Blyde River Canyon

Name: Blyde River Canyon
Address: South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon (Motlatse Canyon) is one of the largest canyons on Earth and is predominantly covered by subtropical vegetation.

The Blyde River Canyon (Motlatse Canyon) is one of the largest canyons on Earth and is predominantly covered by subtropical vegetation. From the viewpoint at the Three Rondavels, you look out onto three round rock domes above the Blydepoort Dam. Bourke's Luck Potholes at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur rivers showcase water-eroded rock formations.

Sights in Blyde River Canyon

Discover the most important sights and attractions

Attraction

Three Rondavels View Point

The canyon's most famous viewpoint overlooks three round, grass-covered rock domes, reminiscent of traditional round huts. Below, the Blydepoort Dam glitters. The light is most beautiful in the morning; it's just a short walk from the car park.

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Attraction

Bourke's Luck Potholes

At the confluence of the Treur and Blyde, the swirling water has carved cylindrical holes into the yellow-red sandstone. Pedestrian bridges span the gorge, allowing you to look down into the potholes from above. They are named after the gold prospector Tom Bourke, who suspected gold here in the 19th century but found none himself.

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Restaurants in Blyde River Canyon

A verdant canyon

The Blyde River Canyon is around 25 kilometers long and in some places over 750 meters deep. Unlike many canyons in dry regions, it is largely covered by subtropical forest and grassland. It is located in the Motlatse Canyon Provincial Nature Reserve on the eastern edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment. From the viewpoints along the R532, you can look into the valley and over the Lowveld all the way to Kruger National Park. Besides viewpoints, there are hiking trails and boat trips on the Blydepoort Dam.

Arrival & Getting Around

Viewpoints line the 60-kilometer R532 between Graskop and Blydepoort Dam. By car, combine them with God's Window and Graskop's waterfalls in a day. Each viewpoint has a small entrance fee. Mornings offer clearer views; summer afternoons often bring clouds and thunderstorms.