discover the panorama route & kruger lowveld
Things To Do
Experience the breathtaking beauty of South Africa’s Panorama Route, winding through the escarpment from Lydenburg into the Kruger Lowveld. Here are highlights you shouldn’t miss during your stay:
Gustav Klingbiel Nature Reserve
(10 km south)- 2 200 ha reserve spanning Long Tom Pass slopes.
- Bushveld, grassland, Protea-veld habitats.
- 320 bird species (incl. jackal buzzard, amur falcon, malachite sunbird).
- Game trails: bushbuck, kudu, impala, zebra, eland, steenbok, giraffe, warthog.
Scenic Hikes & Historical Routes
(close proximity)- Pedi Route (5km): Hike to a Pedi heritage site.
- Crane Route (9 km): Scenic dam walk with birdlife.
- Protea Route (12 km): Blooms, proteas, and Paardeplaats Fort (Anglo-Boer War).
Cultural & Heritage Discoveries
(in town)- Lydenburg Museum: See the Lydenburg Heads (originating c. 500 AD)
- Town Heritage Walk: Voortrekker School (1851), Church (1852), Gunpowder Magazine (Sekhukhune & Anglo-Boer Wars), and monuments.
Panorama Route Day Tours
(just a short 40–60 minute drive away)- God’s Window – sweeping lowveld views.
- Wonder View – highest scenic drive viewpoint.
- The Pinnacle near Graskop.
- Bourke’s Luck Potholes – natural rock formations.
- Blyde River Canyon (3rd largest canyon globally) and the iconic Three Rondavels.
- Pilgrim’s Rest – preserved 1800s gold-mining village with museums, ghost tours, gold-panning.
Wildlife & Safari Highlights
(self-drive)- Kruger National Park – 90 minutes from Lydenburg.
- Spot the Big 5 and explore local wildlife in reserves & hiking areas.
Conservation Experiences
(why we love the Lowveld)- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (Hoedspruit) – notable for bateleur eagles.
- Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre – cheetah, wild dog, black-footed cat breeding programs.
- Khamai Reptile Park – reptile & amphibian refuge.
Adventure & Family Activities
(fun for old and young)- Hot-air balloon rides over the Lowveld (e.g., Hazyview)
- River tubing & rafting on the Sabie River.
- Trout fishing in Lydenburg & nearby Dullstroom.
- Guided hikes or mountain biking in Paardeplaats Nature Reserve (7 routes, 25 km total)
- Jafrie Ramble mountain biking trails.
- Motorcycle or road cycling along the scenic Long Tom Pass.
Local Tips
(enjoyable outings)- Wander through Graskop’s pancake cafes & curio stalls.
- Travel the scenic Vaalhoek gravel route to Pilgrim’s Rest.
- Look for the Jock of the Bushveld Memorial near Mac-Mac Pools (18 km from Sabie)
- Stop at Mac-Mac Pools for twin waterfalls & historic ruins.
