Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve
The Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve lies on the edge of the plateau of the Eastern Transvaal Drakensberg, one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa. Here the highveld falls steeply down from a height of more than 2,000m/6,500ft above sea level to the lowveld, a fertile region of subtropical climate at heights of no more than 150 to 600m (500 to 2,000ft) above sea level.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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The central feature of the reserve is the Blyde River Canyon, a spectacular gorge.
The Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve is a favorite staging-point on the journey from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park. At least two days should be allowed for seeing the natural beauties of the area, using one of the two camping sites within the reserve or one of the hotels in the surrounding area as a base.
The reserve, which has an area of 22,667ha/55,987ac, can be explored by car on a panoramic road, from which side roads branch off to various magnificent viewpoints. The floor of the gorge can be reached only on foot.
Flora and fauna
Varying climates and altitudes create very varied vegetation patterns. In areas of high rainfall (like the Blyde River Canyon, with an average of 2,000mm/80in. of rainfall in the year, compared with only 500mm/20in. in the lowveld) are dense forests, the result of large-scale redeforestation schemes. The ancient rocks, mainly dolomite and quartzite, are frequently covered by colored lichen. In addition to giant ferns and rare orchids the flora includes species of Erica and Protea. The reserve is also home to many species of animals, including all the species of monkeys commonly found in South Africa and many different species of birds.
The Blyderivierspoort Nature Reserve is a favorite staging-point on the journey from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park. At least two days should be allowed for seeing the natural beauties of the area, using one of the two camping sites within the reserve or one of the hotels in the surrounding area as a base.
The reserve, which has an area of 22,667ha/55,987ac, can be explored by car on a panoramic road, from which side roads branch off to various magnificent viewpoints. The floor of the gorge can be reached only on foot.
Flora and fauna
Varying climates and altitudes create very varied vegetation patterns. In areas of high rainfall (like the Blyde River Canyon, with an average of 2,000mm/80in. of rainfall in the year, compared with only 500mm/20in. in the lowveld) are dense forests, the result of large-scale redeforestation schemes. The ancient rocks, mainly dolomite and quartzite, are frequently covered by colored lichen. In addition to giant ferns and rare orchids the flora includes species of Erica and Protea. The reserve is also home to many species of animals, including all the species of monkeys commonly found in South Africa and many different species of birds.
Related Attractions
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Swadini Reptile Park
50km/30mi north of the junction of R 532 with R 36, on R 527, is the Swadini Reptile Park with snakes, lizards and crocodiles from the region and from all over the world. Interesting presentations and commentaries and, for those so inclined, the chance of handling a snake (under supervision) make a visit to this park a memorable experience.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
Echo Caves
The road, signposted to Lydenburg, comes in 1km/.75mi to the Echo Caves (on the right of the road), an extensive system of stalactitic caves in the local dolomite. Material found in the caves shows that they were occupied by Stone Age man. Rock paintings and other objects from the caves are displayed in the Museum of Man.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 | 8:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Abel Erasmus Pass
A road (signposted to Tzaneen) leads to the Abel Erasmus Pass (1,224m/4,016ft), climbing 700m/2,300ft with numerous bends and fantastic views.
Berlin Falls
1km/.75mi north of the R 534/532 junction a side road (2km/1.25mi) goes off to the Berlin Falls (80m/260ft high), named after a farm which once stood here.
Blyde River Canyon Hiking Trails
Round Blyde River Canyon are well waymarked hiking trails, ranging in length from an hour or two to several days.
Two long hiking trails run through the nature reserve. The Blyderivierspoort Trail (65km/40mi; 5 days) runs from God's Window to Swadini (overnight accommodation in huts). The Fanie Botha Trail (80km/50mi; 5 days), named after a former minister of forestry, runs from the Ceylon Forest Station, 13km/8mi west of Sabie, to God's Window, where it joins the Blyderivierspoort Trail.
Two long hiking trails run through the nature reserve. The Blyderivierspoort Trail (65km/40mi; 5 days) runs from God's Window to Swadini (overnight accommodation in huts). The Fanie Botha Trail (80km/50mi; 5 days), named after a former minister of forestry, runs from the Ceylon Forest Station, 13km/8mi west of Sabie, to God's Window, where it joins the Blyderivierspoort Trail.
Lisbon Falls
R 534 runs in a wide arc to rejoin R 532. Just under a kilometer (.75mi) south on R 532 a side road (2km/1.25mi) goes off on the right to the Lisbon Falls, where the river plunges down in a series of steps to a depth of 92m/300ft.
Ohrigstad, South Africa
Ohrigstad, 23km/14mi beyond the Echo Caves, is a village established in 1845 but abandoned soon afterwards because of epidemics of malaria. This fertile valley was reoccupied only in the 20th C, after the elimination of the mosquitoes. There are some ruins of the original village.
Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve
18km/11mi beyond Ohrigstad R 36 runs into R 533. A short distance along this road to the east a side road (4km/2.5mi) goes off on the right to the Ohrigstad Dam. Round the lake is the Ohrigstad Dam Nature Reserve, a popular camping and picnicking area.
Pinnacle
3km/2mi north of Graskop on R 532 a side road (R 534) goes off on the right (in 15km/9mi rejoining R 532). 1.5km/1mi along R 534 a road on the right leads in 200m/220yd to a parking place above the precipitous scarp of the Drakensberg. From here there is a view of the Pinnacle, a free-standing granite crag rising out of a densely wooded gorge.
