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The original farm Graskop, which is Afrikaans for grassy hill, was owned by a man named Abel Erasmus in 1850. Abel would later become a Native Commissioner and magistrate for the Lowveld. During the gold rush of the 1870s, the farm was established as a camp for gold miners in the area, including those from neighbouring town Pilgrim’s Rest. After the rush dwindled and the railway line was built, Graskop was officially declared a town in the year 1914. Graskop recently celebrated its 100th birthday and today is a bustling Lowveld tourist destination. It’s also home to timber workers; this industry began during the depression of the 1920s and ‘30s when residents began planting trees for money. What’s more, two chapters of the popular African story Jock Of The Bushveld took place only a stone’s throw from Graskop.
the directory
Sleep
The Graskop Hotel: (013) 767 1244, corner of Main Road and Louis Trichard Street.
Flycatcher Castle: An extraordinary, art-deco masterpiece, it’s well worth a stay or just a tour. (013) 767 1114, www.flycatchercastle.com Westlodge: A pretty B&B on the outskirts of the village. (013) 767 1390, www.westlodge.co.za
Log Cabin Village: Offers simple but well-equipped, self-catering chalets in town. (013) 767 1974, www.logcabin.co.za
Thaba Tsweni Lodge: Further out of town, it’s 300m from the Berlin Falls on Berlin Farm. (013) 767 1380
Lisbon Hideaway: Offers self-catering chalets in beautiful surroundings on the banks of the Lisbon River, 7km from Graskop. 083 438 2714, www.lisbonhideaway.co.za
Eat
Harrie’s Pancakes: (013) 763 1273, corner of Louis Trichard and Church St. Canimambo: (013) 767 1868, corner of Main Road and Louis Trichard St. Potluck Boskombuis: 073 705 4734, ± 26kms from Graskop on the R532. Kruger’s Gold: 072 335 3362, Eagle’s View Eco Estate, R533.
Shop
Delagoa Arts & Crafts: (013) 767 1081, Louis Trichard Street. Shautany Chocolatiers: (013) 767 1170, Louis Trichard Street.
Play
The Big Swing: Laura Squires, 082 412 7295, Hazyview/Bushbuckridge Road.
Tours & Tickets: (013) 767 1573, Louis Trichard Street.