Hostels in Graskop, South Africa

Graskop is the tourist hub for this beautiful area of South Africa with the Panorama Route along the Blyde River Canyon, several waterfalls and Kruger National Park within easy reach. Formed as a mining settlement in the late nineteenth century, this tiny place has embraced tourism and has a variety of places to stay and eat. The town itself sits on the edge of a valley with beautiful views across to the hills on the other side.

The centre of Graskop is pleasant to walk around where there are international ATMs, a supermarket and many restaurants. There are a couple of buildings from the gold rush days still standing though obviously rehabilitated and the town is very small, so it's easy to walk around and there is a tourist information office on the main street.

There are a few biking and hiking trails in and around Graskop as well as the longer trips to the Pinnacle and God's Window, though you'll need to be fit as it's very hilly! Graskop is quite a small place and very popular, so it pays to book ahead, particularly during South African holidays. The area to go to for hostel accommodation is De Lange Street, which is on the Sabie Road just west of the railway bridge, a 10 minute walk from the centre. Here, there are many bed and breakfasts and small guesthouses, more suitable for couples not looking for the budget dorm option. There is also hostel accommodation, some 40km north of Graskop on the Panorama Route by Bourke's Luck Potholes, in Moremela village.

There are many possibilities for hiking and biking in this beautiful area and most guesthouses and the tourist information centre in Graskop can provide information and maps as well as the bikes.

Graskop is also known South Africa-wide for its pancakes. Apparently, the dull cloudy, rainy days that set in from time to time up here, became known as "pancake days", as they were warm and filling. There are a number of pancake houses around town including Harrie's and Silver Spoon Pancakes. Tourists come through by the busload for their pancake lunch, so get there early to avoid the rush.