Kruger Surrounds
Fast Facts
Dullstroom is a fly-fishing haven with its many streams and dams; Sabie was once a gold town and now centre of the forestry industry and Pilgrims Rest is a historic village which is now a National Monument and is very charming.
Look Down on the World from God's Window
Although the Kruger National Park is undoubtedly the region’s major attraction, the areas surrounding this famous National Park are an enticing option to the holidaymaker in their own right and you may want to consider spending a couple of nights in this area before or after your safari experience.
The Blyde River Canyon is one of Africa’s Natural wonders and is the World’s third deepest Canyon. The Panorama route on the nearby escarpment is an excellent day trips taking in a series of waterfalls, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes as well as many other sights of interest. This region is also famous for its trout fishing. All in all, the Kruger Surrounds region is a great place in which to relax, unwind and take in the scenery. What better way to cure the after-effects of an overnight flight than to pamper yourself at one of the regions’ fine spa retreats before you depart on your safari adventure.
The Kruger Surround’s centre piece is the 20km (12 miles) long gorge of the Blyde River Canyon. This is picture postcard scenery at its very best and well worth a visit. From the top of the Canyon there are viewing points easily reached from the main road, from which you can gaze across the Loweld plain and, closer, at the awesome massifs on the Marieskop and the Three Rondavels.
Although the Kruger National Park is undoubtedly the region’s major attraction, the areas surrounding this famous National Park are an enticing option to the holidaymaker in their own right and you may want to consider spending a couple of nights in this area before or after your safari experience.
The Blyde River Canyon is one of Africa’s Natural wonders and is the World’s third deepest Canyon. The Panorama route on the nearby escarpment is an excellent day trips taking in a series of waterfalls, God’s Window and Bourke’s Luck Potholes as well as many other sights of interest. This region is also famous for its trout fishing. All in all, the Kruger Surrounds region is a great place in which to relax, unwind and take in the scenery. What better way to cure the after-effects of an overnight flight than to pamper yourself at one of the regions’ fine spa retreats before you depart on your safari adventure.
The Kruger Surround’s centre piece is the 20km (12 miles) long gorge of the Blyde River Canyon. This is picture postcard scenery at its very best and well worth a visit. From the top of the Canyon there are viewing points easily reached from the main road, from which you can gaze across the Loweld plain and, closer, at the awesome massifs on the Marieskop and the Three Rondavels.
A great idea for a full or half day excursion would be to hire a car and take in the so-called ‘Panorama Route’. This circular route takes in all the region’s major highlights including the Blyde River Canyon and a whole series of spectacular waterfalls including the Mac Mac and Lisbon Falls.
Other activities in the region, which can easily be organised from your hotel or lodge, include scenic walks and fishing. Many lodges can organise a picnic for you at a pre-arranged spot of your choice, perfect after a long stroll through the beautiful countryside.
The more adventurous amongst you may want to consider a helicopter ride over the Blyde River Canyon, a spectacular experience topped only by the taste of the champagne that awaits you half way through the excursion at the very top of the Canyon. For lovers of flight, a balloon ride over the region is a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
For those interested in the incredible history of the region, the Echo Complex of underground caverns north of Lydenburg are highly recommended. The caves were once home to stone-age San or Bushman peoples. You can see relics of their occupation in the rock paintings and excavated sites at the nearby Museum of Man.
The Kruger Surrounds is a beautiful and diverse region just calling out to be explored. Our Travel Experts have combed the region for the best accommodations and have learnt how best to combine the Kruger Surrounds with a stay in the Kruger National Park, so contact them for any advice you need, or simply send them an enquiry so they can begin helping you plan and book your safari.
Highlights
Spafari Retreats »
Combine your safari with a visit to a top spa for a classic spafari experience. The surrounding areas of the Kruger are a perfect place to relax and unwind before or after your safari. Pamper yourself with aromatherapy, reflexology, hand, foot and scalp massages, facial treatments, full body exfoliations, wraps, manicures and pedicures. Two of our favourite spa retreats include Cybele Forest Lodge and Summerfields River Lodge.
Blyde River Canyon »
The Blyde River Canyon is one of South Africa's most enchanting scenic areas. Forming part of the Greater Drakensberg escarpment, this natural wonder is a massive and majestic red-sandstone gorge, whose cliff faces plunge almost sheer to the waters below. The canyon, claimed to be the third deepest in the world is definetely worth a visit either as a day trip from your Kruger safari or if you are self driving the area.
Insider tips
Drive the unofficial 'waterfall route' which takes in eight very beautiful waterfalls in the Sabie-Graskop vicinity.
Helicopter adventures are an ideal way to capture the beauty and splendour of the area.
VIsit Dullstroom if you are interested in fly-fishing. There are plenty of rivers, crystal-clear steams, pools and dams.
The richly productive farming areas around Nelspruit and White River have given rise to a proliferation of colourful wayside stalls selling fresh seasonal produce as well as interesting curios.
Drive over the scenic Long Tom Pass which is one of South Africa's highest passes.
Pop in to the historical Pilgrims Rest village.
Panorama Route
Wherever you go the Escarpment, you'll find scenic riches and splendid view sites.The circular Panorama Route is especially inviting. Beginning and ending in the town Sabie, it takes in the MacMac and Lisbon Falls, God's Window, the Berlin Falls, a fern-festooned picnic site in the nature reserve, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, the valley of Pilgrim's Creek and Pilgrim's Rest.
Getting there
The best option is to fly into Kruger Mpumalanga Airport and hire a car.
Alternatively you can drive from Johannesburg which takes approximately five hours. The roads are in really good condition in South Africa with a very sophisticated highway system. If you are self driving and not too good at navigating you may want to consider a GPS.
When renting a car with us we offer unlimited mileage and super cover insurance.
Top Kruger & Surrounds Accommodation & Tours
Hippo Hollow »
Hippo Hollow is nestled amongst lush indigenous gardens on the banks of the Sabie River in Hazyview, a few minutes from the Kruger Park. The 91 thatched chalets overlook either the gardens, swimming pools or the River. A variety of activities await you and you will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Read more »Luxury Tented Kruger »
For those looking for an incredible Kruger Safari Experience, we have combined these lodges to give you a varied Kruger experience in terms of the game viewing, the environment and the accommodation. Both camps have one thing in common- standards of excellence.
Read more »Cybele Forest Lodge »
As you travel into the cool of the forest country far into the mountains you will find Cybele Forest Lodge and Health Spa. Three hundred acres of African paradise, living forest, mountains and meadows. The best thing to do at Cybele is to relax or partake in one of the many activities on offer.
Read more »Best of the Sabi Sabi »
This itinerary takes in two top luxury safari lodges located in the world famous Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve. This excellent package combines two lodges with completely different styles from old world colonial chic to state of the art modern style.
Read more »Summerfields River Lodge »
Summerfields River Lodge & Spa is nestled on a working farm in a secluded valley near Hazyview. Twelve exclusive tented suites are suspended above the Sabie River. Summerfields provides the ideal setting to reconnect with nature through the soothing sounds of the gently flowing river and bird calls.
Read more »Ultimate Kruger »
This is the ideal trip for the discerning traveller eager to sample the very best that the Kruger has to offer. In terms of the quality of the game viewing and the standards of accommodation and service, this itinerary would be hard to top anywhere in Africa!
Read more »Olivers Lodge »
Surrounded by the lush forests of the Mpumalanga province, Oliver's Restaurant & Lodge is situated on the secure White River Country Estate and overlooks the first green of the 18-hole championship White River Golf Course. Oliver’s offers beautifully appointed rooms and award-winning cuisine.
Read more »Sensational Singita »
Experience two exclusive safari lodges in the Kruger region. This tour starts with two-nights in the Sabi Sands at Singita Boulders Lodge followed by two-nights at Singita Lebombo in a private concession of the Kruger. This is safari in the utmost luxury.
Read more »






