The Best Hotels to Book in Graskop, South Africa, for Every Traveller

Graskop translates as ‘Grassy Head’ in Afrikaans
Graskop translates as ‘Grassy Head’ in Afrikaans | © Shams / iStock
Glynis Horning

Graskop, a small town in the Mpumalanga province in north-eastern South Africa, is gateway to Kruger National Park and some of the country’s most spectacular natural wonders – from the plunging waters at Berlin Falls to Pinnacle Rock, a natural freestanding quartzite tower rising 30m from dense forest. Not far you’ll also find God’s Window with its panoramic views of the Lowveld down into the lush ravine. Here are some of the best hotels in Graskop.

1. Bambuu Lakeside Lodge

Lodge

Bambuu Lakeside Lodge room with sofa, double bed, carpets and fluffy pillows
Courtesy of Bambuu Lakeside Lodge / Expedia.com

Set serenely on the banks of a private lake and with seven comfortable double rooms, this is a perfect place to shower away the dust of the day and float in the infinity pool before a wholesome meal. The closest gate to the Kruger National Park is just 25km away. The lodge offers Panorama Route Tours with field guides in open vehicles.

2. Westlodge at Graskop

Lodge

West Lodge at Graskop exterior with porch in traditional style at dusk
Courtesy of Westlodge at Graskop / Booking.com

This Victorian-style B&B in the centre of town has plush garden suites with draped beds and rolltop baths. If it’s available, ask for the first-floor bedroom “Madelief” with its sloping eves, decorated in a fresh and simple style in white and pale blue. Dine at a restaurant in the village after visiting the Berlin Falls or God’s Window, both only 12km away.

3. Graskop Holiday Resort

Resort

Graskop Holiday Resort huts with trees and blue skies
Courtesy of Graskop Holiday Resort / Expedia.com

Basic accommodation in thatched chalets situated in a large wetlands garden. With bare brick walls and wood and cane furnishings, each chalet has a small kitchen. If you don’t fancy cooking, there’s a restaurant and places to braai (barbecue). You’re a two-minute drive from Graskop Gorge Lift Company – a glass lift that drops you 50m down the face of the gorge into the indigenous forest where you’ll find wooden walkways and suspension bridges meandering along a magical trail.

5. Ulwazi Rock Lodge

Lodge

Ulwazi Rock Lodge room with balcony with views, seats and blankets on the bed
Courtesy of Ulwazi Rock Lodge / Expedia.com

Built on a family farm around a natural rock formation with views over the Hazyview area, this unusual self-catering lodge can accommodate up to 12 people in four ensuite rooms, though small groups are also welcome. There are two big dining rooms, where you can enjoy the meals you whip up in what’s accurately described as a “gourmet kitchen”. And there’s an indoor pool to cool down in.

6. Misty Mountain Lodge

Lodge

Misty Mountain Lodge aerial view with forest and mountains beyond
Courtesy of Misty Mountain Lodge / Booking.com

This sprawling family-friendly stone lodge in the Misty Mountain Natural Heritage Site on Long Tom Pass has been run by the Sheard family for just over 45 years. At 1700m above sea level, it has stunning views and simple but comfortable units sleeping two to 10 people. There’s a pub, indoor games room, playground and two pools, and it’s home to the Long Tom Toboggan run – the longest toboggan run in Africa, where you can reach speeds of up to 45km/h on a heart-thumping ride.

7. Porcupine Ridge Guest House

Guesthouse

Porcupine Ridge Guesthouse with trees, bushes and porch on a sunny day
Courtesy of Porcupine Ridge Guest House / Expedia.com

Once part of the original gold-mining village of Sabie, this historic home has been converted into a stylish B&B. You can go hiking and birding on the estate and there’s even a secret waterfall nearby. The friendly owners have made their indulgent alfresco breakfasts their hallmark – free-range eggs, locally grown coffee, fresh tropical fruits and home-made preserves. For dinner, explore the village restaurants with menus offering crocodile or warthog.

8. Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Lodge

Lodge

Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Lodge facade with balcony and thatched roof
Courtesy of Gunyatoo Trout Farm & Lodge

Set on a working trout-farm with two well-stocked dams, this is a haven for fishing, bird-watching and mountain biking. The thatch and stone lodge has comfortable suites with private patios above the pine forest. You can stay on a DBB basis (it’s renowned for its meals), or self-cater in a well-equipped cottage. Fly fishing lessons can be arranged. There’s a swimming pool and sauna to end the day.

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