CHILLING WITH KIDS
Baby, it’s cold outside anyway — so you might as well take a break in a spot where they know how to keep things interesting whatever the weather — even for little children. They sure do in Dullstroom,
SITTING pretty at 2 100m on the Mpumalanga escarpment, Dullstroom is one of the highest towns in SA’s north — with a climate to match. Shivering at an annual average 13°C and frequently invisible in romantic mist, it is our neo-Scotland, a Brigadoon for fly fishermen and whisky drinkers, and a popular stop for Kruger-bound tourists. An easy three hours from Joburg, it’s also a fine choice for a weekend getaway.
But if your kids can’t drink the whisky (no, they can’t), what then? Here is a selection of outings that are great for kids — which of course will keep everyone in the family happy.
1. MAKE SOME FEATHERED FRIENDS
Hundreds of wild raptors in the region are injured every year — mostly by the interference of humans — but the excellent Bird Of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre is working hard to rescue and rehabilitate survivors. Whenever possible, they are released back into the wild, but when it’s not they live out their days at the centre. Still, birds must fly and their exercises have been incorporated into a show that is both interesting and delightful. Ours included a swooping falcon, the fastest creature on earth; a waddling owl; and a magnificent black eagle. If you only do one thing in Dullstroom, do this.
Shows daily at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Closed Tuesdays. R60 for adults, R25 for children aged 3-12; and free for underthrees. See birdsofprey.co.za.
2. RIDE HORSES
Peppered with trout dams and lush landscapes, the area is a fine spot to go galloping into the hills. Little children, even with no experience, can take pony rides around a trout dam while handlers walk ahead and hold the reins.
The Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate (dunkeldestate.co.za) has rides daily at noon and 2.30pm (R90 for 30 minutes). The Dullstroom Riding Centre, 15km out of town, also offers out-rides and pony rides. See dullstroomhorseriding.co.za.
3. GET ARTSY
At the iCreate gallery and studio, Faith Lello offers mosaic classes for all ages. Younger ones can spend a few hours in the studio, doing sand art or paint-and-stick, or buy kits to take home. Call 082 451 0509.
Further up the main road, Lello’s daughter, Sharon Mann, offers mixed-media art classes and pottery at Anything But Dull for ages 12 and up. Call 083 309 8140 or visit anythingbutdull.co.za.
Find a longer list of Dullstroom to-dos for kids at sundaytimes.co.za.