Holidaymakers planning a trip to Blyde River Canyon this festive season should take note of temporary access restrictions at parts of the popular nature reserve.
The Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA) announced a series of closures at the Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve as sections of the area are prepared to host a major filming production.
The agency said the restrictions will apply across late 2025 and early 2026, but stressed that most of the reserve and the wider Panorama Route will remain open to the public.
Which parts of Blyde River Canyon are closed?
According to the MTPA, several well-known attractions will remain accessible throughout the festive season, including God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, the Three Rondavels and Pinnacle Rock.
However, two areas will be temporarily closed this month. These include:
- Blyde River Waterfall: Closed from 17 November to 23 December 2025
- Swadini Viewpoint Gates: Closed from 24 November to 24 December 2025
Pre-arranged boat trips will still be allowed access during this period.
Filming-related restrictions will continue briefly into the new year, but with fewer limitations.
Closures in early 2026 will include:
- Blyde River Waterfall: Closed from 31 December 2025 to 5 January 2026
- Swadini Viewpoint: Open to the public, with security stationed at designated access points
Why are the closures happening?
The MTPA said the temporary shutdowns are necessary to accommodate filming logistics while ensuring the safety of visitors.
Mpumalanga has become an increasingly popular destination for international film productions, which the agency views as a boost for the local economy, despite the short-term inconvenience for tourists.
Visitors are advised to plan ahead, check access times, and allow extra travel time when visiting the reserve during the festive season.
