By Gugulethu Tshabalala
In province of Mpumalanga, best known for its famous Panorama Route and the gateway to the Kruger, lies a lesser-known gem: Dullstroom. Nestled more than 2000 metres above sea level on the Steenkampsberg Plateau, it holds the title as one of South Africa’s highest towns. But height isn’t its only claim to fame. Dullstroom is where mist rolls in like a dream, trout leap from still waters, and visitors trade noise for nature, speed for serenity.
A Town Built Around Water and Quiet
Dullstroom’s origins date back to the early 1880s when Dutch settlers arrived, drawn by the area’s cool climate and abundance of natural springs. After the devastation of the Anglo-Boer War, the town slowly rebuilt and developed a reputation for being a peaceful outpost where trout thrived and fires warmed stone cottages.
Today, Dullstroom is often referred to as “Trout Country”—a favourite destination for fly- fishing enthusiasts. The calm, well-stocked dams in and around town offer world-class fishing experiences. Even if you’re not into angling, many of the town’s top restaurants serve trout as a signature dish—whether smoked, grilled, or cured.
What You’ll Find in the Heart of Town
Despite its size, Dullstroom is packed with personality. Along the town’s main street,
you’ll find everything from gourmet restaurants to antique stores, independent art
galleries, and quirky shops.
Here are some key attractions and stops:
● The Clock Shop: One of the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere,
housing thousands of timepieces from cuckoo clocks to grandfather.
● Wild About Whisky: A tasting room offering over 1000 whiskies, bourbons and
other fine spirits. They offer guided tastings ideal for beginners and
connoisseurs.
● Beans About Coffee: The local favourite for your morning flat white or a coffee tasting flight.
● Anvil Ale Brewery: A craft brewery producing ales and stouts using local water
and traditional brewing methods.
Outdoor Experiences: More Than Just Fishing
While Dullstroom may be known for trout, it’s also a dream base for nature lovers. The nearby Verloren Valei Nature Reserve is home to over 200 bird species, including three types of endangered cranes. It’s one of the few places where you can spot all of them in one outing.
Other activities include:
● Horse riding through farmland trails
● Hiking along mist-covered ridges
● Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre: A small sanctuary that offers educational
talks and live flying demonstrations
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the terrain around Dullstroom offers scenic, rolling
routes that balance challenge with beauty.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
Dullstroom’s accommodation options are built around comfort and charm. Whether
you’re looking for a self-catering cottage, a boutique guesthouse or a luxury lodge with a spa, you’ll find something that suits your style. Most have fireplaces—ideal for the cooler nights that even summer brings.
Tip: Dullstroom is also a popular stopover for those en route to Kruger National Park, making it an ideal place to begin a longer journey northward.
Travel Notes
● Distance from Joburg: ±3 hours (±250km) via the N4 and R540
● Best seasons: Autumn (for golden foliage) and Winter (for fireplaces and frost)
● What to pack: Warm layers, even in summer. The air can shift from sunny to chilly in minutes.
● Ideal for: Couples, fly-fishing enthusiasts, artists, hikers, and those needing a] weekend reset
Dullstroom isn’t flashy. It doesn’t boast big malls or crowded events. Instead, it
whispers—a gentle invitation to take things slow, breathe deeply, and reconnect with life’s quieter joys. It’s a place where time ticks just a little more thoughtfully, where every meal is savoured, and where the journey feels just as special as the destination.
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Dullstroom leaves you with something priceless: a peaceful mind and the sense that South Africa’s heart beats strongly in its small towns.
