Blyde River Canyon Tours and Activities

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism


Drive or hike through one of the largest canyons in the world. View stunning geological formations and take part in thrilling outdoor pursuits.

Mountains, cliffs and fascinating flora and fauna characterize the Blyde River Canyon, an enormous gorge in Mpumalanga. The 16-mile (26-kilometer) gorge is more than 2,625 feet (800 meters) deep and attracts sightseers and adventurers with hiking trails, whitewater rafting and stunning views.

Take one of the many hiking routes through the area. Stop off at vantage points to admire some of the natural wonder’s most notable sights. They include the Pinnacle, a giant red rock formation and the Three Rodavels, rounded mountain tops that resemble traditional African homes. 

Go to the Kadishi waterfall, a large cascade with a 660-feet (200-meter) drop. Discover the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, large cylindrical pools in yellow dolomite rock created by centuries of water erosion. Their name comes from a gold prospector who hoped to strike it rich here, but was unsuccessful.

If you don’t want to explore on two feet, drive your rental car along the Panorama Route, the long scenic road that winds its way along the top of the canyon.

Wildlife lovers have much to be excited about with a visit to Blyde River Canyon. In the wetlands areas, see hippos, crocodiles and otters. Other animals to look out for are the rare bald ibis, baboons and vervet and samango monkeys.

If you are an adventure seeker, make your way to the Blyde Canyon Adventure Center. They organize numerous outdoor activities, including abseiling, boat trips and rafting along the Olifants River. You can also book hot air balloon and micro light flights over the canyon.

Blyde River Canyon is 125 miles (201.2 kilometers) north of Mpumalanga’s center. Rent a car for the 3-hour scenic car journey. If you decide to stay overnight, you will find many accommodation choices in and around the canyon, including hotels in the village of Graskop and the towns of Sabie and Nelspruit. Alternatively, spend the night in a tent in one of the canyon’s campsites.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon Lodge

Blyde River Canyon Lodge

4 out of 5
Blyde River Botanical Reserve, Blyde River Canyon, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Blyde River Canyon Lodge
umVangati House

umVangati House

4.5 out of 5
Swadini Road (D2189), Blyde River Canyon, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
umVangati House
Blyde Mountain Country House

Blyde Mountain Country House

4 out of 5
R531, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Blyde Mountain Country House
Kruger Cliffs Lodge

Kruger Cliffs Lodge

3.5 out of 5
R531, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Kruger Cliffs Lodge
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit

4.5 out of 5
Radisson Entrance Circle, R527 Main Road, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit
Kapama River Lodge

Kapama River Lodge

5 out of 5
R40 Kapama Private Game Reserve, National Kruger Park Area, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Kapama River Lodge
Leopard's Bend Bush Lodge

Leopard's Bend Bush Lodge

5 out of 5
Leopards Bend Bush Lodge R40, Blue Canyon Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Leopard's Bend Bush Lodge
AM Lodge

AM Lodge

5 out of 5
Portion 159 Fleur De Lys, R40 Klaserie, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
AM Lodge
Cape Vulture Lodge

Cape Vulture Lodge

3 out of 5
Strijdom Tunnel Road 1380, Hoedspruit, Limpopo
Cape Vulture Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Blyde River Canyon

At Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa, visitors can enjoy thrilling activities like river rafting, hiking trails, and boat trips on the Blyde River Dam. The Blyde Canyon Adventure Centre offers various adventure trails, while the area is also perfect for safaris, wildlife spotting, and birdwatching. This stunning natural wonder provides a fantastic blend of adventure and scenic beauty for all types of travellers.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Acornhoek Plaza, located 25.7km away from Blyde River Canyon, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly entertainment and a variety of local goods. It's a perfect spot to pick up gifts and souvenirs during your visit.

Recreation

Drakensig Golf Course offers a perfect blend of sport and relaxation, located 27.4km from Blyde River Canyon. Enjoy stunning views while playing a round of golf in a tranquil outdoor setting, making it an ideal spot for both recreation and wellness activities.

Adventure

The Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail, located 3.2km from Blyde River Canyon, offers breathtaking scenery and an exhilarating outdoor experience. Meanwhile, the Forest Falls Day Hiking Trail, 46.7km away, invites adventurers to explore lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls amidst a vibrant natural setting.

Find the best attractions near Blyde River Canyon

The Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga, South Africa, offers stunning mountain landscapes, lush farms, and the impressive gorge to explore. Ideal for adventure seekers, eco-friendly enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers, visitors can enjoy unique attractions like the Blyde River Canyon Reserve, Blyde River Canyon National Park, and the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the breathtaking views and diverse activities available in this remarkable destination.

  • Three Rondavels: Located 3.2km from Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels are iconic peaks that offer breathtaking views and a perfect spot for outdoor adventures. Their unique, rounded shapes provide a stunning backdrop for photography and exploration.
  • Bourkes' Luck Potholes: About 11.3km away, this fascinating canyon gorge features naturally sculpted rock formations created by swirling water. It's a fantastic place for scenic walks and immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
  • Blyde Nature Reserve: Also 11.3km from Blyde River Canyon, this eco-friendly reserve offers diverse wildlife and lush landscapes. Enjoy hiking trails and the chance to connect with nature in a serene setting.

Best time to go to Blyde River Canyon

Visitor numbers around Blyde River Canyon is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Blyde River Canyon is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. December is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March73.4°F (23.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April69.4°F (20.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May66.0°F (18.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
June61.7°F (16.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July61.2°F (16.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August65.3°F (18.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly Low
September70.0°F (21.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
October71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November73.2°F (22.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December74.5°F (23.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Blyde River Canyon

To save money during your visit to Blyde River Canyon, take advantage of the free entry to the canyon and nearby attractions like the Three Rondavels and Bourkes' Luck Potholes. Plan your trip between July to August or in November for lower accommodation rates, and book hotels about a month in advance for the best deals. Saturdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Blyde River Canyon are July to August and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and April to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Blyde River Canyon about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Blyde River Canyon is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Blyde River Canyon is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay at Blyde River Canyon with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.