Graskop, a place largely known for its breath-taking natural beauty, extensive unperturbed greenery and graceful silence is adding yet another beauty to its wonderful array of impressive sights, albeit this one, has the form of a more mechanical beauty.
Artist impression of the Graskop Gorge Lift Company. PHOTO SUPPLIED
Graskop is set to construct an impressive 51-meter glass lift, capable of cascading down the Graskop Gorge, affording tourists magnificent 360 degree viewing of its foliage, waterfall, birds and wildlife. It is understood that the beauty that is ‘the place of the rising sun’ (Mpumalanga) will be enhanced dramatically, by this impressive tourism experience feature.
The large glass lift will be constructed, down the road from God’s window and is without any doubt, expected to be a major tourist drawcard. Once launched, it will be the first of its kind on the African continent. Catapulting Graskop and the Mpumalanga province as a seriously worthwhile tourist destination.
The lift will cost a hefty R40 million to construct, and once established will be the clear-view platform to guide tourists down the pristine Graskop Gorge, which boasts an undisturbed lush green foliage and impressive waterfall. The lift, which will be the main attraction in the Graskop Gorge Adventure Centre, will form part of an arsenal of attractive tourist sights, which will include a restaurant, a bar and various shops to further enrich the tourist experience in Graskop.
Domestic and international visitors can expect a truly memorable outing at not only the lifts completion, but at the completion of the whole Graskop Gorge Adventure Centre project.
Graskop, widely known to tourists for its tranquillity, has various accommodation options available ranging from luxurious hotels to lodges and self-catering, family friendly options. The lift will be situated on the R533 towards Hazyview and would allow tourists to get to their place of rest at ease, as most accommodation establishments are usually a kilometre away from Graskop’s quiet city centre.
Visitors to Graskop will have to wait a while longer though, as the 40-bed boutique hotel earmarked to be built near the area, will be built after the lift has been launched.
This is great news for tourists as Graskop should expect increased visits as visitors flock to see the lift and places such as Lisbon Falls and Pinnacle Rock, among others. The boutique hotel is expected to add a different dimension to the accommodation landscape, and is yet another feature to look forward to.
Graskop is looking to rightly claim its place as one of the best tourist attractions not only on the continent but in the world, with its impressive natural views and the soon to be established Graskop Gorge Adventure Centre, and as such will definitely be a place for any visitor to see.
*This article was written by a TWNA journalist, Constance Sithole for My Mpumalanga. For more, follow the link: http://mympumalanga.co.za/graskop-gorge-and-the-glass-lift/