The History of Graskop
The picturesque town of Graskop, nestled in the heart of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, carries with it a rich tapestry of history that reflects the broader narrative of South Africa’s past.
Emerging as a settlement during the gold rush era of the late 19th century, Graskop became a thriving hub for prospectors and entrepreneurs seeking their fortune in the mineral-rich hills of the Eastern Transvaal.
The town’s name, derived from the Afrikaans gras (grass) and kop (head), refers to the grasslands that covered the surrounding hills. As mining operations expanded and the railway line was extended through the region, Graskop evolved from a frontier settlement into an established community.
Nearby Pilgrim’s Rest, one of South Africa’s best-preserved gold rush towns, stands as a testament to this remarkable era — and our guesthouse proudly carries this heritage in its name.