Bordered by the Drakensberg massif, the town of Graskop is home to some of the most spectacular natural sites in Afrique du Sud. Here's a detailed look at this destination.

Who wouldn't want to travel through this land of rivers, mountains, waterfalls and magnificent gorges that is Graskop? The growth of tourism in this village of 4,000 inhabitants seems only natural, given its location at the heart of the famous Panorama Road, which concentrates the country's hidden gems. While birdwatching offers memorable encounters, it's the geological wonders shaped by erosion that draw the greatest acclaim. Here is a destination combining trekking, canyoning and swimming, all while embracing responsible tourism principles. Evidence of this lies in the preservation of local craftsmanship and traditional tribal cultures within the Kruger National Park. Book your flight to Graskop without further delay and discover the great natural wonders of South Africa.

History and Etymology

"Grassy hill" is the English equivalent of Graskop. A fitting expression, given the region's rugged terrain and lush vegetation.

The site is mentioned in historical sources as a gold mining camp. This gold rush fever of the 1880s explains the considerable ethnic diversity of the population. The cold and inhospitable mountain climate deters settlement (fewer than 110 inhabitants/km²) and limits agricultural possibilities. Today, emigration is being curbed by tourism.

Graskop Today

The charming town of Graskop is part of the Ehlanzeni district, in the north of Mpumalanga Province. The latest census records 4,000 inhabitants (2011). Most of them are engaged in subsistence farming and cattle ranching. The timber industry is active. However, the local economy is increasingly driven by tourism revenues, so coveted has Graskop become as a destination for travel in Afrique du Sud.

Hotel accommodation is still relatively limited, supplemented by vacation rentals managed by the wealthier classes. Beyond this caveat, the destination offers numerous attractions. The average altitude stands at 1,436 meters above sea level, synonymous with crisp air and escape from the stress of the modern world. The mountain peaks and pine forests evoke the typical landscapes of Switzerland. By contrast, within the Blyde River Canyon, the town takes on a Wild West character.

Points of Interest to Visit in Graskop

Graskop boasts natural and geological sites of exceptional quality, arguably among the finest in Afrique du Sud.

Blyde River Canyon

For tourists, the town serves as the gateway to Blyde River Canyon. Erosion has left its signature on the landscape, finishing the decomposition of sandstone hills and exposing the red of laterite. The rocks are sometimes carved into forms so geometric that local imagination has bestowed poetic names upon them—"round hut," "pothole," "pinnacle," or "God's Window." Stretching 26 km, the Canyon of the Blyde River is the second-largest canyon on the continent by dimension and the third on the entire planet. A masterpiece pure and simple of nature, it is, we must admit, the principal reason to travel to Graskop. Its charming viewpoints lend themselves to photo stops, while its vast nature reserve will delight leopard enthusiasts, monkey lovers, and birdwatchers seeking endemic species.

Three Rondavels

Atop these three curious hills, you'll enjoy the finest vantage point over the gorge. These are rocky knolls whose shape recalls the humble thatched huts in which traditional African tribes dwell. Standing 600 meters high, they overlook the river and the savanna vegetation.

God's Window

From the Drakensberg cliff, this viewpoint grants you the joy of embracing the entire valley in a lovely aerial vista. On clear days, Kruger National Park is visible through the window. Located 9.2 km north of Graskop.

Lowveld Viewsite

This famous viewpoint sits just meters from God's Window, north of the Drakensberg massif.

A Series of Waterfalls

To enjoy a moment of cool respite, venture along the route to Lisbon Falls and Berlin Falls, two fabulous waterfalls. The first plummets straight into a natural basin from a height of 94 meters. Less grandiose, Berlin Falls cascades down a 80-meter drop and resembles from afar a silvery candle. Swimming here is more exhilarating than in any private pool. The waterfall route is popular with tourists because it allows you to track monkeys and leopards.

Bourke's Luck Potholes

This geological singularity of the canyon doesn't go unnoticed. Below an escarpment, you'll find small hollowed-out rocks, arranged side by side like bird nests.

Kruger National Park

Widely known among international ecotourism operators, Kruger National Park needs no introduction. The park's biological diversity is commensurate with its size (18,989 km²). Those wishing to undertake a safari for the first time will not be disappointed by visiting this wildlife reserve. White rhinoceroses (5,000) and African elephants (11,670) are most numerous, yet herds of lions and leopards (over 1,000) also boast respectable numbers. Buffalo, meanwhile, number in the tens of thousands. They are considered signs of wealth by indigenous tribes. In other words, no other wildlife reserve in Afrique du Sud is better suited for searching for the Big Five. A nature experience awaits you just 55.2 km from Graskop's town center!

When to Visit Graskop?

The town of Graskop can be visited year-round. Expect to walk under scorching sun if you traverse the canyon. Daytime temperatures are very hot, but it can be chilly, even decidedly cold in the mountains, especially at night.

The Graskop tourist destination is located in the Mpumalanga region, in the northeast of the country. Expect between five and a half to six hours of driving if you depart from Johannesburg.

If you wish to make a crossing of Blyde River Canyon after enjoying a safari at Kruger National Park, take Route R36, then R532. You'll reach Graskop via the Panorama Route, approaching from the west side of the gorge. This route allows you to collect the finest panoramas.

You Will Love…

• Experiencing an unforgettable safari at Kruger National Park ;
• Marveling at the culinary, artisanal and sartorial arts of indigenous peoples ;
• Observing thousands of wading birds in Blyde River Canyon ;
• Taking a boat ride on the Blyde River ;
• Stopping at the numerous viewpoints throughout the canyon ;
• Photographing the Three Rondavels ;
• Taking home excellent regional products.