GRASKOP GORGE
The graskop gorge and panorama Falls is only 1km out of town on the R535 towards Hazyview. The Panorama Falls have a very small catchment area and is often without water, but after heavy rainstorms a number of separate falls can be seen spilling water into the gorge. The gorge offers some breathtaking views of the Lowveld below, framed between the steep, forest-clad sides of the gorge.
THE PINNACLE ROCK
The pinnacle Rock, a tower-like freestanding quartzite buttress which rises 30m above the dense indigenous forest, is 6km 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.
GOD’S WINDOW & WONDER VIEW
God’s window- so called panoramic view of the lowveld (and in the distance the Kruger National Park and Mozambique) more than 900 m below-is 9.2km north of graskop on the R534 road. From the parking area a steep footpath along the of the escarpment leads to the actual view site where there is a wild nature reserve.
Wonderview is about 2km north of God’s window. At an altitude of 1.730m this is the highest viewpoint in the area. No walking necessary as the viewpoint is next to the road.
NB: Choose a clear day to best enjoy the view from the god’s window and wonder view.
LISBON FALLS
Where the R532road, you turn left (back towards graskop) for 800 m and then right on to a gravel road. The falls is a further 2.2 km. at 92 m the Lisbon falls is the highest waterfall in the area. The is no entry fee to visit this waterfall.
BERLIN FALLS
From Lisbon falls you drive back to the tar road (R532) and turn left (north). Drive for 2km (past the R534turnoff) and then 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. There is no entry fee to visit this waterfall.
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 in to the Blyde River caused waterbor4ne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes in to the bedrock of the river.
The portholes 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 portholes are 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 starting point of the 700 m walk to the portholes. Entry fee to the portholes are R20.00 Adults, R10.00 kids
LOWVELD VIEW
This view, between Bourke’s luck portholes and the three rondavels on the R532, offer stunning views of the Blyde River Canyon, the Blyde dam and the lowveld beyond.
THREE RONDAWELS
Further north along the R532 road, the turnoff to the three rondawels viewpoint is 4.6km from the lowveld view turnoff (41 km from Graskop) and the parking area another 2.8km further.
BLYDE RIVER CANYON
One of the best view points of the Blyde River Canyon is from the parking lot behind the chalets at the Aventura Blyde Poort Nature Reserve Resort, 51km north of the graskop on the road. The 25km long Blyde River Canyon is the 3rd largest canyon in the world.
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.
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.
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 for this walk is available from the Mac Mac Forest Retreat a few kilometres beyond the railway crossing or from the Forest Industry Museum in Sabie
MAC MAC FALLS
The Mac Mac Falls is 20 km from Graskop on the R532 road towards Sabie. The turnoff and parking area is at the curio stalls and a nominal entrance fee is charged. 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.
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.
A nominal fee is payable at the access gate
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
ARTS, CRAFTS & CURIOS
Africa Silks (013) 767-1665
Clay Pot Vendors 3 km out of town, on the R532towards Sabie/Pilgrim's Rest
Curio D'Afrique (013) 767-1685
Delagoa African Arts & Crafts (013) 767-1081
Delagoa Craft 2 (013) 767-1862
The Elephant Dung Paper & Curio Shoppe (013) 767-1237
Forest Weavers (013) 767-1020
Graskop Falls Curio Vendors at Graskop Falls
Merwit Curios (013) 767 1110
Pisces Steel Art (073) 288 5589
Sandstone Shoe & Leather (072) 910-8496
Selke Leather Craft Factory Shop (013) 767 1190
Stanley & Livingstone (013) 767-1027
The Window (013) 767-1364
FINE ART
Bosch Munro Art Studio (013) 767-1297
The Collectables Gallery (013) 767-1673
The Shoppe Cornelia (072) 836 4925
Sunlight Art Gallery (013) 767-1440
The Window Gallery (013) 767-1364