God's Window

Enjoy one of the most picturesque viewpoints in South Africa. Look out across a landscape of canyons and waterfalls, then go hiking and wildlife spotting.

Make a point of putting God’s Window on your travel itinerary for one of the most spectacular views in South Africa. The scenic viewpoint is on the Blyde River Canyon and looks out over South Africa’s Lowveld, a vast subtropical region that encompasses waterfalls, rock formations, cliffs and forest.

Bring your binoculars and camera with you and stand on the small deck that’s been built into the side of the escarpment. You will be on a platform that is approximately 2,300 feet (701 meters) above the valley. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Lebombo Mountains which border Mozambique.

While you are here, go hiking through the rainforest, which is often shrouded in mist. God’s Window is a nature reserve and among the wildlife species you may see here are baboons, antelope, crocodiles and monkeys.

God’s Window is part of the Panorama Route, a long road through the Drakensberg mountain range. It passes natural wonders and many other scenic viewpoints. Be sure to experience some of these sights while you are in the area. They include Lone Creek and Mac Mac waterfalls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and the rounded mountain tops known as the Three Rondavels.

God’s Window is located approximately 125 miles (201.2-kilometers) north of the heart of Mpumalanga. Many visitors who travel along the Panorama Route stay in the towns and hamlets in the area, including Sabie, Graskop and Hazyview. There is a range of accommodation types, including spa resorts and game lodges.

You will need to pay an admission fee to experience the views from God’s Window, which includes parking. During your sightseeing trip, you may come across a number of souvenir sellers. If you see something you like, barter hard, because it is expected. Try to arrive early on a clear day to miss the crowds.