When visiting Graskop, known as the town of the pancake by many, it would be rude not to stop and enjoy the town's culinary delight.
Pancakes in Graskop
'Harrie's Pancakes', on Louis Trichard Street, is just one of the many pancake eateries around. Although it's a chain, it's set inside a contemporary building with farmhouse charm and serves competitively priced pancakes.
Tables inside sit next to a grand, modern fireplace while tables in the conservatory spanning the edge of the building trap the sun on cooler days, and enjoy a lilting breeze during the hotter times of year. Every chair has a hand-made blanket slung over the back for those who want to get really cosy. There's also an outside decking area set back from the pavement, which is a fantastic sun trap.
Pancakes at Harrie's with cinnamon and sugar cost just 14 Rand and a rooibos tea costs 10 Rand.
African Arts and Crafts in Graskop
Once the eating is over and done with, it's worth browsing in some of the art, craft and curios shops before heading off. There's a shop next to Harrie's that sells African crafts for all budgets. Bracelets made from safety pins, art made from used soft drink cans and bottles and spotted bush chicken ornaments are some of the usual, but ingenious, African crafts to be found. On the higher end of the spectrum are hand-crafted pots, carved ostrich egg lights and enchanting plates, cups and saucers.
Around Graskop
South of Graskop is the town of Sabie, where many people stay as a base to do outdoor and adventure activities by day. No more than 25km away from Graskop are both a Silk Farm and a Coffee Farm. The Verster Coffee Estate offers tours for people to see the process of coffee growing and making from start to finish. A tasting session at their coffee shop is a must at the end of the tour. The Africa Silks Farm also offers guided tours to explain the silk-making process from start to finish. The Kruger National Park is also within travelling distance of Graskop.
Closest to Graskop is the start of the Panorama route around Blyde River Canyon. The free-standing Pinnacle Rock, standing before a backdrop of the expanse of the canyon behind it, is just six miles from Graskop. A few kilometres up the road from Pinnacle Rock is God's Window, so called for the stunning view across the canyon. Even the Kruger National Park and Mozambique can be seen in the distance.
Sasha Arms - After graduating from university with a degree in Geography, Sasha became Managing Editor and Travel Editor of Futurespace Magazine. She ...
