The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) has announced a series of temporary closures at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve over the festive season.
This is due to sections of the popular South African tourist spot being prepared to host a major filming production.
The agency said on Tuesday, 12 November, that filming will restrict public access to certain areas across late 2025 and early 2026, but emphasised that the broader Panorama Route remains fully operational.
Parts of Blyde River Canyon to be closed in 2025 and 2026
According to the statement, visitor favourites such as God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels, and Pinnacle Rock will not be affected by the shutdowns.
The MTPA confirmed two key closures for this year:
- Blyde River Waterfall: Closed from 17 November–23 December 2025
- Swadini Viewpoint Gates: Closed 24 November–24 December 2025
- Exceptions will be made for prearranged boat trips, which will still be allowed access.
The following year will see shorter, more limited restrictions:
- Blyde River Waterfall: Closed 31 December 2025–5 January 2026
- Swadini Viewpoint: Open to the public, with security stationed at designated points during the filming schedule.
The agency stressed that these closures are temporary and necessary to accommodate production logistics while ensuring visitor safety.
Tourism impact expected to be minimal
The MTPA reiterated that the Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most popular travel corridors, remains largely unaffected.
The region typically draws heavy holiday traffic during November and December, and officials say they have coordinated schedules to help minimise disruption.
The announcement comes as the province continues to attract international film crews, which the MTPA views as both an economic opportunity and a challenge to balance with tourism demand.
