Graskop Travel Guide

  Another view of the Three Rondavels
by mikelisaanna
 
  • Another view of the Three Rondavels
      Another view of the Three Rondavels
    by mikelisaanna
  • The Three Rondavels
      The Three Rondavels
    by mikelisaanna
  • The view from Wonder View
      The view from Wonder View
    by mikelisaanna
  • The view from Wonder View
      The view from Wonder View
    by mikelisaanna
  • More of the view from God's Window
      More of the view from God's Window
    by mikelisaanna
 

Explore Graskop

Things to Do  

The Three Rondavels

The Three Rondavels, Graskop

 mikelisaanna Says:  The Three Rondavels is a large rock formation in South Africa's Blyde River Canyon. The name refers to the fact that the three rounded mountain peaks resemble traditional native huts. The reddish color of the rocks adds to their photo appeal. You look out atthem from the top... 

Wonder View

Wonder View, Graskop

 mikelisaanna Says:  Wonder View is another spectacular viewpoint along the Drakensberg Escarpment north of Graskop. Wonder View gives you essentially the same view as God's Window, without making you climb up a bunch of steps. You look out over miles and miles of forests and fields that lie... 

God's Window

God's Window, Graskop

 mikelisaanna Says:  God's Window is an impressive viewpoint in the Drakensberg Mountains north of Graskop. The viewpoint is located near the top of a steep ridge that plunges 2000 feet down into the lowvelt (lowlands). From God's Window, you can see for over 50 miles across the lowvelt forests... 

Big Swing

Big Swing, Graskop

 bocalia Says:  PLACES OF INTERESTThe town of Graskop is perched on a spur of the Mauchsberg at an altitude of 1493 metres and dates way back to 1837, when Andries Potgieter passed through with the Great Trek in search of greener pastures in the north. In his memoirs, he mentions leaving... 

African Silks

African Silks, Graskop

 mvtouring Says:  A must visit when you are in this area. The staff are wonderful and take you on a tour explaining the diff between RSA silks and Thai silks and how they are spun. At Africa Silks you will once again be reminded of the wonders of nature. Visit Africa Silks and you will be... 

God's Window

God's Window, Graskop

 mvtouring Says:  Situated on the Drakensberg escarpment in Mpumalanga is God’s Window. Just one look down and you will begin to understand why it is called "God's Window". With magnificent views, canyons, rock formations and waterfalls, God's Window is truly an area of breathtaking scenic... 

Bourkes Luck potholes

Bourkes Luck potholes, Graskop

 mvtouring Says:  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... 

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve

Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, Graskop

 mvtouring Says:  Although not a registered SA Natural Heritage Site, the world renown Blyde River Canyon deserves to be included here. The reserve is located north of Graskop and covers an area of 22 664 ha, extending from the Pinnacle Rock in the south to beyond the Blyderivierspoort Dam in... 

Pinnacle

Pinnacle, Graskop

 cleocat Says:  On the same road as God's window you will find a turn of to the pinnalce. It is a large rock standing on it's own. You will also find some traders here with their African crafts. 

God's window

God's window, Graskop

 cleocat Says:  A few km's out of Graskop there is a viewpoint called God's window. It is said that on a clear day you can see the boats in Maputo Harbour. I can't confirm it. Must have been there about 5 or 6 different times in different seasons but there always seems to be a haze. It is... 

Restaurants  

THE BILTONG HUT: BEST BILTONG - IN THE WORLD

THE BILTONG HUT: BEST BILTONG - IN THE WORLD, Graskop

 DAO Says:  Not exactly a restaurant, but you definitely want to eat their Biltong. If you like Biltong, you will love this place. Biltong is so much more than Beef Jerky. It is more tender and flavourful. No plastic tubes here! Every purchase is placed in a brown paper bag that is easy... 

HARRIE'S PANCAKES: PANCAKES - AFRIKANER STYLE

HARRIE'S PANCAKES: PANCAKES - AFRIKANER STYLE, Graskop

 DAO Says:  Just to set the record straight Pancakes = Crepe's in South Africa. They have quite a few fillings and you can sit outside in the sunshine. Service is at best indifferent, but the food is very good. 4 of us ate here for $15. Next door is a huge gift shop. If you need... 

Shopping  

street buying: African curious
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mvtouring 3809 reviews

At the entrance to the Blyde River canyon, you will find these informal vendors selling all kinds of lovely stuff that makes nice gifts and souvenirs.

Written Mar 3, 2008

Related to:
 Women's Travel
 Road Trip

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Warnings and Dangers  

Graskop - Traffic "offences"

Graskop - Traffic "offences", Graskop

 Arealpity Says:  I recently visited the province of Mpumalanga with my Mom. I hadn't been there since I was a child and was naturally very excited about my return to the area. There are so many beautiful places to visit in and around the small towns. Graskop was one of the towns on our list... 

Fog

Fog, Graskop

 cleocat Says:  This place has the strangest weather. The fog appears out of nowhere. Be very careful when you drive. Switch headlights on and drive very, very carefully. There are a lot of mountain passes in the area. Here you should be extra careful. 

Tourist Traps  

Mac Mac Tourist Trap!
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3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Waxbag 596 reviews
Vendor and Baby

Mac Mac Falls and Mac Mac Pools are definately not worth seeing for the price. The falls are nice but not for the amount of tourist there and the R10 per person charged.

Unique Suggestions: The consolation to coming here (maybe not so for some) are the nice curious sold here. This is one of the best places in the region for buying local crafts at a cheap price.

Fun Alternatives: Try Lisbon Falls on R532 north of Graskop or even Berlin Falls in the same direction. Lisbon Falls is 10 times nicer and free.

Written Nov 30, 2004

Related to:
 Backpacking

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What to Pack  

How should one dress?
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2 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Jenniflower 1567 reviews

Luggage and bags: Luggage with wheels is always a good idea, wherever you are travelling.

If you are doing a night hike, bring a backpack and a water bottle.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Some ideas:

Light coloured clothing that doesnt absorb the sun as much as dark clothing. If you're going on safari, pack comfortable walking shoes and khaki, brown or beige casual clothes.

Long-sleeved shirts and trousers will help protect you against the sun and insect bites.

Take a warm jacket for game drives; and, if you're going in summer, make sure it's water-proof.

A cap/hat that covers your head and neck.

Long socks if you are going hiking (extra protection against snakes if you come across one).

Sunglasses.

Comfortable sandals and tackies/trainers/sneakers.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Sun screen (Factor 35), headache tablets (from being in the car during the sun all day, may bring on a headache), and usual little things like some plasters for blisters, Tabard for the mossies (mosquitos), cotton wool, germolene etc.

Photo Equipment: Your camera, with charger, and a SOUTH AFRICAN plug extension.

Bring along the best lens you can - a zoom lens will be needed as the animals are often in the distance and may only look like tiny specks in your photos when they are developed.

Miscellaneous: Have a map of the area handy, plus a local bird, flower and tree book. For this you also need a pair of good quality binoculars

This is so that you don’t get lost, plus can appreciate all that’s around you that much more.

It is not just a place to sight-see, but a place to learn from too.

Dont forget a torch!

Written Mar 24, 2009

Related to:
 Birdwatching
 Photography
 Eco-Tourism

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Off The Beaten Path  

Three Rondavels

Three Rondavels, Graskop

 cleocat Says:  A few km from the Blyde River Canyon viewpoint is the viewpoint for 3 Rondavels. It is named like this because of the 3 peaks looking like 3 rondavels. The scenery and view from here over the canyon is breathtaking. Even better than from the official viewpoint. Entrance to... 

Blyde River Canyon

Blyde River Canyon, Graskop

 cleocat Says:  About 50km from Graskop on the Orighstad road you will find a view point to the Blyde River Canyon. Beautiful view especially on a clear day 

Favorites  

YOUR SAFETY - Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's
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bocalia 4 reviews
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Favorite thing: Mpumalanga is one of South Africa's safest provinces, with significantly lower than average violent crime rates. however, advised to take normal common-sense precautions to ensure that their visits are hassle free. If visitors are unfortunate enough to be involved in a vehicle accident, other mishap, or crime, they should immediately call the province's emergency services on telephone number 10111

Fondest memory: Harry's Pancake

Written Dec 15, 2008

Related to:
 Family Travel
 Photography
 Adventure Travel

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Map of Graskop