Graskop Gorge Lift

Description

The Graskop Gorge Lift Company is centrally located on the Panorama Route and is an ideal stopover point, whether it be for the view, the forest, the food or the various adventure activities, guided tours and hikes in the surrounding areas.

The Lift

The viewing lift takes visitors 51 metres down the face of the gorge into the forest below, where wooden walkways & suspension bridges meander along a 600-metre trail through the indigenous forest with interactive exhibits.

The Forest

Whilst the lift, which travels 51m down the cliff face of the Graskop Gorge, was a feat of engineering skill to construct, it is the Afromontane forest below that is at the heart of this development. In South Africa, Afromontane forests cover only 0.5% of the country’s land area. They occur in pockets along mountain ranges in well-watered areas, including ravines and south-facing slopes. Under the vivid green canopy of trees lies a lush wonderland filled with a spectacular variety of plants, animals, insects and birds. Fast Facts * The trail has 6 interpretation exhibits and includes information about the forest, its biodiversity, water conservation, birds, insects, and includes giant replicas of indigenous mushrooms, a stained-glass window and much more. * The trail takes about an hour to complete. * The interpretation trail has several stairs and steep inclines. * The first 100 metres or so do not have any steps or steep inclines or declines so are very accessible to all, even people in wheelchairs. * The climate in the gorge is generally wet and can be slippery in sections. The decks have been fitted with anti-slip treads but caution should always be taken. * Trees and branches protrude from the decks and guests need to be aware of obstructions on the trail.

What should I wear or take with?

• Comfortable rubber-soled walking shoes.
• In the rain or if the waterfall is full, we recommend either a raincoat or umbrella.
• Cameras, binoculars etc.
• Water. Cold bottled mineral water can be purchased from The Lift Café. Please dispose of empty bottles in the bins provided at various points on the trail.

The Lift Café

The Lift Café is a spacious inviting restaurant and bar with the most spectacular view in South Africa. On warm sunny days, sit back and relax on the balcony and take in the panorama views: from the waterfall, big swing and zip line on the left to past the lift and across the gorge and to the magnificent valley in the distance on the right. Enjoy ice cold draft beer on tap and delicious meals while absorbing all this wonderful nature. On cooler, wetter days, watch the clouds and mist gently rolling in and out of the gorge past the lift, while gathered around the crackling fire, sipping on red wine or a perfectly brewed cup of coffee and indulging in appetising temptations from our kitchen.

The shops and community craft centre

• Zenzile - Designers of Africa. Zenzile is a boutique with many Afrocentric products, made specifically from African material and artefacts. It includes fashion, jewellery, decor, bags etc.
• Yonaka - Art Studio. Magnificent contemporary and local art is on offer in this stylish gallery. "We curate unusual and unexpected art experiences. We work with the dopest local and continental artists, showcasing the finest in African art"
• Exotic Africa - Curio Store. The shop offers top quality handmade leather and hide products unique to Africa. All their products are created by highly skilled local craftsmen. Take Africa home with our unique and exotic memorabilia that will always remind you of your trip to South Africa.
• Community Craft Centre. The Craft Centre specialises in African Art, African wire and wood sculptures, woven baskets, pottery, crafts and curios. Many of the works on display have been made by local artists.