Hike in the Blyde River Canyon

The Blyderivierspoort Hiking Trail has been reopened – once again, you can explore this scenic corner of Mpumalanga on foot. The trail was closed in 2015 for renovations. The three-day trail runs from Paradise Camp on the God’s Window loop (R534) near Graskop, to the Bourke’s Luck Potholes, where you’ll stay on day three. You’ll hike about 30 km in total – 3 km on the first day, 13,5 km on the second day, 13,6 km on the third day – in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve and on private property. Keep your camera ready for photos of mountain grassland, quartzite rocks, the Treur River Valley, indigenous forests and the confluence of the Treur and Blyde rivers. Bring your swimming trunks: There are lots of places to take a dip, especially at Clearwater, the cabin where you stay on the second night.

Cost: R1 350 per person. Groups of five or more get a 30 % discount. A slackpacking option is also being planned – the rates will be announced soon. How fit do I need to be? Even though the trail mainly follows contour lines, you’re in a mountainous area so the fitter you are the more you’ll enjoy it. Accommodation: Each overnight cabin has 15 bunk beds with mattresses, flush toilets, braai facilities, pots and kettles. You can order firewood beforehand. Bring your own food, cooking equipment, sleeping bags, headlamps and toilet paper. Where can I leave my car? Park at Bourke’s Luck Potholes and use the shuttle to the trailhead at Paradise Camp. Bookings: 013 759 5375; reservations@mtpa.co.za