Cliffs, valleys and canyons of the Drakensberg Mountains meet the Blyde River near the small town of Graskop, South Africa.
Blyde River Canyon
We decide to chill out in the cool here for a few days. Take in some sweeping valley views from the Valley View Backpackers Hostel.
The view from the Valley View Backpackers
This area offers a myriad of adrenaline activities like white water rafting, canyoning (kloofing) and candlelight caving, but we’ve done it all at some point. If you’re not afraid, where’s the fun?
Lone Creek Falls
Let’s drive the Panoramic Route. Breathe in the mist at Lone Creek Falls.
Mac Mac Falls
God’s Window proves to be foggy during our entire stay…hope that’s not a sign!
Berlin Falls
Walk a short way to a crease in the canyon and see several more surprising waterfalls.
Lisbon Falls
After viewing the Three Rondavels, Blyde River Canyon lures us into a strenuous hike to its belly.
The Three Rondavels
The Belvedere Day Hike starts at Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Much larger than ones we dodge on the road, they are formed from whirlpools at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
We swim in sweat, just an hour into hiking this humid heat. The trail grows difficult weaving up and down into the canyon. Slick boulders, thorny vines, and washes help us lose the trail several times. Watch for snakes.
Descending into the Canyon
The canyon walls and river exude beauty and awe, but we’re too gassed to appreciate it. Got to hike at least two more hours to make it out of here, and our legs are gone. Hey, here comes that adrenaline when we get lost again!
Coming through…. Ouch!
Climbing rocks and searching for markers, we’ve forgotten about watching for snakes. Shoot, we have to stop just to slow down our heart rate. Finally, we reach relatively flat ground and have only an hour of hiking back to the Potholes. Perhaps we enjoy hiking because it still scares us.
So are we on the trail now?
Tonight, we celebrate with cold beers and peri-peri chicken livers and gizzards at Caninmambo Restaurant, a Portuguese/Mozambican joint. Next adventure, a grand finale of wild animals in Kruger Park, a South African highlight. Ron Mitchell
Your pictures are breathtaking! Just beautiful there. We miss you guys!
We have to get together in April, Sue. We’re headed back to Alaska this summer if all goes well!
Looks like a really amazing place. The nature is stunning. Thanks for bringing me with you, I enjoy it!
Next, I am looking forward to read about your experiences in Kruger Park 🙂
My pleasure! Might get Kruger up today, as we have a few days of “luxury” now.
FANFREAKINGTASTIC!!!!
Loving that word.
Stunning…absoutley stunning. You guys rock!
Sometimes we limp too, Colleen!
Oh stopped by and see I’ve missed several posts. This looks like a fantastic place to hike and gorgeous scenery, but the snakes…..no thank you! I’m heading to hike in rattlesnake country this weekend east of the mountains, but this time of year they are pretty sluggish…I think and hope. Happy trails!
You two look great!!