Are you on your way to Crystal Springs or is your much-anticipated holiday just around the corner? Well, this guide to things to do and see on your next vacation to Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge will give you a few tips for your next getaway.. Let’s dive deep into the Ultimate Guide To Crystal Springs: What To Eat, Drink, See, and Do:

A FOODIE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT CRYSTAL SPRINGS’ VACATION

• The Vine Restaurant and Johnny’s Pub

Get transported back in history to The Vine Restaurant and Johnny’s Pub in Pilgrim’s Rest. The building filled with yesteryear’s furniture and old memorabilia makes for an authentic “Pilgrim’s Rest Goldfields Eathouse” experience. Enjoy their scrumptious chicken curry or delicious ostrich neck ‘potjie’; and for the less adventurous the “diggers burger” is a must!

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 10.5 km drive or 15 minutes

Get in touch with them on 013 768 1080 or Email: thevine.pilgrims@gmail.com

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• The Pilgrim’s Pantry

A visit to Pilgrim’s Pantry is like stepping back in time to the 1950s when shops were full of exciting edible goodies and atmosphere. Enjoy a peaceful lunch, sitting on the veranda and just watch the world go by. Enjoy truly South African meals like: homemade pies, bobotie, vetkoek burgers, koeksusters and milk tart.

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 10.7 km drive or 16 minutes

Get in touch with them on 082 294 0846 or Email: pilgrimspantry2020@gmail.com

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• Divine Foods at The View

Take a road-trip to Graskop and enjoy one of the best in the area – Divine Foods at The View.

The views are absolutely breath-taking and the setting is unmatched. Drive just past the Graskop Gorge Lift company, turn left to enter and enjoy this gem. Savour their amazing selection of craft beer and scrumptious meals.

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 27 km drive or 35 minutes

Get in touch with them on divineviewpan@gmail.com

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Here are a few more of our favourites:

• Harry’s Pancakes (Graskop) (25.4 km)
• The Wild Fig Tree Restaurant (43.8 km)
• Woodsman Restaurant and Pub (43.8 km)
• Merry Pebbles Restaurant (44 km)

A BUCKET-LIST GUIDE WHEN VISITING CRYSTAL SPRINGS LODGE

• A Big Swing Experience

Are you an adrenalin junky or did your best friend dare you to take on this bucket-list item while visiting Crystal Springs? Here are a few quick facts about the Big Swing experience:

What is it?

The Big Swing is the world’s highest cable gorge swing. The experience differs greatly from a bungee-jump because participants are strapped in an upright position in a full safety harness.

What will you experience?

A 70-metre free-fall at 140km/h in fewer than three seconds.

What does it cost?

R450 per person

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 26.1 km drive or 33 minutes

Get in touch with them on: +27 (0)13 767 1144 or info@gglc.co.za

• A caving experience

Explore the mysterious depths of Sabie’s Caves with candles, overalls and helmets. Are you brave enough to squeeze through the crawlspaces?

What will you experience?

Sabie’s Caves have its own unique rock formations, offering thrill-seekers a challenge, no matter what level of experience. Drive 7km with the Kestell Adventure Team to the Lone Creek Cave where visitors suit up, do a safety briefing, light the candles and start exploring.

What does it cost?

R320 per person

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 43.9 km drive or 49 minutes

Get in touch with them on: 0723515553 or info@kestelladventures.com

• A gold panning experience

The first pioneers feverishly panned for alluvial gold in the rivers and streams of the region – some made a fortune, others lost their boots.

What will you experience?

Relive the gold fever at The Diggings. Purchase a ticket at Pilgrim’s Rest Information Centre for a guided tour to experience this fast-growing outdoor activity.

What does it cost?

R165 per person

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 12.5 km drive or 18 minutes

Get in touch with them on:  013 764 3399

Here are a mix of natural wonders and historically fascinating sites in Mpumalanga that simply must be on your bucket-list:

• Skyway Trails (62.4 km)
• Shangana Cultural Village (56.6 km)
• Afromontane forest (Graskop) (26.5 km)

A PLACES-TO-SEE GUIDE WHEN VISITING CRYSTAL SPRINGS RESORT

• A God’s Window experience

God’s Window – so called for the panoramic view of the Lowveld (and in the distance the Kruger National Park and Mozambique) over 900m below – is 9.2 km north of Graskop on the R534. From the parking area, a steep footpath along the edge of the escarpment leads to the actual view site where there is a Wild Nature Reserve.

What does it cost?

R20 per person, R15 per child/pensioner

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 34.6 km drive or 45 minutes

• A Bourke’s Luck Potholes experience

This natural water feature marks the beginning of the Blyde River Canyon. Through countless aeons, the swirling whirlpools which occur as the Treur River plunges into the Blyde River caused waterborne sand and rock to grind huge, cylindrical potholes into the bedrock of the river.

What does it cost?

R65 per person, R25 per child/pensioner

How far from Crystal Springs?

It’s approximately 37.1 km drive or 58 minutes

There is so much to see while in Mpumalanga!

• Graskop Gorge Lift Co.
• Pinnacle Rock
• Three Rondavels View Point
• Wonder View
• Blyde River Canyon

How many of the above attractions have you visited? Are there any that you have enjoyed which aren’t on our list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Click here to read about the History of the Panorama Route

Don’t forget to book a getaway at Crystal Springs in Mpumalanga: 013 768 5014 | reservations@crystalsprings.co.za