Panorama Route Alert: Emergency repairs begin on P33/4 (R536) Sabie – Hazyview!

last updated: 02 February 2026 

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has confirmed that repair work on the P33/4 road between Sabie and Hazyview is set to begin following multiple slope failures along this key route. The announcement was made on 31 January 2026, with construction teams now mobilised on site after the completion of main road works.

Emergency rehabilitation will focus on seven identified slip failures, which have compromised sections of the road embankment. According to the department, the repairs will involve backfilling and reshaping the affected embankments to restore the original road profile, ensuring long-term structural stability and improved safety for motorists.

The P33/4 is a vital link along Mpumalanga’s iconic Panorama Route, one of South Africa’s most celebrated scenic drives. Popular with both domestic and international travellers, this route provides essential access to major attractions including God’s Window, Blyde River Canyon, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and several of the region’s famous waterfalls.

Road users and tourists travelling between Sabie, Hazyview, and the Kruger National Park are advised to remain alert during the construction period and to expect possible delays while emergency repairs are underway. Once completed, the rehabilitation is expected to significantly improve driving conditions along this important tourism corridor.

Provincial Route P33/4, also shown as the R536 on Google Maps, is the scenic road that links Sabie and Hazyview winding from the misty Mpumalanga Escarpment down to the Lowveld. This route forms a key part of the famous Panorama Route, giving travellers easy access to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and other must-see attractions along one of South Africa’s most iconic drives.

 

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Mpumalanga traffic update: R533 closed between Graskop and Bushbuckridge!

The Mpumalanga Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport has announced the temporary closure of the R533 road between Graskop and Bushbuckridge, effective immediately. The closure follows a comprehensive on-site safety assessment conducted on Monday, 22 December 2025.

Based on the outcome of the assessment, authorities decided to fully close the route as a precautionary safety measure to protect motorists and allow urgent remedial work to proceed without risk or disruption.

Why the R533 has been closed
The closure is a critical safety intervention aimed at safeguarding road users and enabling technical teams to address the situation with urgency. The Department confirmed that the decision was taken to prevent potential loss of life and to ensure the road can be restored to a safe condition as quickly and effectively as possible.

Alternative route for motorists
All road users travelling to and from Bushbuckridge are strongly advised to use the alternative route:

• Graskop > Sabie > Hazyview

Motorists should plan their journeys accordingly, particularly during the busy festive travel period when traffic volumes are significantly higher.

Ongoing monitoring and updates
The Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and will keep the public informed of any developments. Road users will be notified once the R533 is declared safe and reopened to traffic.

The Department has apologised for the inconvenience caused and has appealed to motorists to exercise patience, caution, and cooperation while essential safety work is underway.

Travellers moving through Mpumalanga are encouraged to stay updated on road conditions, especially when travelling between key tourism hubs such as Graskop, Sabie, Hazyview, and Bushbuckridge.

 

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Mpumalanga: The Graskop Gorge Viewing Lift temporarily closes for maintenance! [update]

update (25 June 2025): The maintenance of the viewing lift was on schedule, and the lift is again open to the public! 

The Graskop Gorge Lift Company in Mpumalanga, South Africa, has announced a temporary closure of its iconic Viewing Lift for scheduled maintenance. The lift will be out of service from 17 June to 24 June 2025. During the maintenance period, free access will be provided to the Afromontane forest trail, the Cliff Café, and the Mid-level Walk, accessible via approximately 300 stairs. Adventure activities that normally include lift access - such as the Big Swing and Cliff Walk - will continue to operate and will be discounted by the lift fee. All other attractions, restaurants, and facilities at Graskop Gorge Lift Company will remain open to the public. Standard entrance fees still apply.

Conveniently located just outside Graskop on the R533 toward Hazyview, the Graskop Gorge Lift Company is a top-rated eco-tourism and adventure destination on South Africa's famous Panorama Route. Just a short drive from the Kruger National Park, it offers a thrilling mix of outdoor experiences set against stunning natural scenery.

Graskop Gorge Lift Company's signature attractions include:

• Viewing Lift: Descend 51 meters into a pristine Afromontane forest, then explore a 600-meter boardwalk that meanders through the forest floor, complete with interactive exhibits, suspension bridges, and a waterfall view.
• Cliff Walk: Test your nerves on narrow walkways high above the gorge, cross two suspension bridges, and ride a zipline back across the chasm—perfect for thrill-seekers.
• The Big Swing: One of the highest gorge swings in the world, this heart-pounding experience launches from the top of a waterfall with a 70-meter freefall, reaching speeds up to 140 km/h.
• Double Zipline: Enjoy 360° views as you glide across the gorge on a 120-meter zipline, walk a short trail, and return via a second exhilarating ride.

Kruger National Park: Road from Hazyview to Paul Kruger Gate blocked at Mkhuhlu! [update #4]

update (12 April 2024): SANParks has confirmed that the R536 route to Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate previously closed and blocked by community protesters has now been cleared and open for use. The sand heaps and trees used to block the road have all been cleared. Paul Kruger Gate is now accessible to visitors again.

update (11 April 2024): SANParks informed that the R536 Hazyview - Paul Kruger Gate Road is blocked at Sabie River Bridge by Mkhuhlu community protesters. Access to Phabeni Gate still open.

update (10 April 2024): SANParks just confirmed that the road closure situation in Mkhuhlu remains the same. The community members continue to block the road access from Mkhuhlu leading into Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate. The R536 remains affected, guests are advised to continue using alternative gates to enter and exit the park until such time

update (10 April 2024): According to "X"-user @EdwardthembaSa, the protest action at Mkhulu is still ongoing. See pic.

South African National Parks (SANParks) has informed the public that the road from Hazyview to Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate (R536) has been blocked at Mkhuhlu by the traffic lights. The community blocked the road due to service delivery disputes.
However, last time a road leading to Paul Kruger Gate was blocked, SANParks advised travellers to use alternative gates such as Phabeni Gate to exit and enter Kruger National Park, until such time an update is available. We'll keep you posted!

Mpumalanga: Graskop Gorge lift open on weekends only! [update]

update (24 August 2020): As from 01 September 2020, the Graskop Gorge lift will be open from Monday to Sunday again. (Monday to Friday: 10:30 to 15:30; Saturday and Sunday: 08:30 to 17:00)

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, will only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except for long weekends. This also applies to the world’s highest cable gorge swing, the Big Swing, and the Zipline (a 130m high-wire zipline!). The Graskop Gorge lift reopened to the public a month ago, on 03 July 2020, following a three month closure as a result of the national coronavirus lockdown in South Africa.
The Graskop Gorge lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along the famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing).

Mpumalanga: Graskop Gorge lift to close for planned maintenance!

The Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, will be closed on 11 and 12 February 2020 for planned maintenance. The world’s highest cable gorge swing, the Big Swing, and the Zipline (a 130m high-wire zipline!) will be operational, and the shops and restaurant will be open for business as usual. Walks in the Graskop Gorge will be at half price. The Graskop Gorge lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along the famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing).

Mpumalanga: Graskop Gorge lift is currently not operational! [update]

update (09 January 2020): It seems that the Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga is operational again. The company has deleted the facebook posting which said that the lift is currently " not operational due to a huge storm at the Graskop Gorge on 05 January 2020".

The Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, is currently not operational due to a huge storm at the Graskop Gorge on 05 January 2020. The world’s highest cable gorge swing, the Big Swing, and the Zipline (a 130m high-wire zipline!) are operational, and the shops and restaurant are open for business as usual. The Graskop Gorge lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along the famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing).

Mpumalanga: Graskop Gorge lift to close for scheduled maintenance! [update]

update (04 December 2019): The maintenance work has been finished, so that the Graskop Gorge lift is back in operation earlier than previously announced!

The Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, will undergo scheduled maintenance ahead of the festive season from 03 - 05 December 2019 and will not be operational on these three days. The world’s highest cable gorge swing, the Big Swing, and the Zipline (a 130m high-wire zipline!) will be operational, and the shops and restaurant will be open for business as usual during this time.
The Graskop Gorge lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along the famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing).

Mpumalanga: Graskop Gorge lift is currently not operational! [update]

update (21 October 2019): The Graskop Gorge lift is up and running.

The Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, is currently not operational. The world’s highest cable gorge swing, the Big Swing, and the Zipline (a 130m high-wire zipline!) are operational, and the shops and restaurant are open for business as usual. The Graskop Gorge lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along the famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing). 

Graskop Gorge Adventure Hub thrills - Updated August 2019 from Artography on Vimeo.

Kruger National Park: The R536 road between Hazyview and Kruger National Park is partially closed due to flooding! [update]

update (01 March 2019): The R536 road has been re-opened, but is rather "muddy".

update (01 March 2019): Guests travelling to/from Kruger National Park should avoid using Phabeni Gate and Paul Kruger Gate until further notice. South African National Parks (SANParks) advises visitors to Kruger National Park to enter/exit the Park via Numbi Gate or Malelane Gate.

update (01 March 2019): The R536 road between Hazyview and Tshabalala Village is temporarily closed due to an overflowing bridge in the Tshabalala area (outside Phabeni Gate).

South African National Parks (SANParks) just informed the public via twitter and facebook that the R536 road between Hazyview and Mkhuhlu is currently closed due an overflow caused by the ongoing rain. This affects routes to Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate and Phabeni Gate. SANParks advises travellers to use alternative routes. The section of the R536 road will remain closed until further notice. We'll keep you posted!

Mpumalanga: Graskop Gorge lift to temporarily close for maintenance!

The Graskop Gorge lift in Mpumalanga, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, will be shut down for routine maintenance on 26 November 2018 and 27 November 2018. The lift will be operational again from 28 November 2018. The cliff-top restaurant and the shops will remain open during the maintenance. The Graskop Gorge lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along the famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing). 

Mpumalanga: The Graskop Gorge lift is currently not operational! [UPDATE]

update (19 October 2018): The Graskop Gorge lift is fully operational!

The Graskop Gorge lift, a viewing lift that takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the Graskop Gorge and into the forest below, is temporarily closed since 12 October 2018. The lift, which is operated by the Graskop Gorge Lift Company, is located just outside of Graskop on the R533 towards Hazyview along Mpumalanga's famous Panorama Route (on the opposite side of the gorge to the Big Swing).

Kruger National Park: Several gates are temporarily inaccessible due to taxi protests!

update (26 January 2018): Phabeni Gate, Numbi Gate and Paul Kruger Gate in the Kruger National Park are accessible again!

update (25 January 2018): We just got this info update via facebook: Access to Numbi Gate was blocked briefly this morning due to Taxi Route Disputes in Hazyview. At no time has access been blocked to either Phabeni or Kruger Gates.

South African National Parks (SANParks) just informed the public that Kruger National Park's Paul Kruger Gate, Numbi Gate and Phabeni Gate are temporarily inaccessible (25 January 2018) due to protests taking place on the R40 between the Police Station in Hazyview and the intersection to Kiepersol which is blocked at the moment. Travellers planning to visit Kruger National Park are advised to use alternative gates such as the Malelane Gate to access or exit the Park until further notice. We'll keep you posted!