• placement: fullWidthHero
  • path: destinations/hero
  • containerId: gpt-ad-43588824205
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-africa/blyde-river-canyon",
  "destination": "Blyde-River-Canyon",
  "title": "blyde-river-canyon",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Africa,-Lesotho-&-eSwatini-(Swaziland)",
  "country": "South-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Blyde River Canyon

South Africa

South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
500px Photo ID: 81512805 - Blyde River Canyon - Mpumalanga - South Africa..One of the largest canyons on the planet. A vast spectacle blanketed in subtropical plants that contrast with the precipitous red cliffs. One of my favourite images from 2013, sunrise over the Blyde River Canyon with perfect haze free light.

David Burstein / 500px

Overview

Blyde River Canyon is both one of the world's largest canyons and one of South Africa’s most outstanding natural sights – little wonder that it is increasingly popular with international visitors. The canyon's scale and beauty make a trip here a memorable experience, especially if you're lucky enough to visit on a fine day. Epic rock formations tower above the forested slopes and eagle-eye views abound at the dramatic meeting of the Drakensberg Escarpment and the lowveld.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Blyde River Canyon? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your South Africa trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

South Africa’s Stunning South: Cape Town, Wine Country, and the Garden Route

12 days / 11 nights

highlights

  1. 1Cruising through the Cape Peninsula to witness the seal pups of Seal Island
  2. 2Summiting Cape Town’s spectacular Lion’s Head Mountain for panoramic city views
  3. 3Sipping regional wines from generations-old vineyards in South Africa’s famous wine country
from $3,100

per person

book this tripsee trip details

Explore more trips

  • South Africa in 10 Days: Cape Town, Kruger & a Luxury Train Safari
    South Africa

    10 days / 9 nights

    South Africa in 10 Days: Cape Town, Kruger & a Luxury Train Safari

    FROM $6,500

    per person

    See Trip Details

Must-see attractions

Explore all
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • containerId: gpt-ad-337116550637
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-africa/blyde-river-canyon",
  "destination": "Blyde-River-Canyon",
  "title": "blyde-river-canyon",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Africa,-Lesotho-&-eSwatini-(Swaziland)",
  "country": "South-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/middle
  • containerId: gpt-ad-999306039286
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-africa/blyde-river-canyon",
  "destination": "Blyde-River-Canyon",
  "title": "blyde-river-canyon",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Africa,-Lesotho-&-eSwatini-(Swaziland)",
  "country": "South-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Blyde River Canyon

  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • containerId: gpt-ad-667329789739
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "south-africa/blyde-river-canyon",
  "destination": "Blyde-River-Canyon",
  "title": "blyde-river-canyon",
  "type": "Region",
  "region": "South-Africa,-Lesotho-&-eSwatini-(Swaziland)",
  "country": "South-Africa",
  "continent": "Africa",
  "refresh": 30,
  "refresh_limit": 3
}