If you are looking for activities in the area of God’s window, you are in the right place. God’s Window is a scenic viewpoint located on the Drakensberg escarpment in the province of Mpumalanga, South Africa. It is situated on the eastern part of the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, which is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and wildlife.
From God’s Window, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Lowveld, a vast expanse of lush greenery and rolling hills that stretches to the horizon. The site is named “God’s Window” because of the breathtaking views it provides, which are said to be so beautiful that they can only be the work of God.
Our list of God’s Window Acivities
Here’s some more information on the activities in and around God’s Window:
Enjoy the view
God’s Window is one of the most popular viewpoints in South Africa, and for good reason. From the viewpoint, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Lowveld, stretching out as far as the eye can see. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as the Kruger National Park.
Take a Guided Tour through the Panorama Route
If you want to experience the best of what God’s Window and its surround offers, a guided route of the Panorama Route is the a good way to do it.
Explore all of the attractions with the assistance of a guide and be transported to all the places worth seeing in the God’s Window area. Some of the places included in the Panorama tour are the Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck and many more the activities listed in the article below.
The tour includes a pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Hazyview, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the natural wonders that the Panorama Route has to offer.
Hiking
There are several hiking trails in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. One popular trail is the Leopard Trail, which takes hikers through dense forests and past waterfalls. The nearest hiking trail to God’s Window is the Rain Forest trail, which is a 1km long stretch. It is a light trail and suitable for people of all fitness levels, including children. For the serious hikers, one of the most popular trails in the vicinity is about 42km from God’s Window but along the way to other popular sights to see when in the area such as the Sabie Falls. It’s the Fanie Botha Trail, which is a multi-day hike that takes hikers through the Blyde River Canyon and up to the summit of Mariepskop.
Birdwatching
The area around God’s Window is home to a wide variety of bird species, including eagles, vultures, and kingfishers. Birdwatchers can explore the forests and cliffs around the viewpoint to spot these and other birds. There are designated areas for bird watching (called Important Bird Areas or IBAs) in the Graspkop area near where God’s Window is located. The three main birding areas are the Blyde River Canyon, Graskop Grasslands and Mac Mac Escarpment & Forests.
Visiting nearby attractions
The Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve is home to several other attractions that are worth visiting. Bourke’s Luck Potholes is a series of natural rock formations that have been eroded over time by the Blyde and Treur rivers. The area is named after a gold-digger named Tom Burke who was exploring for gold in the area. He didn’t find any gold there, but the distinctive appearance of the rock formations have made them a unique attraction for travellers and over the years, people have thrown coins into the potholes with wishes for good fortune. So if you are so inclined, you can carry a few coins with you to throw in the potholes for good luck.
The Three Rondavels are three large rock formations that resemble traditional African huts. And the Blyde River Canyon is one of the largest canyons in the world, offering stunning views and hiking opportunities.
The Panorama route that God’s Window is a part of is also home to several waterfalls which are popular with travellers.
Lisbon Falls
The waterfall is named after the capital city of Portugal, Lisbon, due to its similarity to the famous Lisbon Falls in Portugal. It cascades down a rocky cliff face, dropping around 94 meters (308 feet) into a deep pool at the bottom. The pool is surrounded by lush green forests and rocky cliffs, creating a picturesque scene.
Visitors can view the falls from a number of vantage points, including a lookout point at the top of the falls and a platform at the bottom. The platform offers a closer view of the falls, as well as a chance to feel the spray of the water.
Lisbon Falls is surrounded by a number of hiking trails, including the Panorama Route and the Mpumalanga Escarpment. These trails offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape and are a great way to explore the area. Visitors can also enjoy picnics and swimming in the nearby pools.
Mac Mac Falls
The waterfall is named after the Scottish miners who came to the area during the gold rush of the 1870s. Legend has it that the miners named the waterfall after one of their compatriots, who was known as “Mac Mac”.
Mac Mac Falls drops around 65 meters (213 feet) in two separate streams, creating a spectacular display of water cascading down the rocks. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and towering cliffs, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene.
It also has a few vantage points, including a lookout point at the top of the falls and a platform at the bottom. The platform offers a closer view of the falls, as well as a chance to feel the spray of the water.
The hiking trails in the area, include the Mac Mac Pools trail and the Mac Mac to Sabie trail, which take visitors through the forest and past several smaller waterfalls and pools.
Berlin Falls
The waterfall is named after the German city of Berlin, and it cascades down a rocky cliff face, dropping around 80 meters (262 feet) into a deep pool at the bottom. The pool is surrounded by lush green forests and rocky cliffs, creating a scenic and serene environment.
The surrounding area is home to a number of hiking trails, including the Fanie Botha Trail and the Loerie Trail, which offer stunning views of the falls and the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy picnics and swimming in the nearby pools.
Adventure activities
For those looking for a bit of excitement, there are several adventure activities available in the area. White water rafting tours take visitors down the Blyde River, providing an adrenaline-filled adventure. Zip lining tours allow visitors to soar over the forests and hills, and abseiling tours take visitors down the cliffs around the viewpoint.
Graskop Gorge Lift Co
This is the main attraction for adventure lovers and a must-see. It is a unique and thrilling experience that offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the area in a new and exciting way. It is located 11km from God’s Window in the town of Graskop.
The main attraction at Graskop Gorge Lift Co. is a glass elevator that descends 51 meters (167 feet) down the face of the gorge, offering visitors breathtaking views of the Graskop Falls and the surrounding forest. The elevator is made of glass panels that provide an unobstructed view of the gorge, creating a thrilling and unforgettable experience.
At the bottom of the gorge, visitors can explore the forest along a series of suspended walkways and viewing platforms. The walkways are suspended 70 meters (230 feet) above the floor of the gorge, and offer stunning views of the waterfall and the forest below.
Visitors can also take part in a variety of activities, including zip-lining, abseiling, and a 130-meter (426-foot) long suspension bridge, known as the Skywalk. The Skywalk offers an even more thrilling view of the gorge, as you walk across a transparent glass floor suspended high above the valley below.
In addition to the adventure activities, Graskop Gorge Lift Co. also features a restaurant and bar, as well as a gift shop selling locally made crafts and souvenirs.
Overall, Graskop Gorge Lift Co. is a thrilling and unique tourist attraction that offers visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of Mpumalanga in a new and exciting way.
Exploring local culture
Visitors can learn about the local culture and traditions by visiting nearby villages and interacting with the local community. Many of the villages around God’s Window are home to the Shangaan people, who have a rich culture and history. A popular option is the Shangana Cultural Village where you can take guided tours of the village, during which they will learn about the history and traditions of the Shangaan people, as well as the local flora and fauna.
The tours include a visit to the chief’s hut, where visitors can learn about the hierarchy and leadership structure of the community, as well as a visit to a traditional healer’s hut, where you can learn about traditional healing practices. You will also be able to watch traditional dances and music performances, and enjoy traditional meals and drinks.
The village also offers a variety of activities, including beading workshops, guided nature walks, and bird watching tours. It is set in a beautiful natural environment, surrounded by the Sabie River and the Shabangu Mountain, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers.
When is the best time to visit God’s Window?
The best time to visit God’s Window depends on what you want to see and do. Here is some information on the different seasons:
- Summer (December to February): The summer months in God’s Window are hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms. This is the best time to see the waterfalls in the area, as they will be at their fullest. However, the area can be quite crowded during this time, especially around Christmas and New Year’s.
- Autumn (March to May): Autumn is a popular time to visit God’s Window, as the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. The foliage also starts to change colors, making for some beautiful scenery.
- Winter (June to August): The winter months in God’s Window are dry and mild, with cool temperatures at night. This is a good time for hiking and exploring, as the weather is not too hot. The area can be quite busy during school holidays in July and August.
- Spring (September to November): Spring is a good time to visit God’s Window, as the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. This is a good time for birdwatching, as many migratory bird species return to the area during this time.
Overall, the best time to visit God’s Window is during the autumn and winter months, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, if you want to see the waterfalls at their fullest, then the summer months may be a better option.
Best natural place I have ever seen , hope to visit soon