Mpumalanga is famous for the Panorama Route and this is the perfect province for chasing waterfalls. It is nestled in the northeastern corner of South Africa and it boasts lush forests, towering mountains, and cascading waterfalls.
This Route is a scenic drive that winds its way through rugged landscapes and offers breathtaking views at every turn. But perhaps the most captivating feature of the Panorama Route is its collection of majestic waterfalls, each more awe-inspiring than the last.
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Mpumalanga is known as the ‘The place where the sun rises‘. This province has more waterfalls than any other province in South Africa and therefore the best place to go find some waterfalls.
Here you will find spectacular waterfalls that decorate the gorges and cliffs, and many are surrounded with lush greenery.
Most of these waterfalls have easy access and a 4×4 is not necessary; however, the potholes in this region are shocking. It is important to note that there is an entry fee at all the waterfalls and they do not have any card facilities. So make sure to take money with you when you visit these falls.
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Things to do on the Panorama Route
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Must visit waterfalls
Here is a list of all the waterfalls we visited from my most favourite to least favourite:
Lisbon Falls
Lisbon Falls (📍) is located just north of Graskop and this is my favourite waterfall.
This waterfall stands 94m tall and is Mpumalanga’s highest waterfall. Three waterfalls are rushing down, which are sometimes four if there is heavy rain.
Most people just view the waterfall from the viewpoint of the parking area. However, I would highly recommend hiking down to the waterfall, as this is where you’ll get the most spectacular view.
Entrance fee: R15pp (2022)
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Lone Creek
Lone Creek (📍) is situated just outside of Sabie and is surrounded by beautiful indigenous forests. This waterfall stands 68m tall and there is a short walk to the waterfall. Luckily, there is more than enough space to get your spot away from the crowd.
According to Google Maps, there are two routes leading to the falls; however, one route is a restricted area, so make sure to follow the Ou Lydenberg Road when visiting the waterfall.
Entrance fee: R30 pp (2022)
Bridal Veil
Bridal Veil (📍) is located 6 kilometres outside of Sabie. It is 70m tall and definitely more delicate than the other waterfalls; however, the spray of the waterfall will still cause your hair to go from straightened to frizzy.
The waterfall looks like a sheer veil of a bride, hence the name.
It is a short walk from the car park to the falls, but the views you get on your way there are worth the walk.
Once at the falls, you can make your way behind the falls by following the slippery path. Here you can get up close and personal with the water.
Entrance fee: R20 pp (2022)
Berlin Falls
Berlin Falls (📍) is just outside of Graskop and is on your way to the Blyde River Canyon.
The falls are also named after a European capital because of the European miners who settled in the region during the gold rush in the late 1800s.
The falls can be viewed from a platform. where you see the falls crush at the bottom.
Entrance fee: R15 pp (2022)
Mac Mac Falls
Mac Mac Falls (📍) is really impressive, but the main reason it is my least favourite waterfall of all the others is that it was very crowded the day we visited. The viewpoint is not as big as at all the other waterfalls and therefore everyone is fighting for a spot to take a picture.
Mac Mac Falls plunges 65m over the cliff onto the rocky surface at the bottom.
Entrance fee: R15 pp (2022)
You can however get up close and personal with the falls by joining a canyoning guided tour by Manawa. Such a tour takes about 4 hours and is the perfect activity for the adventurous. To see more about this activity, go check out their website here.
Where to start?
If you are coming from Gauteng, I’ll suggest chasing the waterfalls in the following order:
Lone Creek – Bridal Veil – Mac Mac Falls – Lisbon Falls – Berlin Falls
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Wow!!!
Dankie moeks 🙂