Only two hours from Pretoria or Johannesburg, Dullstroom is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, a family holiday or a fly fishing weekend. The place is well known as South Africa’s premier fly fishing destination and if trout fishing is your thing, then you probably know the location well. Still, those not interested in fly fishing will find enough charm to get you hooked and sufficient activity to offer a satisfying stay.
Dullstroom can be described as perfectly peaceful yet simultaneously, vibrant. You may choose to simply relax and enjoy the fresh air and tranquillity, catch up on your reading, enjoy board games or have a pampering spa treatment. It is definitely a place for recharging.
On the other hand, there are several pubs, coffee shops and restaurants to appeal to different tastes. Even if you cannot be enticed by fly fishing, you can still enjoy fresh trout at one of the many eateries. The main street is filled with shops whose goods may easily come between you and your hard-earned cash. A Dullstroom shopping experience involves strolling from shop to shop, enjoying the quaintness of the place, and considering quality items from antiques, to eatables, clothing, memorabilia, art and crafts.
A unique experience in Dullstroom is a visit to its specialist clock shop with the largest collection of clocks in the southern hemisphere. For full appreciation, get lost in time as you navigate the countless clock designs.
For me Dullstroom’s accommodation fits into two categories – those located in town or very close to town, or those located some distance out of town. If based in town one tends to engage in activities in town, whereas locating on a farm offers a sense of seclusion whereby one enjoys nature and the mountainous surroundings. Still, staying in town has the advantage of accessing the village centre within minutes for meals or other activities.
Very popular hotel options include the Walkersons Hotel & Spa (about 10km out of town) and Critchley Hackle (in town). But there is a long list of accommodation options. If you are interested in pet friendly accommodation, then there are self-catering possibilities as well as guest farms. We once stayed at Ce la Vie Lodge on a guest farm some kilometres up into the mountains, removed from all semblance of urban life. There we enjoyed the natural surroundings in its fullness – eating breakfast on the spacious verandah whilst taking in the majestic mountain views, and savouring dinner in front of a log fire in the living room.
Dullstroom is said to be one of the coldest in Mpumalanga and although bitingly cold at night during the winter months, the days are often sunny. That means a lot of outdoor activities such as horse-riding, bird watching and hiking are possible. For walks, one can start from the caravan park for a lazy stroll around Dullstroom’s beautiful dams, or climb Groot Suikerboschkop for breath-taking views of the area.
Although cold, Dullstroom is cosy in winter, especially if you have a log fireplace to add warmth and ambience to your experience. The annual Winter Festival incorporating blues, folk and fishing takes place from 5–7 July 2013 and is a perfect time to cosy up in the little town. Later in September you can catch the Dullstroom Arts Festival.
Dullstroom has a relaxed feel and a richness to be experienced. It is certainly worth a visit. The only risk is that the first visit may turn into many more in the future.
For Accommodation in Dullstroom visit our ACCOMMODATION PAGE.