South Africa 8 days

Connecting the Lowveld and the spectacular Drakensberg, sandwiched between the Kruger National Park and the Highlands Meander, the historical Panorama Route is a scenic road in the Mpumalanga Province.

The route features sensational views of breathtaking natural wonders, fascinating rock formations, impressive waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and a myriad of fauna and flora.

The quaint little town of Graskop serves as the gateway to this wonderful
route. Panorama’s undoubtable highlight is the verdant splendour of Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest green canyons featuring lush subtropical vegetation. Some other popular natural attractions along the route include:
the spectacular Lisbon, Berlin, and Mac Mac Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and the astonishing God’s Window. Don’t miss the world-famous Kruger National Park and the picturesque gold rush town of Pilgrim’s Rest, a historic living museum.

Overnight: Blyde River Canyon Lodge, on B&B basis

Stretching over more than two million hectares, the Kruger National Park is one of the world’s largest game reserves and a truly remarkable destination.
Owing to its exceptional size, visitors are able to experience fantastic diversity – from changing scenery and ecosystems to an impressive array of animals, plant life and birdlife. The park is home to over 130 mammals and over 500 bird species. Visitors can look forward to learning about the area’s prehistoric past, enjoying a host of accommodation options, and viewing abundant wildlife including the famed Big Five. The diversity sheer density of wildlife makes Kruger National Park an unforgettable and potentially life-changing experience.

Overnight: Skukuza Rest Camp, room only basis

As the headquarters of the Kruger Park, Skakuza has become a little town in the middle of the bush. Its 1400 residents and thousands of daily visitors enjoy wonderful views through Sycamore Figs and Natal Mahoganies.

Situated on the banks of the Sabie River, the camp’s activities and facilities are diverse, as are the area’s plant and wildlife. Accommodation options include campsites, 21 furnished safari tents, semi luxury bungalows, cottages and 4 guesthouses. It also features a doctor, a shop, a bank, a post office, a library, a museum, a restaurant and a cafeteria with decks overlooking the river.

Set high on the escarpment, the Mpumalanga Highlands feature endless savannah plains meeting steep mountain passes hugging rugged rocky cliffs. The Highlands of Mpumalanga are a playground for nature and adventure lovers.

A number of charming, high-altitude, grassland villages are scattered on a sea of cattle ranches which are interspersed with numerous trout fishing locations and mountain hideaways. Aside from the trout and quaint towns the highland scenery and flora and fauna are also major attractions. Visitors can enjoy a number of wonderful activities including: discovering crystal-clear streams and cascading waterfalls, visiting the Highland’s tourism mecca of Dullstroom, as well as horse riding, whiskey and beer tasting, hiking, fly fishing and much more.

Overnight: The Shamrock Arms Guest Lodge, Dinner – Bed & Breakfast basis

Shamrock Arms was a finalist in the lodge category of the 2010 South African Tourism Welcome Awards, which means that its considered to be of the cream of the crop in the tourism industry – always hospitable, always professional and always passionate about delivering service excellence.
You’ll find the lodge in the picturesque and historic village of Waterval Boven in Mpumalanga Province. It is authentically Victorian and comfortably modern and traces its history back to 1894.
Because the guest lodge is only a 2-and-half hour drive from Johannesburg it’s an ideal stopover for the business and leisure traveler on route to the Kruger National Park, Swaziland or Mozambique.
Shamrock Arms is also the perfect base from which to explore many places of interest and scenic beauty in Mpumalanga. Your host Terry, an accredited and registered tourist guide, can offer guidance on any tourist related matters.

The Shamrock Arms Guest Lodge to OR Tambo International Airport [JNB]

Distance: 243.01km Travel Time: 2:20 hours