Hiking

Blyde River Canyon Hiking Trail. This breathtakingly scenic 60 km (37 mi) five-day hike runs from God's Window right along the edge of the escarpment. Accommodation ranges from comfotable cottages to sleeping under the stars. You can also take shorter two-day and three-day trails. The mountain scenery is spectacular, making it one of the most popular trails in the country. You'll need to stop—not just to catch your breath—but to drink in the glorious scenery. Several shorter trails explore the canyon from trailheads at Bourke's Luck Potholes. The number of hikers on the multi-day trails is controlled, so it's essential to reserve far in advance (contact the nature reserve). There is also a recently developed circular 180 meters (almost 1 mile) trail for disabled visitors. off R534, Graskop, Mpumalanga.

Abel Erasmus Pass. The descent out of the nature reserve, down the escarpment, and through Abel Erasmus Pass is breathtaking. (From the Three Rondawels, take the R532 to a T, and turn right onto the R36.) Be careful as you drive this pass. Locals graze their cattle and goats on the verges, and you may be surprised by animals on the tarmac as you round a bend. The J. G. Strijdom Tunnel serves as the gateway to the lowveld. At the mouth of the tunnel are stands where you can buy clay pots, African masks, wooden giraffes, curios of many kinds and subtropical fruit. As you emerge from the dark mouth of the tunnel, the lowveld spreads out below, and the views of both it and the mountains are stunning. On the left, the Olifants River snakes through the bushveld, lined to some extent by African subsistence farms. Graskop, Mpumalanga.