Blyde River Canyon South Africa
The 29 000ha Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is carved out of nearly 2,5km of red sandstone and is one of South Africa's most remarkable geological features. Also known as the Motlatse Canyon, it is the third largest canyon on Earth and is situated below the confluence of the Blyde ('joy') and Treur ('sorrow') rivers. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
This Mpumalanga nature reserve stretches for 60km from just north of the little town of Graskop, up to the Abel Erasmus pass. You'll get stunning views of the Escarpment from legendary viewpoints such as God's Window, where on a clear day, you can see as far as Kruger Park and Mozambique. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
Other natural attractions include Bourke's Luck Potholes, where Tom Bourke, a 19th-century gold rush prospector, is said to have made his fortune. Water erosion over millennia has carved cylindrical sculptures from the canyon's red and yellow rocks which are interspersed with rock pools. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
From the canyon look out eastwards to the Three Rondavels or Three Sisters, three massive spirals of dolomite that rise from the far wall of the canyon. A single quartzite column, aptly named the Pinnacle, rises from the wooded canyon, offering more spectacular vistas. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
The environment varies from high mistlands to the drier and warmer lowveld around the Blyde River Dam. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
You'll find more than 1 000 species of flora in the reserve, including several species of endangered cycads, and, in spring, carpets of wild flowers. Try to visit at least one of the nearby several beautiful waterfalls. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
Bird and animal life is abundant. Spot Verreaux's eagle, the rare bald ibis which nests on the cliff ledges, and all five species of South African primates, including vervet and samango monkeys, chacma baboons and both species of bushbaby. Blyde River Canyon South Africa
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