Graskop

Graskop is situated 400km East of Johannesburg and just 24km from the gold mining town of Pilgrim's Rest and situated on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. The town contain the most cherished, painted and photographed scenes in South Africa with attractions such as the Pinnacle rock, God's window and wonder view, mac mac pool and Sabie falls to mention just a few. (Updated Dec-12).

“Graskop, a small town in Mpumalanga, South Africa, is renowned for its immense natural beauty and proximity to some of the country’s most splendid scenic sites. Nestled on the Drakensberg escarpment, it is a focal point for tourists venturing into the Panorama Route, known for breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes. Historically, Graskop originated as a gold mining camp but soon turned into a forestry centre and now, a compelling tourist magnet. It’s surrounded by lush forests and green valleys and serves as a gateway to major attractions like God’s Window, the Pinnacle Rock, and the scenic Berlin and Lisbon Falls. Each year, thousands of tourists flock to this small town to delve into the natural beauty that surrounds it, including the nearby Blyde River Canyon, one of the largest canyons on Earth. The local culture in Graskop is a vibrant blend of African traditions with a twist of contemporary influences, reflecting a community that cherishes both its history and progression. Art galleries, local craft markets, and cultural villages near Graskop offer insights into the artisan skills and cultural heritage of the local communities. Gastro enthusiasts also find delight in Graskop, where local eateries serve traditional South African cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds with flavorsome dishes such as biltong, boerewors, and local trout. History Pre-coloniAL Times– Before 1836 Graskop, a quaint town nestled in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, has a rich history that extends back to times when indigenous peoples, predominantly the Swazi, utilized the area for its natural resources. The lush forests and the proximity to rivers made it a suitable location for subsistence. Colonial Era– 1836 to 1900 The modern history of Graskop began in the mid-19th century when the first European settlers arrived. A man named Abel Erasmus, known for his exploration and fluent communication with local tribes, played a pivotal role in the establishment of the town. The name “Graskop,” translating to ‘grassy head,’ was supposedly inspired by the grassy hillock where the settlers first made camp. By the late 19th century, Graskop became a hub for gold prospectors and traders, which laid the foundational structure of the present-day town. 20th century development – 1900 to 1999 During the 20th century, Graskop transformed from a mining camp into a thriving community with the introduction of commercial forestry. This period marked significant demographic shifts and economic changes owing to the timber industry’s boom. The town also played its part during the apartheid era, experiencing the nationwide socio-political upheavals and the eventual transition towards a democratic South Africa. Recent Years – 2000+ In recent years, Graskop has increasingly been recognized for its potential in tourism. Its proximity to natural attractions such as the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and various waterfalls bolster its appeal. Additionally, the town has focused on improving infrastructure and amenities to better accommodate international and domestic tourists, making it a significant stop on the Mpumalanga tourist route. Efforts have also been increasingly placed on preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism to ensure the town’s economic vitality and historical legacy continue to thrive. (Tsidi Mzansi Historian)” - Chris Smit, 2025/05/12

“Graskop was laid out on a farm belonging to Abel Erasmus, Native Commissioner of the Transvaal Republic, between 1880 and 1890. It was named after a well grassed hill in the area. It lies on the edge of the escarpment and there are numerous view sites to look down over the Lowveld.” - Chris Smit, 2024/08/21

“In 1894 the railway line from Nelspruit reached Graskop. The predominantly sour and wet nature of the veld in the area, curtailed any attempt at cattle farming and Graskop remained a small railway town with very few job opportunities. With the Depression of late 1920’s the government decided to plant trees in the area to alleviate the rampant poverty. Thousands of white men planted the first trees by hand. They received very small salaries, which barely kept them and their families alive. Graskop became the centre of a timber industry which provided better living opportunities for the "armblankes"(Poor whites )” - Chris Smit, 2024/06/11

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