Panorama Route

After breakfast today, the same travel company, Shearwater, that picked us up was taking us back to Victoria Falls airport. As such, we had to do the border crossing again and Robert was our Zambia driver and passed us off to Francis who was our Zimbabwe driver. The exit stamp and entry process was way calmer than when we arrived as we were the only ones crossing around 7:30 am. Here’s a picture of a lily and a baboon at the customs point:





Also a last view of Victoria Falls from the bridge crossing below:



After crossing, we also picked up more passengers on the Zimbabwe side who needed a ride to the airport. We got to see some craft markets as we entered their resort area. Victoria Falls airport was quiet as our flight was the only one and at 10 am. It was steamy too in the terminals as the air conditioning wasn’t on. Then we boarded for our flight to Kruger Mpumalanga Airport which is in Nelspruit. We left early as the plane was less than half full, took about 90 minutes and travelled a little over Botswana. Here’s a photo of a rhino statue when we landed with our plane from the baggage claim room:



After immigration, we found an ATM to pick up some South African Rand and Amanda had me take this photo:



We then enjoyed some coffee and lunch at the airport. Amanda ordered a salad and I had a halloumi cheese wrap before we picked up our rental car at Avis. This is my first time driving on the left side of the road, but I managed to navigate out of the airport and was surprised to see a herd of impalas just outside the exit:





We headed north to Graskop and the scenery was absolutely lush and green. I definitely drove slower than usual as I was getting my bearings and adjusting mentally on turns and which lane to be in while Amanda cheered me on. Some photos taken by Amanda below:







The road up to Graskop is the start of the famous Panorama Route which is dotted with waterfalls and beautiful viewpoints, centered around Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world. The route itself is just 160 km or about 100 miles. We had planned to stop at one of the many waterfalls, but as we were approaching Graskop, it started to rain so we trudged on. Graskop apparently means grassy hill and nearby Pilgrim’s Rest was a village for miners as part of the gold rush. Now they are launching off points for visiting the Blyde River Canyon region.

We arrived at the Graskop Hotel which is on Main Street, but as our room wasn’t ready, they offered us some rooibos tea which means bush tea or red tea and local to South Africa. I had it before when a church friend bought some:



When the room was ready, we were given instructions on driving around back and being let into a gated parking lot where we can park right in front of our room. A photo of our Toyota from the window:



And a view of the garden accessible from our room:



As today was a long travel day and since it was raining, we decided to nap and stay in. Tomorrow will be a big day of exploring the panoramas and we will want to get up early!