Cidade Turismo
South Africa

Before you go

Your trip to Pilgrim's Rest.

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

Get it on Google Play

Pilgrim's Rest – Mpumalanga Destination Panoramic Route and Blyde River Canyon about 100 km from Mbombela

How to get there

  • Aeroporto Internacional Kruger Mpumalanga (MQP) Mbombela · 95 km

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

From Kruger Mpumalanga Airport (MQP) the village is about 95 km away, roughly an hour and a half. From Graskop it's about 15 km along the R533, which descends the escarpment into the valley.

How many days

Half a day is enough for the village and the gold workings. Those staying in one of the historic houses can walk through the empty valley at late afternoon.

When to go

Any time of year. Winter is dry and cold; summer is green, with afternoon rain.

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

Do you need a car?

Yes. The village is remote from larger towns and has 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 Pilgrim's Rest
  1. Morning
    Historic village

    Walk along the main street, between the upper and lower parts of the village, and visit the small museums.

  2. Afternoon
    Gold workings

    Take the tour at the Diggings Museum and try panning for gold.

  3. Late afternoon
    Cemetery and viewpoint

    Climb up to the miners' cemetery for views over the valley.

  4. Evening
    Dinner in the village

    Dine at the village's historic hotel or return to Graskop.

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 is Pilgrim's Rest?

A gold rush village from 1873, preserved as an open-air museum about 15 km from Graskop.

When was gold found in Pilgrim's Rest?

In 1873, in the creek that runs through the valley.

How long does a visit to Pilgrim's Rest take?

About half a day for the village and the gold workings.

Can you stay overnight in Pilgrim's Rest?

Yes, there is accommodation in historic village houses.

Back to Pilgrim's Rest