Hiking and Hoedspruit: Waterfall Trail – Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve

The Waterfall hike at the Blyde River Canyon is a very manageable walk for those looking for a bit of adventure, without the commitment of a full day trip with steep climbs. It follows a fairly level path beside a small river, and after 20 minutes, you reach the waterfall. It flows even in winter and culminates in a pool that is safe and refreshing for swimming.

 

Blyde Canyon is the largest green canyon in the world and the third largest canyon after the Grand Canyon in America and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia. Because the trail is within the canyon, there are trees and vegetation all year round, providing a cool walk even at midday. If you’re lucky, you might see wildlife like kudu, baboons, grey duiker, and bushbuck. Looking up, you’ll find birdlife in the ancient-looking trees.

The total distance to the waterfall and back is just over 3 km, and you can easily complete it within an hour. With little elevation, it’s doable for inexperienced hikers or kids as well.

 

Our personal recommendation? Combine it with the Blyde Boat Safari! You pass by it on your way to the Blyde Dam where the boat tour takes place.