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Things
to See & Do
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North of Graskop
 The
Pinnacle Rock
God's
Window & Wonder View
Lisbon
Falls
Berlin Falls
Bourke's
Luck Potholes
Lowveld
View
Three
Rondawels
Blyde
River Canyon
Echo Caves
Reptile Park
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Cheetah Breeding Project
South of Graskop
Natural
Bridge
Pilgrim's
Rest
Forest
Falls
Mac
Mac Falls
Mac
Mac Pools
Sabie Falls
Sabie Town
Bridal Veil Falls
Horse Shoe Falls
Lone Creek Falls
East
of Graskop
Graskop
Gorge
Graskop
Gorge Lift
Silk Farm
Coffee Farm
Shangana
Cultural Village
Kruger National Park
Other Activities
Bird
Watching
Hikes
& Walks
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The natural wonders around Graskop are probably the
most seen, most photographed, most painted and most
cherished scenes in Southern Africa. There is a
good reason for this ........
Not only are these scenes breathtaking, they are all
within easy reach along a good network of tarred
roads. Suggested routes to travel are described
on our Trips &
Tours page.
Regional Map
(click for larger
image)
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Hint
to Photographers
Travel
south of Graskop (towards Sabie) in the
morning for the best lighting conditions on
the waterfalls and other scenic spots.
Travel
north of Graskop in the afternoon for the
best viewing conditions of God's Window,
Pinnacle, Blyde River Canyon, Three
Rondawels, etc.
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Webmasters
Note
Many of the magnificent photographs on this
web site were supplied by Chris du Plessis.
He produces a whole range of CDs, DVDs and
postcards.
More
info ....
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The Pinnacle Rock
The Pinnacle Rock, a
tower-like freestanding quartzite buttress which rises
30 m above the dense indigenous forest, is 6 km north of
Graskop on the R534 road (a scenic loop off the R532
road). To the right of the Pinnacle Rock is the first of
eight small waterfalls in the Ngwaritsane stream.
Entrance Fee: R20/adult,
R15/child/pensioner |
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God's Window & Wonder View
God's Window - so called for
the panoramic view of the Lowveld (and in the distance
the Kruger National Park and Mozambique) more than
900 m below - is 9.2 km north of Graskop on the
R534 road. From the parking area a steep footpath
along the edge of the escarpment leads to the actual
view site where there is a Wild Nature Reserve.
Entrance
Fee: R20/adult,
R15/child/pensioner
Wonder View is about 2 km north of God's
Window. At an altitude of 1,730 m this is the
highest viewpoint in the area. No walking necessary as
the viewpoint is right next to the road.
Entrance
Fee: Free
Choose a clear day to best
enjoy the views from both God's Window and Wonder
View.
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Lisbon Falls
Where the R534 rejoins the
R532 road, you turn left (back towards Graskop) for
800 m and then right onto a gravel road. The
falls is a further 2.2 km. At 92 m the
Lisbon Falls is the highest waterfall in the area.
Entrance
Fee: R15/person, or R400/bus
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Berlin Falls
From Lisbon Falls you drive
back to the tar road (R532) and turn left (north). Drive
for 2 km (past the R534 turn-off) and then turn off
left. Drive past the Berlin Sawmill and at 2 km
from the main road, turn left and park at the parking
area.  A short walk
takes you to a vantage point overlooking the 45 m
high Berlin Falls.
Entrance
Fee:
R15/person, or R400/bus
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Bourke's Luck Potholes
This natural water feature
marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon.
Through countless eons the swirling whirlpools which
occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River
caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge,
cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river.
The Potholes were named after a gold digger, Tom
Burke, who staked a claim nearby. Although his
claim did not produce a single ounce of gold, he
correctly predicted that large gold deposits would be
found in the area.
The Potholes is located 35km north of Graskop town on
the R532 road. The informative visitors centre details
some of the interesting natural and socio-historic
features and is the starting point of the 700m walk to
the potholes.
Entrance
Fees:
R65/adult,
R25/child/pensioner
Contact: 073
774-3617
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Lowveld View
This viewpoint, between
Bourke's Luck Potholes and the Three Rondawels on the
R532, offers stunning views of the Blyde River Canyon,
the Blyde Dam and the Lowveld beyond.
Entrance Fee:
Free |
Photo: SA Tourism
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Three Rondawels
Further north along the R532
road, the turnoff to the Three Rondawels viewpoint is
4.6 km from the Lowveld View turnoff (41 km from
Graskop) and the parking area another 2.8 km
further. The word "Rondawel" is a South African
word that refers to a round hut-like dwelling (usually
with a thatched roof). The three well known
gigantic peaks of quartzite and shale with their sheer
rock walls tower more than 700 m above the
surrounding landscape. These peaks are named after
the three most troublesome wives of Chief Maripi Mashile
- they are (from left to right) Magabolle, Mogoladikwe
and Maseroto.
Entrance
Fee:
R35/adult,
R20/child/pensioner
(includes Blyde River Canyon viewpoint)
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Blyde River Canyon
One of the best viewpoints of
the Blyde River Canyon is from the parking lot behind
the chalets at the Aventura Blydepoort Nature Reserve
Resort, 51 km north of Graskop on the R532 road.
The 25 km long Blyde River
Canyon is the third largest canyon in the world
and was formed by rivers cutting deep into the
escarpment and eroding millions of tons of rock which
were carried to the Lowveld and beyond to the Indian
Ocean. More than 700 m below the
370 ha Blyde River Dam is visible towards the
lower end of the canyon at the confluence of the Blyde
and Ohrigstad Rivers.
Entrance
Fee:
R35/adult,
R20/child/pensioner
(includes
3-Rondawels viewpoint)
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Photo: Chris du Plessis
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Echo Caves
The Echo Caves, located 15km west of the Strydom Tunnel
in the Molopong Valley, have sheltered humans since the
Middle Stone Age, and continue to protect some of the
region's most inspiring ancient San rock engravings. The
caves, which boast a chamber 100m long and 40m high,
also have dripstone formations that echo eerily when
struck. The 2km guided tour lasts 45min.
Entrance fee:
R60/adult
R30/learner - Secondary School
R25/learner - Primary School
Times:
08:30 - 16:30.
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Khamai (Swadini) Reptile Park
In 1984 the Khamai (Swadini)
Reptile Park was founded and developed by Donald Strydom
a pioneer in the care and rehabilitation of "problem
reptiles" in the Hoedspruit region. The Retile Park is
now a renowned South African landmark and Strydom has
had his work featured on international television
networks such as The National Geographic Channel and The
Discovery Channel.
The Reptile Park has been
collecting data from animals caught in the wild for
the past 16 years and has been inspired to initiate a
number of research projects through HERP (Help
Endangered Reptile Project) dedicated to the
conservation of reptiles through education and
research. At present the Reptile Park captures
and releases over 300 problem animals each year.
These include snakes, lizards, crocodiles, tortoises,
frogs, spiders and scorpions.
Fees:
Day Visitors: R60/adult, R30/child (4 - 12 years)
Interactive Tour: R75/person (min 6, max 20)
Photographic Tour: R500/person (min 3, max 6)
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An African Rock Python is
measured before
being released back into the wild.
Largest Baboon Spider
in the World (7cm body length)
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Wildlife
Rehabilitation Centre
The Moholoholo Wildlife
Rehabilitation Centre (95km north of Graskop on the R531)
has become a haven for the rehabilitation and care of
sick and injured animals and birds. Wildlife is
brought to the Centre from all corners of South Africa,
and once healthy enough are re-introduced into their
natural environment. There are however some
species which have been rehabilitated but due to the
long term effects of their injuries, still stand no
chance of survival in the wild. These animals and
birds are kept on the premises and used in educational
tours.
The Centre is open to the
public twice a day, Monday to Saturday. Sunday
tours are only held at 15h00, over long weekends or
during the school holidays. The tours start at
09h30 and 15h00 and last approximately 2
hours. There is also a tea garden at the
Centre.
Entrance Fees:
6 yrs & under: No charge
7 yrs to 12 yrs: R 65.00 per child
13 yrs to adult: R 145.00 per person
Pensioners: R 100.00 per person
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Crowned Eagle
Serval Cat
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Hoedspruit Endangered Species
Centre
From the Moholoholo Centre
follow the R531 towards Klaserie and turn off left on
the R40. The turnoff to the Hoedspruit Endangered
Species Center is 3 km along the R40 towards
Hoedspruit.
The Centre conducts unique research on endangered
species such as cheetah (including the king cheetah),
African wild dogs and lion. Tours of the Centre
starts every hour (on the hour) with an informative
video presentation where interesting background
information on the animals, the research being
conducted and the progress of the project is
presented.
An experienced guide will
then accompany you on a tour of the Centre where the
highlights will include the viewing of more than 60
hand-reared cheetahs, the vulture restaurant, wild
dogs and the rare Barbary lion. A walk with
Jabulani the elephant is also an optional extra.
After the tour you can enjoy a light meal and
refreshments in their tea garden or shop in the curio
shop.
Tariffs:
Standard Tours:
R150/adult, R75/child (6 - 11y), R120/pensioner
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Natural Bridge
This natural wonder is 2.3 km
from Graskop on the R532 road to Sabie / Pilgrim's
Rest. Park at the curio stalls and follow the
short footpath into a small gorge where the Mac Mac
river carved a path under rocks to form a natural
bridge.
This bridge was used more
than a century ago when it was first used by the
Voortrekkers and later by transport riders to cross
the Mac Mac river.
Entrance
Fee: Free
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Photo: Willie Jacobs
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Pilgrim's Rest
This little village, with its
colourful history, is probably the most picturesque and
charming spot in the the area and is only 23 km from
Graskop on the R533 road. In 1873 Alec Patterson
found alluvial gold in the stream that flows through the
valley. The news spread like wildfire and sparked
off the biggest gold rush of the time. Nowhere was
gold ever mined in more beautiful and romantic
surroundings. Mining continued until 1972 and
today Pilgrim's Rest is a living museum, preserved in
the exact architectural style of the gold rush period,
boasting various buildings that has remained unchanged
externally for more than a century.
For more info see the Pilgrim's Rest web site.
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Forest Falls
Forest Falls is 17 km
from Graskop on the R532 road towards Sabie, immediately
before the railway crossing. A refreshing walk
that takes you through fragrant pine forests to the
falls - the only waterfall in the area that is wider
than what it is high.
Forest Falls is a
delightful place to visit, but you are not allowed to
drive there. You have to park at the picnic spot
and walk the 7 km circular route to the
falls. Permits (at R20/person) for this walk is
available from the guard at the Picnic spot, or from
the Forest Industry Museum in Sabie.
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Photo: Chris du Plessis
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Mac Mac Falls
The Mac Mac Falls is 20 km
from Graskop on the R532 road towards Sabie. The
turn-off and parking area is at the curio stalls.
A steep (wheelchair unfriendly) walk along a cement
pathway takes you to the viewing platform above the
falls.
The 65 m high
Mac Mac Falls in the Mac Mac River is a declared
National Monument.
This waterfall was
originally a single stream, but gold miners blasted it
with dynamite to divert the river in an attempt to
work the rich gold-bearing reef over which it plunges.
Entrance Fee: R15/person, or R400/bus
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Photo: Chris du
Plessis
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Mac Mac Pools
This fun-for-all picnic spot
with naturally formed swimming pools is 22 km from
Graskop on the R532 road to Sabie. There are shady
picnic spots and braai facilities set on well kept
lawns. The 3 km circular Secretary Bird hiking
trail starts and ends here and pass through open
grassveld (with little shade) and pristine forest.
Entrance Fee: R30/person
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Photo: Willie Jacobs
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Sabie Falls
The Sabie Falls is situated on
the R532 on the outskirts of Sabie under the new bridge
across the Sabie river. A short walk brings you to
a viewpoint where the waterfall plunges 73m down the
Sabie Gorge. The foundations of an old
hydro-electric plant - from where Sabie obtained it's
electric power in 1907 - can still be seen at the bottom
of the falls. Ample parking space - also for tour
busses. Negotiable by wheelchair with some
assistance.
Entrance Fee:
Usually
Free, but nominal fee during peak season & long
weekends. |
Photo: Chris du Plessis
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Sabie Town
The town of Sabie is located
30km south of Graskop on the R532. Although larger
than Graskop, Sabie is still a small Tourist &
Forestry village on the banks of the pristine Sabie
River.
For more info on Sabie
town, as well as things to see and do in and around
Sabie, visit the Sabie
Web Site.
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Photo: Willie Jacobs
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Bridal Veil Falls
The Bridal Veil Falls -
resembling a bridal veil - is 6km from Sabie town.
Turn right at the Loggerhead Restaurant (first street in
Sabie) and follow the old Lydenburg tar road for
2km. Turn right at the GFP Sawmill and follow the
gravel (part tar) road across the Sabie river for
3km. A challenging 750m walk through an
indigenous forest leads to the 70m high waterfall.
Public toilets are available. Not wheelchair
friendly.
Entrance Fee: R15/person, or R400/bus |
Photo: Chris du Plessis
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Horse Shoe Falls
The aptly named Horseshoe
Falls is in the shape of a horseshoe. Follow
the old Lydenburg tar road for 6.8 km before turning
left on the gravel road for a further 3.6 km. A
nominal fee is payable at the entrance gate. The
gravel road can be very dusty when dry and muddy when
wet. |
Photo: Chris du Plessis
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Lone Creek Falls
One of the well known
landmarks of the area. Turn right at the Loggerhead
Restaurant (first street in Sabie) and follow the old
Lydenburg tar road for 9km.
A
short (200m) walk through an indigenous forest takes
you to the bottom of the falls.
The 68m high
waterfall is a declared National Monument.
Toilet and
picnic facilities are available and the falls are
easily accessible for tour buses.
Entrance
Fee: R30/person, or R400/bus
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Graskop Gorge Lift
The Graskop Gorge Lift is the latest and most innovative tourism development in South Africa
and the only one of it's kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Your journey begins as you drop off the grassy cliff top in a
custom-designed 26-passenger viewing elevator. It travels 51m down the cliff face into the cool mountain forest below. An
extensive network of elevated walkways, suspension bridges and interactive exhibits lead you along the 500m forest trails
and across the streams. The ride down with the elevator only takes a few minutes, but you can spend hours exploring the
indigenous forest below. And one ticket is good for multiple daily rides down into the forest.
Entrance Fee: R30/adult, R20/child
Lift Rides: R205/adult, R170/pensioner, R140/child (Advance booking advised)
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Silk Farm
Visit the Africa Silks Farm
for an educational guided tour (daily from 08:00 to 15:00) on
how silk is produced by the cultivated Bombyx mori,
better known as the Mulberry Silk Caterpillar. This is the
only commercial silkworm farm in Africa. They also
process the wild silk of our own, indigenous Mopani caterpillar.
The whole process, from eggs, caterpillar,
cocoons, pupae, to the extraction of the silk is
demonstrated. A Restaurant on the premises serves light meals.
Situated 23 km east of Graskop, down Kowyn’s Pass on the R533.
Tariffs:
R95/adult, R65/child (over 5 years)
School Groups (10+) = R40/learner
School Groups (40+) = R65/learner
Pensioners = R75/person
2 Teachers free per school group booking.
Advance booking required for groups of more than 10 people.
Phone: Trips SA on 013 764 3399
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Coffee Farm
An educational guided tour of
the Austrian Coffee Estate with an explanation of their
planting, pruning and general cultivation practices as
well as a visit the plant where the coffee cherry is
pulped after picking, fermented to remove the sticky
coating that remains after the pulping, washing
and drying, hulling and roasting processes.
Visitors are given the
opportunity of tasting coffees from other coffee
growing areas and are shown how coffee experts taste
and evaluate the characteristics of coffee, similar to
the way this is done with wine. Enjoy something light
to eat in their coffee shop. Situated about 25km east
of Graskop, down Kowyn’s Pass on the R533.
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Shangana Cultural Village
The residents
of the traditional villages of Shangana invite guests to
share in the way of life of the Shangaan people. The
picturesque villages are set in the shade of ancient
trees in a reserve of forest and grassland.
They offer daytime tours (09:00
- 16:00 on the hour), as well as an Evening
Festival when the history of the Shangaans is
presented by a huge cast of choristers and dancers
before dinner is served inside the huts. Prior
bookings for the evening festival is essential.
Located about 52km from Graskop on the R535 towards
Hazyview.
Tariffs:
Varies from R145 to R510/person, depending on time of
day, as well as lunch & dinner options.
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Photo: Chris du Plessis
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Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park, renowned for its Big 5, is
located east of Graskop along the R535 & R536
roads. The closest entry gate is Phabeni Gate,
only 55km from Graskop, making visits to Kruger a
popular day trip from Graskop.
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Photos: Chris du Plessis
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Bird Watching
The Graskop area is truly a
birder's paradise with three IBAs (Important Bird Areas)
in the area. Not only is there a huge variety of the
more common bird species, but a number of globally and
nationally threatened species also occur in the area.
For more info about birding in the Graskop area, please
see our special Bird
Watching page.
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Photo: SA Tourism
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Walks & Hikes
The hiking trails around
Graskop range from easy walks of a few hours, to
grueling hikes over several days.
For more info about Walks & Hikes, see our
Adventure page. |
Photo: SA Tourism
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For more about the wonders of Mother Nature,
see our special Natural
Heritage page
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For more things to See & Do, visit
the website of nearby towns:
Sabie (www.sabie.co.za)
Pilgrim's Rest (www.pilgrims-rest.co.za)
Hazyview (www.hazyviewinfo.co.za)
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