The awards, based on the reviews and opinions of millions of travellers worldwide, place the two attractions in the top 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor. Unlike many industry accolades, Travellers’ Choice Awards are determined solely by visitor feedback collected over 12 months.
James Sheard (above), one of the directors of the Graskop Gorge adventure centre, said the recognition highlights both the commitment of the team and the support of visitors.
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“We are honoured that both the Graskop Gorge Lift Company and the Big Swing have been recognised with Travellers’ Choice Awards this year. This reflects our team’s commitment to creating memorable experiences and showcasing the beauty of Mpumalanga. We are grateful to every visitor who has taken the time to share their positive experiences. This achievement belongs as much to them as it does to us,” he said.
Since opening in 2017, the Graskop Gorge Lift Co has grown into one of South Africa’s most dynamic eco- and adventure-tourism destinations. What began with a world-first lift that lowers visitors 51 metres into a pristine forest, has expanded to include one of the highest gorge swings in the world, a suspension bridge, double zipline, interpretive forest trails, and a selection of restaurants and shops.
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Another thrilling first for South Africa: the Cliff Walk
Opened in 2024, the Cliff Walk is designed for thrill-seekers and requires harnesses for safety. Suspended high above the forest floor, the narrow pathway clings to the cliffside, leading adventurers across a suspension bridge before finishing with a thrilling zipline. The Cliff Walk links seamlessly with the Cliff Café, Next-Level Walk and Forest Walk, allowing visitors to explore the attractions on foot or to take the lift for a less strenuous route.
The Cliff Café, perched on the cliff wall, and the Next-Level Walk, a new no-harness walkway for more relaxed exploration, further reinforce Graskop Gorge’s reputation as a tourism innovator. By combining adrenaline, relaxation and immersive encounters with nature, the destination has transformed from a niche attraction into a leading adventure and eco-tourism hub.
“The Graskop Gorge Lift Company has continued to push the boundaries of tourism in Mpumalanga, introducing bold, world-first experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty in new ways,” Sheard added. “By combining adrenaline, relaxation and immersive encounters with nature, we aim to enrich Mpumalanga’s tourism offering and ensure visitors see this province as a destination in its own right.”
Located on the Panorama Route and within easy reach of the Kruger National Park, Graskop Gorge Lift Co has welcomed more than one million visitors since its launch.
