When one starts to list the natural wonders hidden all over South Africa’s peaks and valleys, it soon becomes clear that this country’s riches are often beyond what we could imagine. One such natural wonder is certainly the Panorama Route. Starting at the foot of the Long Tom Pass just outside Lydenburg, this route follows the Great Escarpment of the Lowveld, through green valleys and up to the border between Mpumalanga and Limpopo near the Echo Caves. One can easily spend weeks exploring this scenic part of the country, and when it comes to laying down your head at night, LekkeSlaap has you covered with our top-six stays on the Panorama Route!

Rivendell Trout Estate, Lydenburg

Located on the banks of the trout-filled Spekboom River, the Rivendell Cottages offer an idyllic fisherman’s escape en-route to the Kruger National Park and centrally located for day visits to destinations such as Dullstroom, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Sudwala Caves and Pilgrim’s Rest. Each cottage offers four bedrooms, a large open-plan lounge, dining room, a kitchen area with a separate scullery and a large fireplace to keep the winter’s cold at bay. A large deck offers a magnificent view of the lush greenery that surrounds this estate. The estate is also located within the Mount Anderson Water Catchment Reserve ─ a conservancy of thousands of hectares where kudu, bushbuck, duiker, bush pigs and baboons wander freely. There’s certainly no better escape for a fisherman on the Panorama Route than at Rivendell Trout Estate.

Capacity: 8 guests per cottage
Facilities: Wood-fire and gas braai facilities 
Nearby activities and attractions: Fly fishing and game viewing

Klipkoppie Cottage, Nelspruit

When visiting the Panorama Route, Nelspruit is certainly a destination that you dare not miss out on and when it comes to comfort, Klipkoppie Cottage is at the top of our list. This property is located in a quiet neighbourhood surrounded by lush green gardens and the accommodation comprises three units of which two can be booked separately or together to accommodate a family of four to six guests. These units come equipped with all the creature comforts, including air-conditioning, a TV with DStv, Netflix and Showmax, a microwave, bar fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities and free Wi-Fi, making this a true home away from home!

Capacity: 7 guests in 3 units
Facilities: Swimming pool, braai area, secure parking and Wi-Fi
Nearby activities and attractions: Birdwatching and Kruger National Park

Sheppard Boutique Guesthouse, Nelspruit

This boutique guesthouse is also situated in the ever-so-popular Mpumalanga capital, and offers a staggering view of the Crocodile River Valley and Lowveld. The guesthouse offers accommodation in 22 rooms that overlook the lush gardens and pool. All bedrooms are elegantly furnished in the style typical of a grand and gracious English manor with four-star comforts, such as air-conditioning, minibars, flat-screen TV’s with DStv channels, free Wi-Fi across the entire property, tea and coffee-making facilities, luxurious toiletries in the en-suite facilities, toweling gowns in the luxury rooms and digital mini safes. If privacy is at the top of your list of requirements for a luxury stay on the Panorama Route, be sure to book a few nights at this destination!

Capacity: 2 guests per room
Facilities: Swimming pool, conference facilities, secure parking and free Wi-Fi
Nearby activities and attractions: Kruger National Park and Nelspruit’s Riverside Precinct

Tarry-Stone Cottages, Dullstroom

Situated in the picturesque Dullstroom, these four luxury face-brick cottages offer a true haven for a quick weekend away in the heart of the Panorama Route. The accommodation comprises cottages that either sleep two or seven guests. These cottages are fully equipped for self-catering, offering all you need for short or long stays. The dining areas all have a large wooden table with a wooden stove, and a separate living area equipped with an open fireplace and comfortable seating. Media facilities with a large selection of on-demand movies and series will have you spoilt to the gills on a night in front of the fireplace. If a quick recharge in one of South Africa’s most stunning spots is what you seek, Tarry-Stone Cottages is just the place for you!

Capacity: 2 to 7 guests in 4 cottages
Facilities: Braai area, secure parking and free Wi-Fi
Nearby activities and attractions: Sabie, Pilgrim’s Rest’s historical sights, horseback riding, organic farms and trout fishing

Gecko Lodge, Hazyview

Gecko Lodge is set on a 35-hectare farm with Sabie River frontage that is located only three kilometres outside South Africa’s banana mecca, Hazyview. Offering easy access to the Panorama Route, this lodge will have you spoiled for choice with six room categories of which all are tastefully decorated and furnished with either single, double or bunk beds. Each room is equipped with a ceiling fan, tea and coffee-making facilities and a safe. Many of the rooms have access to the covered verandah-style walkways leading around an alluring courtyard. Bask in the sun beside the rock swimming pool or unwind in the lush gardens, surrounded by flowers, plants and trees. Delicious meals can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant and there is a small lounge area with a library near the reception area. This is certainly a prime spot for a discerning Panorama Route traveller, so be sure not to miss out during your Hazyview stay!

Capacity: 2 to 4 guests per room
Facilities: Swimming pool, secure, free Wi-Fi and conferencing facilities
Nearby activities and attractions: Kruger National Park, God’s Window and Pilgrim’s Rest’s historical attractions

A Pilgrim’s Rest Guest House, Graskop

This gorgeous guesthouse is situated in Graskop on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment and will have any traveller longing for days gone by. This town forms the gateway to the Panorama Route, making it the perfect stop-over for a Panorama Route exploration. The house sleeps twelve guests and comprises one family unit, three double bedrooms and a twin bedroom. In-room facilities include a TV, DVD player, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a fan. A Pilgrim’s Rest Guest House is certainly one of the best spots on the Panorama Route to experience the magnificence of this natural phenomenon. 

Capacity: 2 to 4 guests per room
Facilities: Secure parking and free Wi-Fi
Nearby activities and attractions: Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Kruger National Park, God’s Window and Mac Mac Falls

With these picture-perfect stays scattered all across the Panorama Route, there’s no reason to miss out on the many natural wonders this part of South Africa has to offer!

All photo’s are sourced from LekkeSlaap.co.za
Feature image: Bigstock