The Panorama Route is perfectly named. Spanning hundreds of kilometres, the journey by car through eastern Mpumalanga takes you through forests, atop cliff paths, and past natural marvels, displaying the area’s vistas at their very best.
From the town of Lydenburg, follow the R37 onto Long Tom Pass. The road twists and turns with the hills. Along the way, stop at Long Tom Cannon to see an example of the weapons used in the Second Boer War. If history doesn’t interest you, there’s still the views from this monument which hint at what’s to come.
Half an hour away, the Mac Mac Falls flow from a height of 65 metres. One is natural, while the other cascade was created by a mining blast. A viewing platform provides a stunning perspective of the national monument. To plunge into its depths, go to the cool, calm waters of the Mac Mac Pools which are surrounded by picnic spots.
There are many more sights that line the Panorama Route. Outside the town of Graskop, a dramatic quartzite formation emerges from a gorge. Pinnacle Rock stands at an impressive 30 metres tall. Nearby, a view overlooking the lush region opens up at God’s Window. With an eye across the seemingly infinite landscape, this site is simply heavenly. A walkway to the outlook is fairly steep in parts, but the light exertion is worth it. There’s also a short trail that goes through the surrounding forests, taking walkers through the rich flora of the area.
For a taste of local cuisine, head to Potluck Boskombuis. Situated alongside the Treur River, this restaurant provides an authentic bush cooking experience. While traditional meat dishes are on offer, from boerewors to potjiekos, they also cater for vegetarians.
The Panorama Route doesn’t end here. A further journey leads to the Blyde River Canyon and Bourke’s Luck Potholes. For those keeping to a shorter trip, this stretch is a glimpse of paradise.
