Kruger National Park and Panorama Route Accommodation and Tours

by Alexandre on 10 January 2011

The magnificent bushveld, dramatic Drakensberg Mountains and natural grandeur of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route is the ideal setting for a self-drive safari, camping or any South African car hire or campervan holiday.

Overflowing with breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and natural wonder it is a utopia for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts and outdoor extremists. Here are Drive South Africa’s top 5 natural attractions and Mpumalanga accommodation suggestions when driving the Panorama Route.

The Kruger National Park Reserve

South Africa Kruger national Park Leopard [Photo By Tambako the Jaguar]

Crammed full of South Africa’s impressive wildlife and bird species spread across golden savannah plains, dramatic cliffs and breathtaking bushveld South Africa’s Kruger National Park is the ultimate start to the Panorama Route. The various Kruger Park car routes, night and day game drive options and exciting Kruger safari’s are the ultimate way to experience South Africa’s majestic Big Five and lesser known Small Five. At the end of a warm day, nothing says dream African holiday like looking out from your tented Kruger Park accommodation onto a watering hole, sipping on a local Amarula and listening to a herd of trumpeting elephant’s splash around.

But you will have to book way in advance with Kruger Park Accommodation booked up to 11 months in advance. For a list of available Park accommodation as well as more information, contact details, weather updates and the Kruger National Park map visit the SANParks page.

Drakensberg Mountains

South Africa Mpumalanga Drakensberg Mountains [Photo by Matthew Cook]

If you are looking for rugged mountainous landscapes and breathtaking natural scenery that looks as though it was painted by an artist's brush it really doesn’t get better than the gorgeous vast ranges of the Drakensberg Mountains, Mpumalanga’s magical and mysterious play land. The refreshing mountain air, warm summer days and hum of wildlife and birds in the endless expanses of greenery will all but convince you to give up civilization to live off the land! And with many beautiful hiking trails, secluded spots and great fishing you would never be able to see it all.

We really enjoy the Drakensberg Tourism Page for a list of Mpumalanga Accommodation and camping sites.

God’s Window

South Africa God's Window Mpumalanga [Photo By stuart001UK]

There is really only one place to visit to really appreciate the awe-inspiring grand natural splendor of Mpumalanga, God’s Window viewpoint. The fresh mountain air fills your lungs and opens your mind to the incredible panoramic views, infinite expanses and plunging cliff- sides of the lush Lowveld region lying below. Often the scenic masterpiece is draped in a blanket of cloth transforming it into the eighth world wonder.

To find out more or for a list of Mpumalanga Accommodation sites, including campsites near God’s Window is the Graskop Homepage.

Pilgrim’s Rest

South Africa Pilgrim's Rest Gold-Panning [Photo By Alan Moore]

Pilgrim’s Rest is a fascinating and perfectly preserved 18^th Century gold-mining town and another great spot to stop off on the Panorama Route. The quaint settings are so authentic you can fool yourself into getting lost in a bygone era and begin panning for gold; ride in a horse-drawn carriage trip round the enchanting unpaved streets or savour the scrumptious pancakes that brought miners from far and wide.

For a list of Mpumalanga Accommodation and camping sites at Pilgrim’s Rest visit Essential Travel Info.

The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

South Africa Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve Bourke's Luck Potholes [Photo by Nicolas Malinowski]

The Blyde River Canyon cuts through the magnificent escarpments of the dramatic Drakensburg Mountain Ranges leaving a trail of awe-inspiring natural panoramic views in its wake. The botanical beauty of the park houses some of the coolest and quirkiest natural phenomenons including the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels and fresh clear waterfalls a plenty.

For more information you can visit the Drakensberg Tourism Page or for a list of Mpumalanga Accommodation and camping sites near the Reserve visit the South African Nature Reserves Page.

With so much natural beauty and wildlife to enjoy and discover we recommend you plan your trip over 5 to 7 days and you’ll probably want to spend a few more days in Kruger than you originally thought.

Tell us about your trip round Kruger or the Panorama Route or send us a link to your photos and videos and we will post them.

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