Blyde River
The Blyde River and the picturesque canyon, has formed one of the most picturesque and even dramatic pictures throughout South Africa. Adding to this natural beauty is the background of the majestic hills of the Drakensberg Mountains.
Blydе Canyon can be reached from the city Graskop which is the starting point taking you to the road R532 which will lead on to the river.
Blydе River and the Canyon have something huge hidden in itself, the unique natural phenomena is known to many as, God's Window, Three Rondavels and others. Blydе Canyon is the third largest in the world with its area of 25, 000 hectares. There, animal and plant seems to have inexhaustible wealth. There are endemic species such as line ibis, and for ornithologists, there is a kind of paradise. Countless different kinds of picturesque lands cross around the river Blyde.
Recently, the canyon of the river Blyde was renamed Motlatse. It is the third most deep canyon in the world after the Grand Canyon in western America and one in Namibia.
Recently Blyde River and its surrounding territory were converted into protected areas. This reserve in South Africa is close to the other natural reserve - Kruger National Park.
The river and its gorge are located in Mpumalanga, which is part of the Republic of South Africa. Before being declared a protected area, Blyde River was subjected to thorough studies and research. Studies were carried out in the field of ecology and possible modifications to the environment. In parallel, steps have been taken so that the local population remains untouched or affected in any way.
The project to preserve the river Blyde has developed the tourist infrastructure. Across the canyon there are plans to build several five star hotels and campsites as well. Thorough work led to the already made attractive tourist routes that reveal the detailed particulars of the beautiful natural resources of the river Blyde and Blyde canyon.
Today Blyde River is a very attractive place for extreme sports. Visitors there have built up excellent conditions for rock climbing and abseiling. Lovers of the rafting sport can also take opportunities for this sport. If you are looking for quiet pursuits and prefer not to set your adrenalin levels high, you can spend all day relaxing and observering what the reserve has to offer.
The plant and animal wealth in the territories of the river Blyde are not much talk off. There is one of the few remaining places in Mpumalanga, where there is still a mountain pasture.
The grass variety along the river Blyde has more than 1000 plant species, many of which are endemic (not found anywhere else in the world), rare or endangered. Animal and bird life are also represented by a set of endangered and rare species. Over the Blyde River can be seen the Taita Falcon, which occurs only in one or two more places.
