I spend a total of two nights in a town called Graskop (pronounced “grass-kop”), one night prior to Swaziland and another after returning from Kruger. It’s a good access point for the Panorama Route — I cannot wait to share those photos with you — and when I change the direction of my travel due to the weather forecast, it makes sense to return here after Swaziland and Kruger. Plus I found cheap accommodation that I liked: Sheri’s Lodge, managed by a very kind woman.

Here’s a photo of my scenic drive towards Graskop (from Johannesburg):

I stop briefly at Misty Mountain on the way along R37 to scope out views of their infinity pool. My overland tour guides had recommended this place months ago, but since I’m not staying overnight here of course I don’t get to swim the pool; it’s just a photo op. If the sun were shining, these views might be spectacular, but it’s not really worth stopping in cloudy weather. They do have a restaurant if you’re looking for a meal or coffee.

Here is the place I stay — Sheri’s Lodge. It’s a cluster of thatched-roof rondavels, which are mostly private rooms but there is at least one hostel dorm room. It’s not fancy but perfectly suits my needs. Since it’s still considered low season, there are very few people here and I get the whole dorm room to myself both nights. Score!

It’s a giant dorm room and normally I never stay in rooms this big — how can anyone get a good night’s sleep with that many people in one room? But since I’m the only one here, it’s perfect.

The hostel manager suggests a local bar for dinner, assuring me they have great steaks and burgers. She’s right — the food is fantastic and cheap (around $7 for a generous plate). It’s filled with locals.

There are several pancake places in Graskop and it’s very much worth stopping at least once to try a treat — they have both savory and sweet varieties. I pick Harrie’s Pancakes.

Upon perusing the menu, I immediately make my selection: the fig and pecan pancake. And whoa… if there is such a thing as a life-changing pancake, this is it.

The manager of the hostel suggests I drive to nearby Pilgrim’s Rest, a village with antiquated shops that has been around for many decades; she tells me it’s like stepping back in time. I find parking and go for a 30-minute stroll around town, but the place sort of creeps me out. People still live here but it’s pretty run-down outside of a few touristy restaurants and shops, and the locals hanging around main street outnumber the tourists so I feel very watched as I walk around. I don’t have much commentary to add. You’ll get a sense of the place from the photos. I only snap images of the better-looking parts of town so this shows Pilgrim’s Rest in its best light.

The below menu items sound delicious. I don’t splurge but I’m tempted.

There are a few shops selling locally handmade crafts:

I ask the guy below if I can take a photo of him with his pottery and he says yes, although his expression suggests I’ve caught him by surprise.

Car graveyard:

Some random food photos from along this route — I stop at Mugg & Bean in Nelspruit after Pilgrim’s Rest, en route to Swaziland. I get a caramel latte and delicious chicken salad while using their free wifi to upload blog posts.

I dig this bottle of red wine — it’s a sweet red, which most people might not enjoy, but totally suites my tastebuds. And these flavors of gourmet iced tea (available at SPAR grocery store) are all really good: melon goji green, berry baobab, and kiwi cucumber mint (the last is my favorite of the three).

And that wraps up this post about little Graskop and nearby Pilgrim’s Rest village. A small but enjoyable part of this road trip… well, Graskop anyways!