Before you go

Your trip to Graskop.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Graskop – Mpumalanga Destination Panoramic Route and Blyde River Canyon about 90 km from Mbombela

How to get there

Aeroporto Internacional Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) Mbombela · 85 km
Aeroporto de Hoedspruit (HDS) Hoedspruit · 90 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. International flights arrive in Johannesburg (JNB), and there are domestic flights to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (MQP), about 85 km from Graskop via the R40 and R533. From Johannesburg it's approximately 400 km via the N4 and Lydenburg, around a 5-hour drive.

How many days

One day for the canyon viewpoints and God's Window; two days to include the waterfalls and Pilgrim's Rest. Graskop also serves as a base for a day safari in the Kruger.

When to go

From May to September, with clear skies and cold nights. In summer, the waterfalls are fuller, but it's common for mist to cover the escarpment in the afternoon.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

Yes. The viewpoints lie along the R532 and R534, up to 50 km from town, with no public transport.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Graskop

Morning
God's Window and waterfalls
Go early to God's Window, before the mist arrives, and then head to the Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls.
Afternoon
Bourke's Luck
Follow the R532 to the Bourke's Luck potholes and walk the boardwalks above the river.
Late afternoon
Three Rondavels
Finish at the Three Rondavels viewpoint, when the low light illuminates the canyon.
Evening
Pancakes in Graskop
Return to Graskop and try sweet or savoury pancakes at a café on the main street.

2 days in Graskop

Day 1

Morning
Northern viewpoints
Start with the Three Rondavels and Bourke's Luck, with fewer people if you go early.
Afternoon
God's Window
Drive down the R534 to God's Window and Wonderview.
Late afternoon
Lisbon and Berlin
Visit the Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls on the way back.
Evening
Dinner in the village
Have dinner in Graskop.

Day 2

Morning
Pilgrim's Rest
Go to Pilgrim's Rest and visit the historic village and the gold diggings.
Afternoon
Sabie waterfalls
Head to Sabie via the R533 and visit Mac-Mac and Lone Creek.
Late afternoon
Return to Graskop
Return to Graskop via the R532, stopping at the roadside viewpoints.
Evening
Dinner and rest
Have dinner in town and rest before heading to the Kruger.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Graskop?

Visit God's Window, the Lisbon and Berlin waterfalls, the Bourke's Luck potholes and the Three Rondavels viewpoint, and try the town's pancakes.

What is the distance from Graskop to the Kruger?

About 60 km to the Phabeni gate, via Hazyview, in just over an hour.

How long to stay in Graskop?

One or two days, depending on the number of viewpoints and waterfalls.

Is Graskop a good base for the Panorama Route?

Yes. It's in the middle of the route, close to the main viewpoints and waterfalls.

Back to Graskop