parks Board (SANparks).

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TOUR – PANORAMA FULL DAY BASIC

Take a full-day tour to the Panorama Route to appreciate the magnificent scenery of this unique part of the Kruger Lowveld region.

Take a full-day tour to the Panorama Route to appreciate the magnificent scenery of this unique part of the Kruger Lowveld region. The Panorama Route offers a kaleidoscope of breathtaking scenery, natural beauty, and African diversity.

Departing from Hazyview in an air-conditioned vehicle, this tour visits some of the impressive sites along the Panorama Route. Learn about the Blyde River Canyon is the world’s largest green canyon and the third largest canyon in the world. Visit breath-taking waterfalls and take in the view at God’s Window on the edge of the escarpment. Stop at Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where these deep cylindrical cavities formed by thousands of years of water erosion.

Your professional guide will provide interesting facts and keep you entertained along the journey – so feel free to ask any questions you have. Stops at the viewing points are made where you can take photos, shop the curios and take a walk around.

The tour will stop in Graskop for guests to enjoy a light lunch at a restaurant, and if time permits, browse the many curio stalls and shops in this little village.

This guided full-day tour is fun for the whole family and the views are unforgettable. An excellent opportunity to see some of Mpumalanga’s most spectacular scenery.

Highlights include:

🗸Blyde River Canyon 🗸Three Rondawels 🗸Wonderview 🗸Bourke’s Luck Potholes 🗸God’s Window 🗸Waterfalls 🗸Graskop

Duration: Full Day (approx. 8hours) Inclusions: Light Lunch, Entrance fees, bottled water, and the expertise of a knowledgeable and local guide. Exclusions: Drinks, items of personal nature.

Please note that children rates only apply if accompanied by 2 adults.

Collection/Drop off:

Our pickup points for the Panorama Full Day Tour include our office at Perry’s Bridge Trading Post & Tourism Centre, Sabi River Sun Resort, Kruger Park Lodge, Hazyview Sun, Hippo Hollow, Numbi Hotel, and most lodges in the Hazyview central area. For collection outside of our pickup range, an additional charge may apply. 

An arrangement can be made to collect clients from Graskop, Sabie, White River, or Nelspruit on request at an additional charge.

Do you want to include the Graskop Gorge Lift on your Panorama Tour? Then book our Panorama Full Day Tour Supreme .

*********************************************** HOW TO BOOK: the BOOK NOW button only sends an enquiry – payment request sent to you after submitted! – Click the BOOK NOW button – choose your date and time slot – add the number of adults and kids for the activity. Many activities offer sliding scale rates according to the number of guests – BOOK – enter your details and send the enquiry – we will respond asap and confirm the availability of your booking, price, time, etc and send you a secure payment link by e-mail/SMS. – only once payment has been received, will your booking be confirmed and your Activity Ticket/Voucher be sent to you by e-mail ************************************************

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PAINTBALL – HAZYVIEW

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A must-do activity is the Graskop Gorge Lift which takes you 51m down into the forest below.

GECKOING/TUBING – SABIE

Tubing/ Geckoiing is the best way to go down the frothing rapids of the Sabie River!

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Full Day Panorama Route Tour

R 2500,00 – R 4500,00

To deepen your experience of the natural wonder, the visitor should take advantage of a guided Blyde River Canyon / Panorama route tour. You will spend a full day in the majestic Panorama route. Pick-up is at 7:30 am.

The cost for this trip is for the whole vehicle and NOT per person. A light motor vehicle can take three passengers and a minibus can take 8 people.

Your knowledgeable guide will interpret the landscape and give you a detailed explanation of the history of this amazing place.

A whole day in the Blyde River Canyon / Panorama route is a life-changing experience and this is what Kruger Park Tours offers you.

You will start the day from your accommodation in Hazyview, Nelspruit, White River or Sabie in the early morning. Please note that Hoedspruit area is too far for pick-up and drop-off.

Places visited are: Gods window, Bourke’s luck, Wonder view, Three Rondavels and one of the amazing waterfalls on route (time dependent).

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• Umbhaba Specials
• 3 Day Best of Kruger Safari
• Umbhaba Accommodation
• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Safari
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Safari
• Kruger and Panorama
• Group Open Vehicle Safaris
• Morning Safaris
• Afternoon Safaris
• Full Day Safari

Full Day Panorama Tour

• Full Day Cape Winelands Tour
• Full Day Cape Canopy Tour
• Full Day Walk to Freedom Tour
• Full Day Cape Point & Peninsula Tour
• Half Day Soweto Tour
• Full Day Soweto Bicycle Tour
• 3 Day Best of Kruger Private Safari
• 4 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari
• 5 Day Kruger and Panorama Private Safari
• Private Vehicle Full Day Safaris
• Private Vehicle Morning Safaris
• Private Vehicle Afternoon Safaris
• General FAQ’s
• Accommodation Kruger Park
• Image Gallery
• Video Gallery
• Our Open Vehicle
• Kruger National Park News
• Kruger Park Mammal Guide
• Kruger Park Bird Guide
• History of the Kruger Park

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What to expect.

As one of geographically oldest areas in the country, the Panorama Route has become a popular tourist attraction for those who visit the area. The route has been designed to highlight only the best and most interesting areas of the province to give tourists the opportunity to see everything that the area has to offer. From waterfalls to caves to the third oldest canyon in the world, the Panorama Route is a must see for every tourist.

The Panorama Route is steeped in rich history and many tales and stories are told throughout the Panorama Tour. When you are enjoying this exceptionally laid back tour you will feel as though you have been transported back in time as you enjoy the views of this old area.

Departure Time

Departure & Return Location

Pick up only from Hazyview hotels and lodges and Perry  Bridge Outpost

Price Includes

Transport Guide All Entry Fees Mineral Water

Price Excludes

Pickup and Departure

Guests will be retrieved from hotels and lodges in Hazyview as well as the Perry’s Bridge Outpost. Guests will depart for the Panorama Tour at 9:00 am.

God’s Window and Pine Forest

The first stop on the Panorama Tour is visiting the largest pine and eucalyptus forest. God’s Window God’s Window lies just past the forest. God’s window is a lookout point that allows guests to look down a 1000m escapement down over the lowveld. Rumours have it that it is possible to look into Mozambique on a clear and unobscured day. After spending some time here, Guests depart for the next stop in the tour

Bourke’s Luck Potholes and Stunning Waterfalls

Bourke’s Luck Potholes is a stunning natural formation created by water erosion over hundreds of years. The Bourke’s Luck potholes have round carvings and holes with different sizes littering the large bouldery area. Guests can use small foot bridges and walk over the chasms, looking at the water flowing through the cracks and holes. There are also a number of small but beautiful waterfalls that litter the area.

Blyde River Canyon and 3 Rondavels

After spending some time at the Potholes, guests will then depart for the Blyde River Canyon (the 3rd largest canyon in the world. The canyon is over 40km long and is as deep as 1 200m. The canyon contains vast amounts of plant life  with rivers and dams making up the floor of the canyon. At a certain lookout point on the canyon, guests get to see another beauty of the Panorama Tour, the 3 Rondavels. The Rondavels get their name from their similat appearance to the Rondavel houses found in the savannah. These 3 outcrops stand prominently from the landscape.

The tour will take a break at the sleepy town of Graskop so guests can have lunch and so they can do some Souvenir Shopping. Guests will have time to explore the town, visiting the various shops and buildings as the town’s size makes it possiblefor guests to walk around on foot.

Return to the Lodge

The Panorama Tour ends at 16:00pm giving guests plenty of time to relax after a fun and educated tour through the stunning Panorama Route.

ACCOMMODATION

The location of Umbhaba Eco Lodge is perfect as it is close to Hazyview and the Kruger National Park and also has convenient access to the Legendary Panorama Route. Umbhaba Eco Lodge has a stunning view of the Sabie Valley as well as the amazing sunsets in the afternoon. Multiple water features and dams surround the lodge that allows for a memorable environment.

Swimming Pool In House Bar Air Contitioned Rooms Free Wifi Private Balconies Kruger Park Safaris Housekeeping Wall Safe

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Full-Day Panorama Route Tour from Hazyview

• Bottled water
• Professional guide
• All Fees and Taxes
• Entry/Admission - Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve
• Entry/Admission - God's Window
• Entry/Admission - Bourkes' Luck Potholes
• Entry/Admission - Lone Creek Falls
• Souvenirs/Curios
• Traveler pickup is offered.
• We pick up from all Hazyview based hotels or accommodation venues.
• Hazyview, 1242, South Africa We will arrange a suitable secure venue or parking area.
• Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
• Returns to original departure point
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infant seats available
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• God's Window

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Hazyview Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 God's Window Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Bourkes' Luck Potholes Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Lone Creek Falls Stop: 15 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Graskop Stop: 40 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

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Full-Day Panorama Route Tour from Hazyview provided by Elephant Herd Tours & Safaris

Product overview: full-day panorama route tour from hazyview.

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