The fast-flowing Blyde River has, over the centuries, carved its way through 700 metres of shale and quartzite to create a scenic jumble of cliffs, islands, plateaus and bush-covered slopes that form a 20-kilometer canyon. At the heart of this canyon lies the Blydepoort Dam.

The forested slopes of the ravine are home to several large antelope species, as well as smaller mammals, birds, hippo and crocodile. Only in the Blyde River Canyon are all the Southern African privates found: chacma baboon, vervet and samango monkeys, and both species of bushbaby.

A 300-kilometre circular drive from Grakop via Bosbokrand, Kaserie, Swadini and Bourke’s Luck arffords panoramic vistas of the escarpment rising above the plains, the Blydepoort Dam and the breathtaking view deep into the canyon itself. There are several overnight trails and short walks, and accommodation is available at the resorts of Swadini and Blydepoort.