Graskop Gorge Lift Experience

The gorge is centrally located on the Panorama Route and is an ideal stop over point, whether it is for the view, the forest or the food. The viewing lift is a first for Africa. Climb aboard and travel 51 meters down the face of the Graskop gorge and into the Afromontane forest below. It travels sedately up and down, with a one-way trip taking around one minute. (You may use the lift as many times as they like on the day of purchase.)

The Graskop Gorge Lift Co is the gateway to the forest below and is made up of a number of boutique shops, a community craft market, and a restaurant perched on the cliff edge with spectacular views of the waterfall and forest below.

Whilst the lift, which travels 51m down the cliff face of the Graskop Gorge, was a feat of engineering skill, it is the Afromontane forest below that is the drawcard. 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.

The Gorge lift experience includes the viewing lift into the gorge and the 600m interpretation trail on the valley floor, taking you on a scenic walk through the Afro-montane forest, over the river and to the foot of the waterfall. You can ask for the services of a guide (at an extra cost.)

We recommend comfortable walking shoes or trainers for the walk, plus sunscreen and of course camera or camera-phone.

Other Soft Adventure options

Also on site is a suspension bridge across the gorge, a zipline and The Big Swing. So this is an ideal stop-off for adventure seekers and families. The Big Swing offers a 70m free falldrop in under 3 seconds, an adrenalin rush of note.