Top 10 facts about the Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

Photo by Țetcu Mircea Rareș – Wikimedia

Top 10 facts about the Blyde River Canyon, South Africa

The Blyde River Canyon is located in Mpumalanga, South Africa. This river is 16.2 miles and is one of the largest canyons in the world.

It comes in third after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia.

Unlike these two Canyons, the Blyde River Canyon is the greenest and has subtropical vegetation.

As part of the Panorama Route, the Blyde River Canyon has beautiful rock formations known as the Three Rondavels. The route starts at the town of Graskop.

These rocks resemble an African hut and the locals call them the three sisters.

Other attractions along the Panorama Route include the God’s Window, the Pinnacle and Bourke’s Luck Potholes.

The canyon got its name from the Dutch who had crossed it from an expedition to Delagoa Bay. Upon their safe arrival, they named the canyon Blyde meaning happy.

Let’s now look at the top 10 facts about the Blyde River Canyon.

1. The Blyde River Canyon is one of the deepest in the world

Photo by Țetcu Mircea Rareș – Wikimedia

This Canyon is one of the deepest in the world. Its estimated depth is 3280 feet and 16 miles long.

Other than being one of the deepest canyons, the Blyde River Canyon is also the greenest of them all. You will find a variety of plants and animals here too.

The Blyde River Canyon starts from Graskop north and extends to the Limpopo border.

In this canyon, one will get to see several iconic features such as the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The entire Blyde River Canyon is a Nature Reserve.

There are marked routes leading to various natural attractions in the reserve.

2. Blyde means happy in Dutch

The word Blyde means to be glad in Dutch. It was given the name by the Voortrekkers in 1844. This was after their safe return from Delagoa Bay.

Hendrik Potgieter and his team of trekkers had returned safely from Delagoa Bay after an expedition.

When they joined the rest of the trekkers who assumed they had died, they were happy to see them. The other team had named it a mourning river.

In 2005, the Blyde River was given a new name, the Motlatse River. It was also suggested that the canyon would be reamed too.

3. One of the tallest waterfalls is found in the Blyde River Canyon

Photo by Ptosio – Wikimedia

The Kadishi Tufa waterfall is found in the Blyde River Canyon. It is 660 ft tall making it the second tallest tufa waterfall on earth.

This waterfall formed when water running over dolomite rock absorbed calcium.

In the process, it deposited rock formations more rapidly than they eroded the surrounding rock.

Looking at the Kadishi Tufa waterfall, one can easily see the resemblance of a face crying copiously.

This waterfall is also known as the weeping face of nature.

Other attractions include the Pinnacle which is a naturally carved, free-standing rock structure.

4. Some of the world’s oldest caves are found in Blyde River Canyon

These caves are known as Echo Caves. They are some of the oldest caves in the world.

The caves are 40km into the earth and feature some underground chambers which are more than 60m in height. They are similar to Sudwala caves.

Since the stalactites in the cave make sounds when beaten and the sound can be heard outside, the caves were named Echo.

Geologists believe that the dolomite rocs are more than 380 million years old. This was when the continent of Africa was part of Gondwanaland.

The caves were used for shelter by the Pedi people. They occupied the Samson Chamber.

5. The Three Rondavels offers the best views of the Blyde River Canyon

Photo by Frans-Banja Mulder – Wikimedia

This is a set of rocks that look like a traditional African hut. It is one of the viewpoints in Blyde River Canyon overlooking the Swadini Dam.

The dolomite rocks formation is colourful, huge and spiral. Their side is fiery orange while the tops are covered with green vegetation. Locals refer to the three Rondavels as the three African sisters.   

A local myth explains that the rocks were a famous chief’s wives. They were Magabolle, Mogoladikwe and Maseroto.

While here, one gets a sweeping panoramic view of the Canyon.

6. The Bourkes Luck Potholes in Blyde River Canyon are a natural wonder

Photo by ErwinMeier – Wikimedia

One phenomenal feature found in the Blyde River Canyon is the Bourkes Luck Potholes.

The massive pot-hole looking formations were a result of swirling water down the canyon for millions of years.

It is one of the main stops for sightseeing while at the Blyde River Canyon. This is also the meeting point for the Blyde and Treur Rivers.

A close look at the soil at this attraction, one will notice that the soil is colourful.

Wondering where its name came from? Well, it was named after Tom Burke who was lucky enough and struck gold close to the giant potholes.   

7. There are bridges above the Bourkes Luck Potholes for perfect views of this natural wonder

Several bridges cross over the gorge for ease of movement as well as viewing the potholes from different angles. One can also go down to the bottom of rocks.

As part of the panoramic route, this is one of the attractions that get thousands of tourists in a day, it is also the first stop at the canyon.

There is a belief that if you toss a coin you will get good luck just like at the Trevi Fountain in Rome.

It is a perfect place for nature photography.

8. There are rare wildlife and birds in the Blyde River Canyon

By Andrew massyn – Wikimedia

Several species of animals and plants call the Blyde River Canyon home. The canyon offers a suitable habitat for them throughout the canyon.

Since the canyon has a constant supply of water, it has attracted a large number of klipspringer, mountain reedbuck, waterbuck, blue wildebeest and kudu.

It is also where the Blyderivierpoort Dam is located. Here, one will find hippos and crocodiles.

The Blyde River Canyon is also a perfect place for birdwatching. There are several species of birds found here.

Some of the rare species of birds one will see here include Pel’s fishing owl, blue swallow and the Taita falcon. 

9. The most famous lookout in Blyde River Canyon is God’s Window

No doubt this is the most famous lookout in the Blyde River Canyon. It was named God’s Window because it resembles God’s view of the garden of Eden.

God’s Window is a set of humongous cliffs that are about 700 metres tall.  

This popular site is found on the southern end of the reserve. The viewpoint overlooks the Lowveld and beautiful vistas of Kruger National Park.

10. There are several hiking trails in Blyde River Canyon

Photo by Ptosio – Wikimedia

If you love hiking, then the Blyde River Canyon is perfect for you. This canyon has numerous hiking trails that will usher you to the hidden beauty eyes cannot see from afar.

Some of the trails lead to private land while some cover half of the nature reserve.

There are overnight accommodation options available since a hike would take at least five days.

One can also access shorter trails that take less time, the Loerie Trail is 10 kilometres long and passes through pine and blue gum plantations.