Admire the panorama of Blyde River Canyon

The province of Mpumalanga, located in the northeastern part of the country, is home to several natural sites, each more magnificent than the last, and all worth a visit. These natural sites include the iconic Blyde River Canyon, which is renowned as one of South Africa's most beautiful panoramas. It's also the third-biggest canyon in the world, at 16 miles long and 2,460 feet deep.

The best way to explore the Blyde River Canyon is on foot. You can choose to start your hike from any of the several trailheads in the little town of Graskop. Plan for about four hours of walking in total, and bring good hiking shoes. Along the way, you can follow the edge of the canyon, walk over the river bed, and take a dip in the waterfalls. The trail continues to the Three Rondavels viewpoint, overlooking the river from 1,968 feet high.

Before reaching Blyde River Canyon, you can make a few stops along the way to admire the magnificent views, such as the one from God's Window. Between the tropical forest, waterfalls, cliffs, and geological formations, the diverse landscapes are sure to take your breath away. As you hike, keep an eye out for the various wild animals who live here, including monkeys and birds like the turaco. Not far from God's Window are two beautiful waterfalls, Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, that are perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. Then, get back in the car and drive to Bourke's Luck Potholes, another natural attraction, where a hiking trail leads you over the river amid waterfalls and rocky gorges.

The Mpumalanga province is also an ideal destination for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and thrills. In the town of Sabie, you can go rafting on the Sabie river rapids. You can also zipline over the river in Hazyview for guaranteed thrills, surrounded by lush greenery. Stop by the museum village of Pilgrim's Rest for a culture break, and re-live the gold rush.