Blyde Canyon Country is characterised by towering mountains, deep ravines, green valleys, fast-flowing rivers and an abundance of wildlife, including The Big Five. The awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon is one of Africa's great geological features, a massive gorge 26 km long gouged from red sandstone by the river from which it takes its name. The river is dammed at its northwestern end to create a lake of great beauty, which is inhabited, by hippos and crocodiles. One of the many natural wonders in the area is that of Bourke's Luck Potholes, deep cylindrical cavities formed by erosion in the smooth, colourful rock. The canyon forms part of the 22 500 hectare Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, with its dense vegetation and towering cliffs topped by striking rock formations, which is inhabited by various species of antelope, wild cat and birds, including the eagle, ibis, parrot and loerie. Viewing sites are provided the length of the canyon and there are numerous walks, hiking trails and horse trails throughout the reserve. Two resorts in the reserve provide accommodation in chalets. The recently acquired international status of Hoedspruit Airport has led to renewed interest in the area, now only an hour away by plane from Johannesburg International Airport and forty minutes drive away from the Kruger National Park.