Panorama Route Map and Itinerary | An Epic 1 or 2-Day Road Trip in South Africa

The Panorama Route is one of South Africa’s most beautiful and scenic drives. Its landscape, filled with towering cliffs, deep valleys, gushing waterfalls, and lush forests, is worth the trip alone. However, travelers often overlook it, so we created this Panorama Route Map and Itinerary to help you plan your trip!

With breathtaking viewpoints, the Panorama Route should be added to your South African bucket list. Whether you are an adventure seeker, photographer, or history lover, this route has something for you! 

In this post, we will provide a map of iconic spots along the route, tell you what to expect, and offer a one-day and two-day itinerary.

We did this drive in December 2025 and enjoyed the beautiful stops, soaking in the waterfalls and appreciating all that South Africa has to offer. We love a good road trip, and we are excited to help you plan this one!

Panorama Route Overview

The Panorama Route centers on the Blyde River Canyon in Mpumalanga province. This area is not only stunningly beautiful but also rich in history.

Various indigenous groups lived in the region long before settlers arrived, and the land held cultural and spiritual meaning. 

In the 1870s, the area played a significant role in South Africa’s Gold Rush. Gold was discovered in Pilgrim’s Rest, a well-preserved town you can still visit today. This led to many people moving to the area, and towns like Sabie and Graskop were developed.

After the decline of the gold, the area was recognized for its natural beauty. Blyde River Canyon is one of the world’s largest canyons and the only green canyon in the world. 

Efforts went into preserving the land by creating viewpoints, protected reserves, hiking trails, and historical sites that we can enjoy today!

What to Expect on the Panorama Route

Physical Demand: All the stops do not require a lot of physical demand. Most viewpoints are a short walk from the parking lot. 

Fees: Each stop has a different entrance fee, and the prices are different for South Africans and foreigners. You will need cash for most of these stops. Some do have a card reader, but not all. 

Curio Shops: All stops (except a few) will have curios, a type of shop/market selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and other items. 

Food: Some of the bigger stops, like The Three Rondavels and Bourke’s Luck Potholes Potholes, have food available for purchase. 

Restrooms: There were restrooms at all the stops we went to!

Top Stops Along the Panorama Route North to South

Echo Caves (optional)

Why Visit: Sadly, we didn’t get to visit Echo Caves, but it is a great stop if you have time! This cave system is known for its impressive limestone structures, deep chambers, stalagmites, and stalactites. It got its name for its great acoustics.  

They offer guided tours, a restaurant, a curio shop, and accommodations.

Three Rondavels

Why Visit: This stop has one of the most iconic views of Blyde River Canyon and a viewpoint of three rock towers that look like Rondavels (traditional African Huts). Be sure to visit both viewpoints at this location! 

Bourke’s Luck Potholes

Why Visit: This stop has a lot going on! There is a small museum you can visit, traditional dancers and singing on some days, and unique landscapes. About 400 meters from the parking lot, you can see the “Potholes” formed by erosion. There are paved trails and bridges you can walk on to enjoy the views. 

📍 Location: Bourke’s Luck Potholes
💸 Entrance Fee: 

• R45 – Adults / R30 Kids
• SADC – R50 Adults / R35 Kids
• Foreigners – R90 Adults / R60 Kids

⏱️ Time to Spend: 30 – 60 minutes
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Berlin Falls

Why Visit: Berlin Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls on the Panorama Route and in South Africa. It plunges 80 meters (262 feet) into a green pool with beautiful vegetation all around. It is an easy stop, with just a few meters of walking before you get to the viewpoint!

📍 Location: Berlin Falls
💸 Entrance Fee: 

• R25 visitor

⏱️ Time to Spend: 10 – 20 minutes
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Lisbon Falls

Why Visit: This waterfall is over 94 meters (308 feet) tall, surrounded by lush green vegetation. This stop allows you to take in the landscape around you and the beauty of South Africa.

God’s Window

Why Visit: God’s Window is a beautiful viewpoint from which, on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mozambique. It sits on a 70-meter (230ft) cliff that overlooks forest and valley. If you take the hike up the mountain, you can visit the microclimate rainforest and get even more incredible views! 

God’s Window was our favorite stop on the Panorama Route!

The Pinnacle Rock

Why Visit: This 30 meter (98ft) quartzite tower is surrounded by dense forest and has an observation deck that looks over the valley.

This stop wasn’t the best, in our opinion. If there were one to skip on the Panorama Route, it would be this one.

Graskop Gorge Lift

Why Visit: Graskop Gorge Lift is located in the heart of the Panorama Route and offers different activities to experience the area. Some are heart-pounding, like zip lining and bungee jumping, and others are more relaxed, like a suspension bridge across the gorge and a forest walk. There are also restaurants and shopping available.

Mac Mac Falls

Why Visit: Mac Mac Falls plummets 70 meters (230ft) into a deep pool, creating a rainbow every day! It is a short walk from the parking lot, and there is a large gate for your protection. To get the best picture, you have to wiggle your phone through the fence, but be careful—you won’t get it back if you drop it!

📍 Location: Mac Mac Falls
💸 Entrance Fee: 

• R25 for international visitors

⏱️ Time to Spend: 15 – 30 minutes
🕒 Opening Hours: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

Pilgrim’s Rest

Why Visit: This is a town filled with history. It was formed when gold was found in the area and became the site of the Transvaal Gold Mining Estates, a mining company. You can visit the Village Museum, pan  for gold, and stroll through this quaint town.

Looking for a place to stay?

Check out booking.com!

1 Day Panorama Road Itinerary and Map

8:00 am (30 – 45 minutes) – The Three Rondavels

9:00 am (45 – 60 minutes) – Bourke’s Potholes 

10:15 am (15 – 20 minutes) – Berlin Falls

10:45 am (20 – 30 minutes) – Lisbon Falls 

11:30 am (60 – 90 minutes) – God’s Window

1:00 pm (60 – 90 minutes) – Lunch Break at Graskop. Try out a local cafe or the favorite Harrie’s Pancakes

2:30 pm (90 – 120 minutes) – Graskop Gorge Lift

4:30 pm (10 – 20 minutes) – Mac Mac Falls

5:00 pm – Grab some dinner and head to your accommodation!

Map of 1 Day Panorama Route

2 Day Panorama Road Itinerary and Map

If you have some extra time, here is a great two day itinerary for the Panorama Route

Day 1 on the Panorama Route

8:30 am (60 – 90 minutes) – Echos Cave

10:00 am (30 – 45 minutes) – The Three Rondavels

11:00 am (45 – 60 minutes) – Bourke’s Potholes 

12:00 pm (60 – 90 minutes) – Lunch Break at Graskop

1:30 pm (90 – 120 minutes) – Graskop Gorge Lift

3:30 pm (15 – 20 minutes) – Mac Mac Falls

4:00 pm – Grab some dinner and head to your accommodation! We recommend staying in Graskop or Sabie. Take this time to explore the local town you are staying in!

Day 2 on the Panorama Route

8:00 am (15 – 20 minutes) – Mac Mac Falls

9:00 am (15 – 20 minutes) – Berlin Falls

9:30 am (20 – 30 minutes) – Lisbon Falls 

10:00 am (60 – 90 minutes) – God’s Window

11:00 am (15 – 20 minutes) – Pinnacle Rock

11:30 am (60 – 90 minutes) – Lunch Break at Graskop or Pilgrim’s Rest 

1:00 pm (2 – 4 hours) – Explore Pilgrims Rest 

5:00 pm – Get dinner and head to your accommodation!

Map for 2 Days on the Panorama Route

Final Thoughts on the Panorama Route

The Panorama Route is a drive you must put on your bucket list. The spectacular waterfalls, viewpoints, and canyons – it is absolutely gorgeous! And it’s next to one of the best national parks for wildlife viewing (I’m talking about the big five and more!), which you should definitely add to this trip. 

You will not regret this adventure if you have one or two days!