Blyde River Canyon takes away your breath

Travellers who are wanting to explore some of the country’s lush landscapes should make their way to the Blyde River Canyon Natural Reserve.

Travellers on cheap flights to South Africa who are wanting to explore some of the country’s lush landscapes should make their way to the Blyde River Canyon Natural Reserve.

The canyon is the third largest in the world with cliffs that rise 600 to 800 metres from the river bed.

With aptly named viewpoints like God’s Window, Wonder View and the Pinnacle, the Blyde River canyon is a spectacular experience to say the least.

At the meeting point of the Blyde River and the Treur River, a natural water erosion has created ‘carved sculptures’ known locally as ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’.

The vegetation is varied, vibrant and in abundance with a rich selection of birdlife hovering over the skies.

There is also plenty of wildlife with the mountain reedbuck on the escarpment, hippos and crocodiles in the Blyde Dam, and impala, kudu, blue wildebeest, waterbuck and zebra near the canyon’s mouth.

Not to be outdone, there are also fantastic man-made contributions, which includes the Blyde Dam and some of the largest forestry plantations in the world.

Written by Anthony Nicholson