The Heart of the Panorama Route

Graskop (grassy hill) is a tranquil town situated high on the edge of the Klein (small) Drakensberg escarpment, with spectacular views of the Lowveld, almost 1000 meters below. With no heavy industries - it has a real neat village atmosphere... where the air is crisp and fresh. Like many towns in the area, this one originated as a gold mining camp in the 1880’s and still has something of the feel of a Wild West town. It is a good place to take a break from your panoramic drive, as there are several tempting bakeries and aromatic coffee shops to stop and eat. The gold mining days are long gone and now a thriving timber industry. The plantations are some of the largest man made forests in the world and you cannot fail to notice endless rows of pine and eucalyptus trees as you cruise the hills and valleys of this beautiful area.

Graskop is ideally situated to explore all the other sites including Pilgrims Rest and the world famous game reserve Kruger Park.

Route 1: Panorama Route

This is one of the most popular routes in the area and incorporates a large number of sights. These include God's Window, Wonder View, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke's Luck Potholes, Lowveld View and the 3 Rondavels. The total return trip front and to Graskop is 129km, with an estimated duration of 4 hours, including all stops.

Route 2: Panorama Loop

This is a very popular day excursion and includes the Panorama Route as laid out above. However, from the 3 Rondavels one continues through on towards Ohrigstad, including the Echo Caves, Voortrekker Graves, returning via Robbers Pass and Pilgrims Rest.

The total return distance to Graskop is 198km, with an estimated duration of 6 hours including all stops.

Route 3: Off Beat Panorama Route

This route is more for the visitors that would like to see a more rugged part of the region. Incorporating the Panorama Route as laid out above, one comes back to Bourke's Luck Potholes, where one take the Vaalhoek Road to Pilgrims Rest. This is a gravel road and follows all along the course of the Blyde River, providing some awesome sights.

The total return distance to Graskop is 143km, with an estimated duration of 5 hours including all stops.

Route 4: Best of Both Worlds Tour

This is a long trip, and early start is recommended. Following along the Panorama Route, one continues on towards  Hoedspruit, passing through the well known Abel Erasmus Pass, and the JG Strydom Tunnel on towards the Lowveld. In this region one will have the opportunity to see the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Breeding Center for Endangered Species, White Lions, Swadini Reptile Park and the Blydepoort Dam. Following on this route one heads through Bushbuckridge, up the Kowyns Pass and through the alpine tunnel back into Graskop.

The total return distance to Graskop is in the region of 320km, depending on roads. Duration is estimated at 10 hours.

Route 5: Waterfall Route

Take a short drive out of Graskop to the Lisbon and Berlin Falls.  Then one returns towards Graskop on the Hazyview road, where one will view the Graskop Falls. The route then continues through Graskop and heads out to Sabie. En-route to Sabie one will encounter the Forest Falls, Horseshoe Falls and the Sabie Falls.

The total return distance to Graskop is 96km, with an estimated duration of 5 hours including all stops.

Route 6: Historic Route

This route again requires an early start. The route meanders through the historic features of the area, going from Graskop on to Sabie, visiting 2 of the "Jock of the Bushveld" landmarks on route. In Sabie you can visit the Forestry Museum, giving one insight into the history of the forestry industry in the region. The route up along the Long Tom Pass, taking in sights such as the Long Tom Canon, The Staircase, The Shell Hole  and other interesting, well marked out historic sights on the pass.

From Lydenburg one goes on towards Ohrigstad, viewing the Voortrekkers Graves Memorial, Caspers Nek Pass, turning off to Pilgrims Rest and follow the Robbers Pass to the historic town of Pilgrims Rest and on back to Graskop from there.

The total return distance to Graskop in ± 200km, with an estimated duration of 7 hours.