Development of the Blyde River Canyon Cableway Project

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

The Blyde River Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world (26 946 ha), after the Grand Canyon in the United States and the Fish River Canyon in Namibia, and is the largest ‘green canyon’ due to its lush subtropical foliage, with the deepest precipitous cliffs of any canyon on the planet.

One of the most-visited attractions in South Africa, the Blyde River Canyon is 26 kilometres in length and is, on average, around 800m deep. The Blydepoort/Blyderivierspoort Dam, when full, is at an altitude of 665m (2182 feet).

The canyon offers stunning views of towering cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and cascading waterfalls.

Blyde River Canyon tourism attractions include spectacular views such as the magnificent Gods Window, The Three Rondavels and The Pinnacles.

God’s Window, Mpumalanga. Credit: Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA)

The development of the Cableway Project

The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) is a section 21 company, situated in Mpumalanga, Nelspruit. It was established through the Mpumalanga Tourism Act of 2005. The MTPA Act, 2005, provides for the sustainable development and improvement of the tourism industry and conservation management of the natural resources of Mpumalanga.

The proposed Cableway Project is located in the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve. The land allocated for the site is communal land. Ownership of such land is vested in the respective communities through the Communal Property Associations (CPAs), namely Maorabjang, Moletele, Setlhare and Mahubahuba A Bokone. The land claimed by each respective CPA is stated in the concluded land settlement agreement.

Project description

The proposed cableway development will provide visitors with a unique view of the Blyde River Canyon. Facilities such as improved parking, a restaurant and curio stalls are also envisaged.

The proposed development will enhance all facilities at this unique tourism attraction and complement other proposed developments at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve.

Project status

The Pre-feasibility and Feasibility Study have been conducted.
Pre-implementation, includes the registration of the project with the National Treasury as a PPP project.

The project is located in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality, within the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.