Where does the Panorama Route start?

Where the Panorama Route start

According to Mpumalanga Tourism, the Panorama Route officially starts in Nelspruit (Mbombela). From there it follows the R40 to White River and then the R537 to Sabie. 

Other sources give different starting points, and because most of the route is a loop, you can start wherever suits your trip.

If you're staying at ilanda Guest House in White River, you're already on the official Panorama Route. Take the R537 to Sabie and you're on your way.

The main Panorama Route loop

From Sabie, the standard route goes to Graskop, then around the God's Window loop. After that it passes the waterfalls and continues north along the Blyde River Canyon viewpoints.

At the junction of the R532 and the R36, you have two choices:

• Turn left to finish the Panorama Route loop. The road goes through Ohrigstad, then Mashishing (Lydenburg), and back to Sabie.

• Turn right for a detour off the main loop. This takes you over Abel Erasmus Pass to the Strydom Tunnel. If you have time, the detour is worth it before you head back south. It's also the road to take if you're going on to Hoedspruit or Mariepskop.

Alternative routes and detours

Via Pilgrim's Rest: Just after Ohrigstad, take the R533 to Pilgrim's Rest. On the way you'll pass Mount Sheba, Morgenzon Nature Reserve and Crystal Springs.

Via Sudwala Caves: From Sabie, take the R37 and then the R539, which goes past Sudwala Caves.

Via the Vaalhoek road: Some people add the Vaalhoek dirt road to the Panorama Route. It runs from Pilgrim's Rest to Bourke's Luck Potholes and Moremela.