If you enjoy being outdoors in nature, you will love exploring the Panorama Route in Mpumalanga. I really encourage you to plan a day or weekend away to Eastern Mpumalanga to check it out for yourself. With good planning, you could get to a lot within 24 hours in this region. Keep reading for a Panorama Route 1-day itinerary.
I had been living in Mpumalanga for almost three years before I took the time to explore it. I had no idea of the hidden gems in Mpumalanga province. I have since travelled South Africa extensively and Mpumalanga remains my favourite.
Panorama Route accommodation
If you are planning on spending a night, consider staying in Graskop town. This will locate you close to key points along the Panorama Route.
I am a big fan of using Airbnb to find well-priced accommodation. I booked my stay at Le Galleries Luxury using Airbnb (As an Airbnb associate I earn commission when you use this link). There are many other options on Airbnb so you can find the place that fits your budget. If you have not used Airbnb before, sign up for Airbnb using my link so that you receive R1000 off of your first Airbnb booking.
I stay at a different place each time I visit. The best accommodation all comes down to what your preferences and needs are.
Join my travel community by subscribing to gophari.com
There is a lot to the panorama route
The first time I visited the Panorama Route, I did not know where to begin. There are many more places you can visit than those that are discussed in this post. That makes the Panorama Route a destination you can return to many times. May this blog post be a guide for your first visit.
Panorama Route 1-day Itinerary:
I have selected some of the top attractions along the Panorama Route to include in this 24 hour itinerary. Of course there are many more attractions in Mpumalanga that can be explored with more time.
I recommend visiting the following Panorama Route attractions in the order listed so that you can fit them all into a Panorama Route 1-day itinerary.
Book a consultation
This service is for travellers looking for experience-based advice about destinations in South Africa.
I live in South Africa, I travel South Africa AND I am a certified South African travel specialist.
I’m here to iron out your concerns and clear possible misconceptions about travel in South Africa.
Visit God's Window
God’s Window is a stunning and far stretching view point of the lowveld. It’s only R10 per person to enter. When you arrive at God’s Window, you park your car at the base and walk up a paved walkway through beautiful greenery. Depending on your fitness, walking up could take a while. Keep an eye on the time to make sure you don’t spend too much time here if you are planning to visit more locations. I would say 1 hour or less is enough.
There are a number of view points as you make your way up and a thick, green rain forest which reminded me of the type of forest seen on King Kong. I had to stop and have a photo with the lush back drop.
Visit lonecreek falls
Lone Creek Falls is one of many waterfalls in the region. What I love about Lone Creek Falls is that you are able to get really close and even into the water. You walk through dense plants and trees that lean into the walk way as you make your way towards Lone Creek Falls. You hear the waterfall, and feel it’s spray before you can see it. And then there it is. When you see it, it just happens that you stare and smile. Nature is so refreshing.
Visit Bourke's Luck Potholes
The third stop was to Bourke’s Luck Potholes. I was very excited about this stop after hearing about it from friends. Look at this place! The fact that these are naturally formed rock pools blew my mind. You can take a dip in the shallow pools. I was the only one in a bikini though but whatever lol.
Visit Blyde River Canyon
Make sure to include a stop at Blyde River Canyon & Three Rondavals in your Panorama Route 1-day itinerary. When I first visited,I got there at 17:45 which is 15 minutes before it closed. I ran like crazy to first find The Three Rondavels and then sprinted to find the view point I had seen online of the canyon. It was so worth it!
There are benches available that you can use to comfortably take your time with taking in the glorious sight in front of you. I could sit there all day. There is a peace that comes over you in that untouched, grand, natural space. It’s silent and still.
Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world. The view of Blyde River canyon is easily the highlight of the Panorama Route for me. The view blows me away every time. It is something I can’t and will not get over or get used to
Join my travel community by subscribing to gophari.com
Some travel tips for your visit to the Panorama Route:
- Check the weather forecast! Clear skies are obviously preferable for the best views
- Have cash for entry to each stop
- Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunblock and a hat
- Have a killer playlist for all of the driving in between
- Don’t spend too long at each stop so that you can fit in a lot in a day
- Support local and buy some of the handcrafted artworks by the talented locals
If this post has inspired your trip or helped you plan, I would love to hear about it!
Tag me on social media so that I can share your trip on Gophari.
I love this! Makes me want to visit Mpumalanga!
Chanel it’s so fun and beautiful! Maybe this is the reason I have ended up in Secunda haha
Too dope!! Even me I wana come next time 😭
Thank you! Come!!
Love this! Actully planning a day visit with the fam sometime in April – so glad to hear its possible to do so much in a day.
So excited for you! Have the best time 🙂
As I add to my (long) list……….
Haha! Let’s start ticking off that list
Wow. So detailed and so helpful. Great content and amazing pics. Keep it up sis.
Thank you! Great that you found it helpful. Will keep on keeping it up 😊⭐️
I’m from White River, Mpumalanga and living in Cape Town. This post made me feel so nostalgic because when I was younger some weekends my mom would drive me to Graskop just so I could get Harry’s pancakes.
thatmnisigirl.wordpress.com
What a beautiful place to call home. I am loving Mpumalanga! I just wrote a review on Harrie’s Pancakes 😋 I really enjoyed it. Cape Town is amazing too
Pingback: Last minute local travel guide – Gophari
Planning a short weekend get away. Came here so quick! Thank you for tips and inspo x
Hi Farirai
Thanks for this post – will be going to Mpumalanga next week , whoop whoop! I wonder what its like in winter. Also booked accommodation in Graskop since you say its central and because pancakes! Wanted to ask, read somewhere, do we need to do a Malaria prophylaxis thingy?
Hi Tinashe, it’s a pleasure! I’m really excited for you! I didn’t do Malaria prophylaxis when I visited Graskop because it is in a low risk area. However please do get a second opinion!
Pingback: Travel more without quitting your jobs – GOPHARI
Pingback: Weekend road trips from Joburg – GOPHARI
Hi
I just want say Thank You for this post i went on a trip with my brother it was amazing, we went exactly on how you suggested and stayed in Graskop. The only extra we added was Graskop Gorge. Oh and you are right the pancakes are delicious. Cant wait to explore somewhere local again. Please dont stop.
Love T
Wow thank you so much for sharing. You have really made my day. I’m so happy that you and your brother had a good time exploring the Panorama Route. I still need to go back to go in the Gorge lift! Yes to more local travel. Thank you for your support!
Been there when I was still a kid… But I remember the beauty of it so well.
I want to go back as an adult now. Hahaha
I can not wait to use all this information to travel to Mpumalanga.Thank you Gophari🤍
Thank you so much for the detailed information.I’ll be going there around April this year can’t wait
I want to book a place to sleep in the Mpumalangq, Graskop. I’m unable to use your links. Please assist
Thanks for the info it’s what I have been searching for and I’m excited to be visiting this December spending NYE there on a solo weekend away