Blyde River Canyon, also known as Motlets Canyon is a unique nature reserve that is part of the Dragon Mountains. It is located in the Mpumalanga province 60 kilometres north of the small town of Graskop. Its peaks, almost 2000 metres above sea level, offer some of the most spectacular views in South Africa. From the God's Window lookout on a clear day, you can see Kruger Park and the territory of the neighbouring state of Mozambique.
The canyon, carved into red sandstone by the waters of the Blyde River, is the third largest in the world and covers an area of 29,000 hectares. It is up to 1380 metres deep in places and more than 25 kilometres long. This unique site is one of South Africa's most impressive geological features.
Among the canyon's natural attractions is the "Bourke's Luck Potholes", where prospector Tom Bourke is said to have made his fortune during the gold rush of the 19th century. Here, the Blyde River (its name means "joy" in Afrikaans) has carved intricate cylindrical sculptures into the yellow and red sandstone rock structure over millennia.
On the east side of the canyon rise the Three Rondavels, three massive spirals of dolomite that rise from the far wall of the canyon. Among travellers these peaks are known as the Three Sisters.
There are convenient viewing platforms on the reserve, from which you can take amazing photos. If you are not a timid dozen, you can make a flight on a motorised hang-glider and see the beauty of the canyon from a bird's eye view. Regardless of the option chosen, every traveller can get many unforgettable impressions from the panoramic views of this amazing nature reserve with its bustling beautiful waterfalls, green slopes and meadows of blooming wildflowers.
On the slopes of the canyon you will find more than 1000 species of flora, including several species of endangered plants. Among the great variety of animals and reptiles in the canyon, hippos and crocodiles are the most commonly seen, as well as five species of South African primates. Birds include the black eagle, emerald cuckoo, golden-white-tailed woodpecker, Mediterranean falcon and bald ibis, which nests on steep rock ledges.
