Graskop – On the way to the waterfalls

If we were the author of an enchanted tale, we would describe a waterfall with streams and caves to discover as the setting. Exploring the Graskop area is a bit like that: it’s starting to read a fantastic tale, never expecting the wonder you’ll find in the next chapter. Get ready for the adventure.

Graskop is a small town in the Mpumalanga province of neighboring South Africa. Used to traveling so many times on long weekends to the region, there are those who are unaware of the natural wonders beyond the mountains. During the 19th century, the area was used for the exploration of gold and today it is a tourist destination and a reference in the South African wood industry.

It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and for those who like to drive through hills and valleys. The road and the view are always the same, but lovers of two-wheel vehicles comment that walking along these roads is indeed therapeutic. But in reality, where to start?

This is a tour for those who like to drive and enjoy nature. An exploratory weekend is the ideal time to discover each of the natural wonders of the region and although it seems that at every turn you see a waterfall, be prepared: in the trunk of the car carry water and some groceries and fill up the car because sometimes you can travel long distances without finding a gas station.

Keep yourself in the imagination of the end of the century XIX and look for where to spend a night. Pilgrim’s Rest is about 15km from Graskop and it is through winding roads and mountain passes that you get there. The small village perpetuates the atmosphere of yesteryear: the architecture of the last century with ornate and flowery looks, the telephone booths, and even the pastel tones on the walls of the houses.

It is a perfect destination for nature lovers and for those who like to drive through hills and valleys.

Considered a small museum town, this gold mining village revives its cultural heritage through a museum, restaurants and vintage and trinket shops. The best memory? The macadamia nuts being sold in the small streets of Pilgrim; there’s something for all tastes: spicy, salted or plain. Just try. In addition to souvenirs for your taste buds, you can find vintage crafts and gold relics.

Make your reservation in advance at one of the most picturesque spots in the village, at the Royal Hotel Pilgrims. The stay is around 3500 meticais per night (per couple), but in the low season you may have fewer services at your disposal in the surroundings, so if you realize that you will be arriving late in the village, choose to have dinner in Graskop, otherwise you will have to return to the city to restore energies.

In our imagination, you continue by car, but if you prefer, you can always ask for a different adventure at the entrance of the hotel; you will have walks, guided tours and visits to the gold mines at your disposal.

The best is reserved for you: the Blyde River nature reserve. Here you will find the great canyon, and from up here you will have one of the most immersive experiences of your life as you look out over the Ohrigstad and Blyde rivers below. In this region you will find the Holes of Bourke’s Luck, a rocky area with gigantic and incredible holes. In addition to being a great place for photographs taken from above, it has several pedestrian bridges that connect the viewpoints of the holes. Officially, this is where the Blyde River Canyon is born.

An adventurer always needs his due break. If you’re in a group it’s almost impossible that at Harry’s Pancakes there aren’t options that satisfy any element of your group. It is no wonder that the favorite dish of the author of this text is the fig and cheese pancake, a true hybrid of flavors. If you’re not satisfied, there’s always a chocolate shop right next door and you’ll be able to keep the consistency of taking souvenirs that please your taste.

We saved the best for last: God’s Window. This is a popular viewpoint in the southern region of the nature reserve. Here you will find sheer cliffs over 700 meters all the way to the Lowveld. From these dizzying spaces there is a whole immensity of view of the Lowveld extension and escarpment forests, referring to the idyllic setting of Eden, hence its name. On clear days it is possible to see the Kruger National Park towards the Libombo Mountains, on the border with Mozambique.

It’s no wonder that the Blyde River Nature Reserve is part of the photography of the cult film ‘The Gods Must Be Crazy’. After this movie-worthy story, do you already have your suitcase packed?

▶ How to go

You can leave from international airport in Mozambique towards Nelspruit airport but as you will always have to travel by car, the suggestion is that you leave Maputo and follow the EN4 to the Ressano Garcia border and from there go to Graskrop.

▶ Where sleep

Pilgrim’s Rest is about 15km from Graskop and it is through winding roads and mountain passes that get there. The small village perpetuates the atmosphere of yesteryear: the architecture of the last century with ornate and flowery looks, the telephone booths, and even the pastel tones of the walls of the houses. Each night is around 3500 per room.

▶ What to eat

Pancakes! If you’re in a group, it’s almost socially impossible that at Harry’s Pancakes there aren’t options that satisfy any element of your group. It is no wonder that the favorite dish of the author of this text is the fig and cheese pancake, a true hybrid of flavors. If you’re not satisfied, there’s always a chocolate shop right next door and you’ll be able to keep the consistency of taking souvenirs that please your taste.

▶ Care to be taken

Avoid driving at night. The road in Mpumalanga province has little traffic at night and the road to Pilgrim is very winding. Enjoy the view and scenery while driving during the day and you won’t regret it.

Edição 74 Jul/Ago | Download.