Blyde River Canyon (and Graskop)

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Not so long ago, the region known as Drakensberg Escarpment was populated by roaming elephants, lions and other wild animals in a rainforest. Now it is mainly local tourists and international ones who come to the northeast of South Africa to view the beautiful rock formations and cliffs of Blyde River Canyon.

You can rent a car and take the unique Panorama route through one of the most admirable landscapes of the country. After you have seen the many waterfalls and the valley you can visit one of the unique (ex-gold) towns and you can enjoy a good meal. Nice towns include Dullstroom, Hazyview (for Kruger), Graskop (for Blyde River Canyon), Sabie and Pelgrim Res.

Blyde River Canyon:

The valley known as Blyde River Canyon or Blyde Riviers Gate is a unique gap of 27 kilometers long and about 800 meters deep. The valley starts just north of Graskop making it a good base for a visit. The high walls of the gorge consist mainly of red sandstone in which the river Blyde has eroded the gorge.

The area is part of the northern part of the Drakensberg which is a national park. You can by means of  the so-called "Panorama Route" view the most beautiful sights.

In Graskop a small taxi mini stand is set up in the south of the village, but it can take a while before the van is full. Minis taxis go to Sabie, Hazyview and Pelgrim's res. There is no public transport to Blyde River Canyon.

It may be an exaggeration if I say that Harry's Pancake is the best pancake house in South Africa, but it comes close. Savory and sweet, this is a very popular spot in the center of Graskop where many tourists come to and/or pass by for.

Pay attention because the restaurant closes early (for Western standards). Just around the corner you can get a delicious beer after your meal in the bikers café.

• Name: Valley View Backpackers (Graskop)

Address: 47 de Lange street

Price: 90R (camping)

Phone nr. : 013 767 1112

Website: www.valley-view.co.za

Content:

Located on the city border of the small settlement Graskop, this hostel is beautifully located on the edge of the valley as the hostelname suggests. There is a big field next to the hostel (with fence) to put your car down and the hostel is really a little paradise. It has a reception house and a small courtyard where you can relax (under a canopy if necessary); the garden runs up the hill and contains a number of huts and a small camping spot.

In the large house you can use the internet (50R for WIFI), and/or watch DVDs. Here are also the dormitories and regular rooms. Joseph is the owner and got a lot of information regarding Kruger Park.

Besides the fact that you can drive the Panorama route you can also make beautiful hikes in the area; for R80 you can walk the Blyde River Canyon Hiking Trail which takes 2.5 days. There are a number of cabins on the way to sleep. You can make a reservation at the hostels there.

Most attractions of Blyde River Canyon are 10R entrance fee per car, only Bourke's Lucky Potholes is 30R per person and 20R for a car. On the way back to Sabie (to the south) are more waterfalls located that may be interesting.