Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world, and the world’s largest green canyon- stretching over 26km and 800m deep. It isn’t a surprise that it visited from far and wide. Sunway Safaris gives its clients the opportunity to marvel at this natural wonder on one of these three tours;

Walking South Africa (JJa14), 14 day accommodated tour;

Wild Kingdoms (JDac08), 8 day classic tour;

Trade Route (LM22), 22 day camping tour.

Blyde River Canyon offers its visitors beautiful views, incredible photographs, walks and hikes varying in difficulty and the opportunity to swim in pools created by the waterfalls.

Blyde means “glad” or “happy” in Dutch, and the canyon got its name from the Voortrekkers in 1844 when Hendrik Potgieter returned from Delagoa Bay. Blyde River Canyon was formed some 200 million years ago when Madagascar and Antarctica tore free from Africa- creating a deep trench under the sea that we know today as this luscious canyon. The layers of dolomite and sandstone that were deposited during the creation of the canyon have resulted in the unique rock formations and natural wonders associated with Blyde River Canyon.

A few of the natural wonders of the canyon include;

Bourke’s Luck Potholes – these enormous potholes were carved by the friction of the swirling pebbles in the pools where the Blyde and Treur River meet and become one.

The Three Rondavels – consist of hard rock which has been slowly eroded over the years to expose the softer layers of stone underneath and resembles 3 African rondavels. 

Pinnacle Rock - is a naturally carved freestanding quartzite rock reaching 30 m in height. It is covered in vegetation from the forest floor all the way to the pinnacle and littered with brightly coloured aloes.

God’s Window – earns its name purely because the view from there is breathtaking and provides a unique view as far as the eye can see. The sheer natural beauty contained in one view is almost unbelievable. 

Kadishi Tufa Waterfalls – is the second-highest Tufa Waterfall in the world. Known as the “weeping face of the nature” due to the waterfall looking like a weeping face.

Echo Caves – some of the oldest caves in the world and stretch some 40km into the earth with some underground chambers that are more than 60m in height. It got its name from the stalactites which create an echoing sound when drummed upon, the echoes can even be heard outside the cave system.

To add to its unique features- Blyde River Canyon is one of the few remaining montane grassland areas that still exist in Mpumalanga. This unique habitat is home to more than 1000 flora species of which many are endemic, rare or endangered. The Taita Falcon is another extraordinary inhabitant that is only found in a few places in the world. Klipspringer, Rhebuck, Kudu, Oribi, and primates can be spotted in this area. 

Rather than just read about this beautiful canyon why not consider joining a Sunway Safaris tour where you can write your own stories about Blyde River Canyon.