Graskop – Big Swing at Graskop Gorge, God’s Window and much more!
As with many little towns in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, Graskop owes its existence to the gold mining boom of the 1880s, although there is a record of Voortrekkers having been in the area as far back as 1843. Graskop is located at an altitude of 1,400 meters and has a temperate climate with a high rainfall which supports lush vegetation and the thriving timber plantations covering the hillsides. The town now serves the forestry industry and is a popular tourist destination due to its varied accommodation options and close proximity to many of the natural wonders of the area.
Adrenaline junkies will not want to pass up the opportunity of catching a ride on the Big Swing at Graskop Gorge. Step off a platform and experience the rush of a freefall equivalent to 19-storeys in less than three seconds as you put your trust in one of the world’s most spectacular cable gorge swings. Alternatively, take a ride across the Graskop Gorge on a 131 meter long highwire at 80 meters above the ground and enjoy a view of the magnificent Graskop Falls that only the brave get to see. Other activities in the area include quad biking, hiking, fishing, and bird watching.
An attraction close to Graskop which should not be missed is the awe-inspiring lookout point known as God’s Window. Visitors soon come to appreciate what prompted the name of this Eden-like area as they stand on the edge of a cliff plunging more than 700 meters to the Lowveld. On a clear day it is possible to see right over the Kruger National Park, as far as the Lebombo Mountains which border neighboring Mozambique. Other attractions in the vicinity of Graskop include Pinnacle Rock, Lisbon Falls, Berlin Falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Mac Mac Falls, Pilgrim’s Rest and Three Rondawels, to name but a few.