Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest & the Sabie waterfalls lie in the Drakensberg escarpment close to the Kruger and offers welcome relaxation after the excitement of your safari.
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The Blyde River Canyon region is our name for the beautiful mountainous escarpment close to the Kruger National Park. It encompasses the Blyde River Canyon, waterfalls and walking trails of Sabie and Graskop. Plus the various excursions and adventure activities around Hazyview.
So this beautiful area is ideal for a couple of days of relaxation after the excitement of your Kruger safari. Alternatively it acts as a relaxing break between two safari regions, as it is only 1-2 hours drive from the Kruger National Park. Plus only 3-4 hours from Johannesburg. Several convivial country lodges offer excellent cuisine and stunning settings.
The Blyde River Canyon itself is a majestic red sandstone gorge with sheer cliffs. Plunging 1000 metres into the river below; it is nothing less than magnificent. And the well-known ‘panorama route’ is the scenic drive alongside the canyon. The route visits various viewpoints such as God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls. Plus the interesting Bourne Luck potholes. In fact the canyon is the third largest river-formed canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia.
Here you'll find a host of walking trails, connecting the many waterfalls. Whilst between Hazyview & Sabie, there are a host of soft adventure activities on offer. These include the Lift gorge experience, treetop or gorge ziplining, quad biking, abseiling and some canyoning experiences. (Note that the canyoning is only in in late summer season, due to water levels.)
Highgrove remains a slightly old-fashioned 'colonial' country house hotel. But the rooms are well-furnished, spacious and supremely comfortable. Everything is looking fresh with well-maintained gardens and lovely countryside views.
I stayed in one of the two orchard suites which was palatial in size with its own garden and even a decent sized swimming pool, not just a little plunge pool. There was also your own personal sauna! Before dinner I enjoyed a lovely spa treatment at their spa which is a couple of minutes walk from the homestead.
The décor will not suit a younger couple looking for a more contemporary style. BUT there is no denying that the suites give you oodles of space and refined comfort so many older couples may prefer this style.
I would also say that most people would prefer it over Summerfields in the coldest winter months of June and July with its cosy log fires and underfloor heating.
The formal four course dinner was delicious and there was no stinting on portion sizes. My only small gripe is that I do think that the restaurant is too formal for today’s traveler. The restaurant was very hushed with everyone feeling that they had to talk in whisphers!
So Plus points are size and general appointments of the rooms, excellent food. Minus points are that the colonial style may not be to everyone's taste and the restaurant was way too formal. It just needs to lighten up...
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