Blyde River Canyon, Johannesburg

Blyde River Canyon, Johannesburg

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, with red sandstone cliffs dropping precipitously into the river below.

The Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, with red sandstone cliffs dropping precipitously into the river below. Part of the Drakensberg escarpment, the formidable canyon has sharp drops of 800 metres at some spots. The cloud-covered peaks and lush foliage create a dreamy picture, best viewed from one of the Three Rondavels - huge, rounded dolomite rocks which resemble the traditional huts of the indigenous people. God's Window and Wonder View are other vantage points which offer spectacular views all around. The plunge pools of the Treur River where it merges with the Blyde River are one of the most phenomenal geological phenomenon in South Africa, forming strange cyclindrical pothole structures called ‘Bourke’s Luck Potholes’, which offer a dark contrast to the smooth red and yellow rocks. Another major attraction is the Kadishi Tufa Falls, which at 200 metres is the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth.