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. 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.