Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

Dullstroom dates back to the early 1880s when Dutch Settlers made their way to the place of "eternal mist". The town is situated at 2100 m above sea level, making this one of the highest towns in the country. The architecture of the village of Dullstroom is a mixture of 19th and 20th century building designs.

Dullstroom is on the panorama route, halfway from Johannesburg to the Kruger National Park. The ideal stop over! You will find the village of Dullstroom to be a charming little hamlet situated in the heart of the Highlands Meander, a beautiful part of Mpumalanga, noted for its clear streams, lakes and breath-taking scenery.

The Birds of Prey Centre and Rehabilitation Center is situated at the Owl & Oak Trading Post, just outside of Dullstroom. Daily flying displays at 10:30 and again at 14:30.

Anyone passing through the tranquil Steenkampsberg, might think that the ‘dull’ in Dullstroom describes the character of the town. Not so. This charming village was named after its Dutch founder, Wolterus Dull, and has become a haven for the nature lover, family man and fly fisherman.

The town claims to be the highest above sea level, in what was formerly called the Transvaal, hence the chill air. Dullstroom’s European heritage is evident in its wonderful array of deciduous trees – beeches, lindens, cherry trees and many other varieties planted here over a century ago. Nestled in pristine surroundings, Dullstroom caters for those who want to break away to fresh air and peace.

Many a city slicker has become a Dullstroom ‘weekender’ for exactly these reasons. Dullstroom offers a sub-Alpine climate unique in the area, beautiful natural surroundings devoid of industrial pollution, popular horse and hiking trails, unique plant and animal life, as well as the Verlorenvallei Nature Reserve, breeding place of the rare Wattled Crane. Accommodation varies from a caravan park at the municipal dam to up market hotels, a share block scheme and self-catering cottages rented out by private owners. Even the gourmet dinner has several options to choose from.

Dullstroom also offers some of the best facilities for trout angling in the country. The Dullstroom municipal dam has been restored to its former glory and the building of a sister dam. Suikerboschkop, has resulted in excellent fly fishing for both brown trout and rainbows. Day angling is possible at these and other dams in the surrounding area.

WHERE TO STAY

Valley of the Rainbow

Situated in a secluded valley in the mountains near Dullstroom, only two hours from Johannesburg. The Manor House offers five luxurious en suite rooms each with own private lounge. The Country House with five en suite rooms is decorated in a classical country style and offers breathtaking views of the lakes and mountains. The Tent Chalets each have it’s own bathroom and electricity. Sporting activities include trout fishing, clay pigeon shooting, mountain biking, hiking, birding, abseiling etc. Ideal for corporate Adventure and Leisure programmes.

Dawson’s Game & Trout Lodge

Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge, a unique African experience, is situated in Mpumalanga where the last remnant of the Great Rift Valley forms the Escarpment, separating the High- and Lowveld with their dramatically different climates, flora and fauna.

Dawson’s lies at the transition of these two regions, where Highveld Blesbok meet Lowveld Impala, with dramatic mountain backdrops forming perennial streams and waterfalls that is the Komati River. Explore at you leisure over 2000 hectares of wide open grasslands and bushveld, teeming with herds of antelope.

They accommodate sixteen guests in eight rooms; all of our facilities are of the highest standard, so that a stay with us is more like a country house party of yesteryear. For the mature and more thoughtful guest to relax and contemplate the qualities of life, that here, make a truly splendid place.

Accommodation

EN-SUITE ROOMS

Eight luxurious en-suite rooms with large Victorian-style bathrooms. All of our facilities are of the highest standard, large suites with dry-stone interior walls, percale linen, king size 4-poster beds, hand-picked antique furniture, fireplaces, sherry and nuts, walk-in closet, heated towel rails, fully stocked mini-bars with Dawson’s home-made chocolate chip cookies as well as freshly ground coffee.

Dining

Marvel at our chef’s innovative talent while you sit back and soak up the atmosphere, savouring the taste and aroma of cuisine in its most exquisite form. Breakfast and lunch can be served either in the privacy of your own room, on the patio or enjoyed in our dining room.

For a romantic lunch, our chef will prepare a sumptuous picnic basket that can accompany you on a self-drive outing to any secluded point on the reserve. Finally, for a truly African experience, dinner can be taken in our traditional African-style boma, around an open log fire.

Conferences & weddings

Dawson’s Game & Trout Lodge offers 2 Conference Venues each offering boardroom seating for 12 delegates, cinema 30, u-shape 15 and schoolroom seating for 20. We specialise in intimate weddings and exclusive functions.

Dandy-line spa

Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge now offer their guests spa treatments that focus specifically on de-toxification and de-stressing in an inspiring environment. Stiglingh, a renowned therapist whose treatments embody her “All natural, all hands on” approach. Lengthy treatments beside the fireplace in the privacy and warmth of a guests cottage or outside on the grassland plains under the aloe trees, are filled with scents of peppermint, ginger, camphor, lemon verbena, coffee and vanilla.

Activities

Guests have full access to a variety of activities while staying at Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge. These include guided game drives and walks, trout and bass fishing, bird viewing, horse riding, scenic hikes or just simply relax around our pool area and soak up the magnificent sunshine and views.

BASS AND TROUT FISHING:

While away the hours doing what comes naturally from our well-stocked waters or let us offer you expert tuition.

BIRD WATCHING:

The area hosts a unique combination of bird species such as Knysna Lourie, Malachite Hum bird, Olive Bush-Shrike, Trumpeter Hornbill and many more occasional visitors and seasonal migrants. Spending a few hours in our corner of paradise accompanied by a professional field guide will offer constant excitement and photographic opportunities.

HIKES AND WALKS:

Revitalise your spirits with a short guided or free walking day - walk along 100-year-old water canals to a spectacular waterfall overlooking the valley.

HORSE RIDING:

For the adventurous there can be no better way of getting up close and personal to our wildlife.

GAME VIEWING:

Early morning and late afternoon guided game drives will thrill you across wide-open grasslands and through dense bushveld. Experience the unique behavioural patterns of our myriad of wild indigenous game species whilst enjoying your favourite sun downer.

SIGHTSEEING:

Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge, is situated in Mpumalanga (meaning “the rising sun”) which is well known for its spectacular scenery, wild life and historical interest. Exciting day drives can be taken to nearby Barberton, Pilgrims Rest (Discovery of Gold - Gold Rush), Graskop, Sabie and Swaziland, as well as the Kruger National Park.

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