By encompassing a variety of them during our visit to the canyon, Dan and I were able to see the geological diversity of the area, which included lush mountainsides, stratifications of color and unique rock formations.
Dan and I explored the paths around the canyon rim, winding through the thick vegetation and hoping that the skies would clear enough for us to catch a glimpse of the gorge below.
From the escarpment, spectacular views of the sweeping scenery extend outward, toward Kruger Park and into Mozambique. The Three Rondavels are three round, grass-dusted mountain tops that are said to resemble the traditional rondavel huts that populate the South African countryside.
Behind the rock spire, a waterfall gushes into a green valley below. While it may not be the largest, grandest or most famous canyon on Earth, the Blyde River Canyon exceeded our expectations just as the Fish River Canyon had done a few months prior.
The Blyde River Canyon is often forgotten due to the world-famous Kruger National Park next door and is overshadowed by the Grand Canyon in size and renown. Avian species are particularly prolific here, making the Blyde River a top destination for birders. Blyde River Canyon is most famous for its remarkable geological formations, some of which have attained legendary status in their own right:.
Three Rondavels. This geological phenomenon is named after prospector Tom Bourke, who believed gold could be found here though his efforts to find it were never successful. God's Window. Kadishi Tufa Waterfall. Start at the picturesque village of Graskop and follow the R northwards, following the signposted detours to the lookouts. Numerous hiking trails within the reserve also allow you to explore on foot. For a truly immersive experience, consider tackling the multi-day Blyde River Canyon Hiking Trail, which traverses half of the nature reserve as well as tracts of private land.
It takes three to five days, with overnight accommodation provided by a series of huts along the way. Although you can walk the trail by yourself, the best way to do so is with a guide like the ones offered by Blyde River Safaris. The same company can also arrange a multitude of other activities, including mountain biking, horse riding, abseiling, fly fishing, hot air ballooning and even altitude scuba diving. Whitewater rafting and boat trips on the Blyderivierspoort Dam are also popular.
Visitors to Blyde River Canyon are spoiled for choice in terms of accommodation, with options ranging from affordable guesthouses to luxury lodges. Located within easy walking distance of the famous Berlin Waterfall, Thaba Tsweni is a 3-star option with self-catering chalets and South African meals available for pre-order. This lodge is especially popular for its ability to arrange activities for its guests, many of them in association with Blyde River Safaris.
For a touch of unadulterated luxury, consider umVangati House in the north of the Blyde River area. Here, mountain-view suites provide private decks with stunning vistas, while the main house features a swimming pool, a patio for al fresco breakfasts and a wine cellar for private dinners. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
This Mpumalanga Nature Reserve in South Africa also offers a variety of adventure sports such as white water rafting and abseiling as well as quieter activities like fly-fishing.
Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is one of the few areas of montane grassland in Mpumalanga that still exists. The grasslands consist of more than 1 flora species of which many are endemic found nowhere else in the world , rare or endangered.
Another extraordinary inhabitant is the Taita Falcon which is only found in a few places in the world. Visitors can see a variety of wildlife such as the Klipspringer, Grey Rhebuck, Oribi, Kudu and primates. From the canyon rim guests can look eastwards over the layered rocks of the canyon walls and the Three Rondavels to the Lowveld plain, 1 metres below.
It was at this point that the ancient super continent, Gondwanaland, broke apart and Madagascar and Antarctica tore free from Africa some million years ago.
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