Moving from Pilgrim’s Rest
Once upon a time, but not so long ago that there's no one left who remembers it, the lost-in-time mining village of Pilgrim's Rest was the dinkiest little place in the land, and it was even complete with a night 'soil' cart. Then it got a manicure and a makeover, and it was still lovely but had flush toilets and theme pubs. It got over-managed, however, and they forgot to do simple things like wash the sheets in the hotel.
So the discerning folk, those not the victims of a tour bus, drifted off to Graskop and found it was a perfectly lovely little dorp, standing with the tips of its toes just peeking over the edge of the Mpumalanga Escarpment. If you want to photograph any of the seven or more impressive waterfalls in the area, the local suggestion is that early morning light does the trick, while for canyons and mountain scenery, late afternoon is better.
The shops have some lovely jewellery, shoes and clothes, and apparently the town has the country's best pancakes, made to a secret recipe brought over by early gold seekers.
Waterfalls and Pancakes
Graskop is renowned for two things: its famous Lisbon Waterfall and Harrie's Pancake Shop. Harrie's Pancake is known to serve the best pancakes this side of the equator, and many guests stop here for a delicious treat en route to the Blyde River Canyon. Graskop is also home to a vibrant artistic community, so there are lots of curio and craft shops dotted throughout the town.
Graskop is situated close to the Lowveld National Botanical Garden, set just outside Nelspruit. Blind travellers fear not, you will also be catered for. Experience the spectacular Bourke's Luck Potholes on the Lichen Trail. This is a 180 metre trail near Graskop that offers wide pathways and audio tapes for blind walkers.