The Blyde River Canyon, the name in which ‘Blyde River’ means happy river in Dutch language, is located in Mpumalanga in South Africa, forming the northern portion of the Drakensberg escarpment. Lengthwise, it is about 26 kilometers, and about 2500 feet deep.
The Blyde River Canyon is one among the largest canyons on Earth, which can also be called the biggest ‘green canyon’ due to the vast and thick sub-tropical foliage. It has some of the deepest and dangerous cliffs, the mere view of which may be breath-taking. Rated as second to the Fish River Canyon, it is the second largest canyon and known to be one of the great wonders of the nature in Africa. The Blyde River Canyon has catchy views of the huge and round rocks, popularly known as the ‘Three Rondavels’, reminding the huts or houses of the tribal people, called Rondavels. This canyon which is a part of the famous Panorama route starts from Grasktop, including God’s window, the Pinnacle and finally reaching Bourke’s Luck Potholes.
The Kadishi tufa waterfall, which owns the credit of being the second tallest on the planet, requires a special mention in the Blyde River Canyon. The formation of a tufa waterfall takes place when the water that runs over dolomite rocks absorbs calcium and rapidly deposits rock formations. One such formation being formed by the Kadishi Tufa waterfall resembles a crying face, due to which it has got the name ‘the nature’s weeping face’.
The Blyde River Canyon supports a stunning diversity of life including the wide variety of fish species, crocodiles, hippos, antelopes and also all primate species seen in South Africa. The bird life is also tremendous with different kinds of vultures, eagles, owls, woodpeckers, falcons and lot more, which are really eye-catching and splendid!