8 things to do
1 See owls in action
Established in 1997, the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre aims to create awareness about the plight of birds of prey, and also dispel myths that lead to fears and mistreatment. Birds that can be rehabilitated are released back into the wild; the birds on display at the centre are not releasable for one of various reasons, including severity of injury and human imprinting.
The flight demonstrations, facilitated by experienced staff, give visitors an exciting opportunity to see some of these magnificent creatures up close. I got to see Chewy the African harrier-hawk, Daffy the spotted eagle-owl, Jester the Harris’s hawk, and Ashanti the Verreaux’s eagle.
Entrance fee: R80 for adults; R70 for pensioners;
R50 for kids under 12; free for kids under 3.
Opening times: Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 9 am to 4 pm. (Also open on some public holidays and other special dates – check the website.)
Flight demonstrations at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm, weather permitting.
birdsofprey.co.za
More info: 2 Hike, bike, ride and run
There are numerous trails for hikers, cyclists and runners to explore. Most farms have trails and farm road networks that are free for guests to use, and there are accessible paths at the Dullstroom Dam.
Put yourself to the test on the two-lap Parkrun route around the dam or get some elevation by summiting Groot Suikerboschfonteinkop and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the town and surrounds.
There are many popular mountain-biking and gravel-riding routes, including the Kruisfontein Road, the Tonteldoos Road and along the railway. Route profiles can be found at dullstroom.co.za.
Dullstroom on the Dam offers horse riding for all ages and abilities. Their two-hour trail (R500 per person) crosses the dam wall, summits the kop and passes some historical Anglo-Boer War sites:
dullstroomonhorseback.co.za
3 Catch a trout
Fly-fishing is the quintessential Dullstroom activity. With hundreds of stocked dams in the region offering catch-and-release or catch-and-keep, it’s a carnival for trout-fishing fundis.
If you’re a curious novice (like me) there are several outfitters that can teach you the ways of the water. Mavungana (The Xitsonga name for malachite kingfisher) and The Village Angler have both been around for more than three decades. Both offer casting and fly-tying lessons, guided trips and gear rental, and they stock a variety of gear for purchase. Both are on the main road: flyfishing.co.za; thevillageangler.co.za
4 Play an Ernie Els signature golf course
Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate is about 15 km out of town on the Kruisfontein Road. It’s on the very edge of the Steenkampsberg Plateau and renowned as one of the most picturesque courses in the country.
There’s more than golf – the 700-hectare estate also offers hiking and mountain-biking trails, flyfishing, tennis and great birding.
More info: highlandgate.co.za
golfbookings@highlandgate.co.za
5 Get arty
Vergeet my Nie is a quirky creative space in the centre of town. It’s more than just a craft and gift shop – they also offer art lessons of various forms for all ages. From painting to sand art to clay work, they’ve got it all. Make it a fun family affair or drop the kids off while you head for a tasting at the whisky bar. 063 947 3272; vergeetmynie.winkeltjie@gmail.com
If you’d prefer to peruse a professional studio space, head to Dimitrov Art Gallery in its new location on Beelaerts Street behind Seattle Coffee
Co. For more than 16 years, Yugoslavian-born Branko Dimitrov, his wife Buba and their daughter Andjelina have been uplifting the cultural scene of Dullstroom. Their work, and those of other artists, is on display.
082 679 5698
6 Explore Verloren Valei
Proclaimed as a nature reserve in 1983 and a Ramsar site in 2001, Verloren Valei is a crucial wetland spanning the watershed of the Crocodile and Olifants rivers catchment basins. It’s home to several rare bird species (including two species of flufftail and all three local crane species, although there has only been one wattled crane sighted in recent times); more than 50 grass orchid species, many of which are endemic; and two butterfly species only found here. Plans are afoot to incorporate Verloren Valei and the nearby De Berg Nature Reserve – South Africa’s highest-altitude wetland, which was proclaimed a Ramsar site recently, in February 2024.
Verloren Valei is a closed reserve and can only be visited by appointment. There’s a 10 km ring road guests can drive accompanied by a guide, and there are frequent opportunities to get deeper into the reserve by joining the Friends of Verloren Valei on guided field trips.
Entrance fee, once you’ve made your booking:
R50 for adults; R25 for pensioners and children under 12. Guided field trips: R175 per person (excludes reserve entrance fee). More info: verlorenvalei.org.za info@verlorenvalei.org.za
7 Shoot a clay pigeon
Fishing isn’t the only country pursuit available in Dullstroom. Field and Stream, about 9 km outside town on the Tonteldoos Road, offers clay pigeon shooting. They’re open most Saturdays or by prior arrangement. They also have a variety of accommodation options, several mountain-biking and hiking trails, and fly-fishing. The whole Dullstroom package, in other words.
From R690 for a round of 25 shots.
083 443 4567; fieldandstreamsa.com
Cost: More info: 8 Step back in time – or get lost in time
Book a tour with history buff Mike Whelan – he’ll take you through the Dullstroom Heritage Society Museum and show you the old Dutch Reformed church and the remembrance garden. dullstroomheritage.co.za; appointments 066 426 9772 or 079 832 0434
Formerly punted as the largest shop of its kind in the southern hemisphere, The Clock Shop took a dip during Covid and had to downscale, but they’re still ticking along. Visit this magical corner of time in the Dullstroom Centre on Naledi Drive. theclockshop.co.za
EATHERE
Baker Boys Coffee Café
A highly recommended breakfast stop – it’s one of the newer restaurants in town and their baked goods are already famous. 1 Beelaerts Street; 082 413 9631
info@bakerboys.co.za
Mrs Simpson’s
A legendary institution that has been a hit with visitors and locals alike for nearly 20 years. The menu is diverse, with everything from stuffed trout to steak. That, and the eclectic decor (all of which has been donated by friends and patrons) make it a must-visit.
197 Teding van Berkhout Street
082 899 0248 mrssimpsons.co.za
Trout Lake Bistro at Critchley Hackle Lodge
The bistro overlooks a trout dam, surrounded by old stone buildings. It’s tucked away from the bustle of the main street, making it the perfect spot if you’re looking for a peaceful meal. For breakfast try the Scotch Eggs or Trio of Eggs Florentine.
585 Teding van Berkhout Street
083 800 2566 restaurant@critchley-hackle.co.za
Mayfly Restaurant and
Cocktail Lounge
“The Mayfly” offers a more contemporary dining experience. Quality and consistency make it a firm favourite among the locals. Their pizzas are a hit and so is the signature Mayfly Rump, which is topped with crispy bacon bits, caramelised onion and a red wine and mushroom sauce.
66 Naledi Drive; 084 619 4946
mayfly.co.za
Still hungry? Take a turn past these restaurants, bars and food stops during your visit.
• Taste whisky at Wild About Whisky: info@wildaboutwhisky.com
• Sip some gin at Dullstroom Gin Emporium: cheers@dullstroomgin.com
• Try craft beer at Anvil Ale Brewery: christo@anvilbrewery.com
• Wine and cheese pairing? Say yes at 84 on Main: hello@dullstroom.tours
• Get your coffee buzz at Dullstroom Coffee Roastery: info@dullstroomroastery.coffee
• Try an assortment of teas at Artisans, CPIRIT Market Place: info@cpirit.co.za
• Taste venison and more at the Taste Bar, CPIRIT Market Place: info@cpirit.co.za
• Grab a milkshake at Udderlicious Milkshake Bar: milkshakes@udderlicious.co.za
• Feast on famous fudge at Trams Antiques: gerrit.claassen@vodamail.co.za
• Choose some chocolate at Shautany Chocolatiers: chocolate@shautany.co.za
• Have a pancake or a light meal at Rose
Cottage: rosecottagedullstroom.co.za
STAY HERE
The Dullstroom Inn
With its warm atmosphere and longstanding history, this is a classic inn experience complete with pub grub, historical anecdotes, ghost stories, and a hearth fire that has been burning non-stop for nearly 40 years.
Where? Corner of Teding van Berkhout and Oranje Nassau streets.
Rates: From R500 per person per night. Moreinfo: 083 800 256 dullstroominn.co.za
Dullstroom Country Cottages
A peaceful country getaway, with two-, four- and six-sleeper cottages to choose from. There are dams for trout fishing, there’s space to walk, run or cycle, and there’s a stunning waterfall on the property. Oh, they do weddings too…
Where? About 10 km out of town on the R540 towards Mashishing (Lydenburg).
Rates: From R600 per person sharing per night.
Moreinfo: 082 588 3151 dullstroomcountrycottages.co.za
Dullstroom on the Dam
Next to the Dullstroom municipal dam, there are six self-catering cottages and plenty of space for camping and caravans. They’re pet-friendly, too. Activities include fishing, hiking and horse riding. On Saturday mornings they host the Dullstroom Parkrun. Day visitors are welcome.
Where? Dullstroom municipal dam at the end of Janson Street.
Rates: Camping R150 per adult; R80 for kids under 13. Cottages from R850 per night for up to four people.
Moreinfo: 061 762 3209 dullstroomonthedam.co.za
Van de Poll House
Stay in one of the oldest houses in town. The foundation stone of this eight-sleeper is dated “1890”. It’s had some upgrades since then, but the bones are well over a century old.
Where? 274 Blue Crane Drive
Rates: From R5 520 per night for up to eight people.
Moreinfo: 082 655 5578
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