Dullstroom Travel Guide

Plan your trip with this comprehensive travel guide to Dullstroom, including things to see and do, where to stay, and tips for exploring.


Introduction to Dullstroom

Dullstroom is a small town in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Known as a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty, Dullstroom offers visitors a chance to relax and explore the great outdoors. It is a popular place for fly fishing, hiking, and bird watching. The town is also known for its charming architecture and historical significance.

List of Places to Visit in Dullstroom

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Dullstroom offers a variety of museums and historical places for visitors to enjoy:

  • The Dullstroom Heritage Museum: showcasing a history of the town and surrounding areas.
  • The Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre: home to various raptor species and offering daily flight displays.
  • The Stone Circle: a pre-historic archaeological site that is significant to the local community.

Natural Attractions of Dullstroom: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Dullstroom boasts a range of outdoor activities in its natural surroundings:

  • Fly Fishing: Dullstroom is known as the fly fishing capital of South Africa, offering various fishing spots throughout the town.
  • Dullstroom Nature Reserve: a nature reserve home to various bird species, including the rare yellow-breasted pipit.
  • Panorama Route: a scenic drive offering views of the Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window, and cascading waterfalls.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dullstroom

Dullstroom is home to various hiking and biking trails, offering visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area on foot or by bike. Some popular routes include:

  • The Dullstroom Nature Reserve Trail: a 7-kilometer trail through the nature reserve, offering views of the grassland and forests.
  • The Verloren Valei Nature Reserve Trail: a 10-kilometer trail through the nature reserve, offering views of wetlands and mountain ranges.
  • The Trans-Drakensberg Mountain Bike Trail: a 250-kilometer trail through the Drakensberg Mountains, offering panoramic views and challenging terrain.

Best Things to Do in Dullstroom: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor activities, Dullstroom offers visitors a variety of things to do, including:

  • Chocolate tasting at the Anvil Ale Brewery and Distillery: tasting various chocolate-flavored liquors and artisanal beers.
  • Shopping at the Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate: offering a range of local products and souvenirs, including handmade pottery and jewelry.
  • Horseback riding tours: exploring the natural beauty of the area on horseback.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dullstroom

For visitors spending a week in Dullstroom, a suggested itinerary includes:

  • Day 1: Arrive in Dullstroom and check-in at a local guesthouse or hotel.
  • Day 2: Explore the Dullstroom Heritage Museum and Stone Circle, followed by lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants.
  • Day 3: Fly fishing in one of the various fishing spots around Dullstroom.
  • Day 4: Hiking or biking one of the local trails, followed by dinner at Anvil Ale Brewery and Distillery.
  • Day 5: Horseback riding tour in the surrounding area.
  • Day 6: Shopping at Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate.
  • Day 7: Panorama Route scenic drive and picnic in nature.

Food and Drink Scene of Dullstroom

Dullstroom offers visitors a range of local cuisine and beverages to try, including:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Trout: A locally sourced fish that is popular on many restaurant menus.
  • Biltong: A type of cured meat that is often served as a snack or appetizer.
  • Bobotie: A traditional South African dish consisting of spiced meat baked with a custard topping.

Local Beverages

  • Craft beer: Brewed locally, visitors can enjoy a range of hand-crafted beers.
  • Amarula: A cream liqueur made from the marula fruit, a local delicacy.
  • Rooibos tea: A caffeine-free tea made from the indigenous rooibos plant.

Where to Stay in Dullstroom: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dullstroom offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some of the most popular include:

  • Dullstroom Inn: A charming boutique hotel located in the heart of town, offering a range of rooms and suites.
  • Duck & Trout Lodge: A luxurious lodge located on the outskirts of town, featuring private chalets and excellent fly fishing opportunities.
  • The Old Transvaal Inn: A rustic guesthouse located in the center of town, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of Dullstroom.

What to Buy in Dullstroom: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Dullstroom can stock up on a range of local souvenirs and products, including:

  • Handcrafted pottery: Various shops around town offer hand-crafted pottery in a range of styles and designs.
  • Jewelry: Visitors can find unique pieces of jewelry made by local artisans, including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.
  • Local spices: Visitors can bring home a taste of Dullstroom with locally sourced spices and rubs.

Local Culture and Customs of Dullstroom

Dullstroom is known for its history and traditional customs. Visitors should be respectful of local traditions and dress modestly when visiting religious or cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Dullstroom

The best time to visit Dullstroom is during the cooler months of the year, from March to October. This is when the fish are most active for fly fishing, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dullstroom

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting religious or cultural sites.
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities and scenic drives.

Don’t:

  • Litter or harm the natural surroundings.
  • Expect a bustling nightlife scene.
  • Be disrespectful to locals or other tourists.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dullstroom

Dullstroom is generally considered a safe town for visitors. However, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take basic safety precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Dullstroom

Visitors to Dullstroom should ensure they are up-to-date on routine vaccinations and consider additional vaccinations for specific risks, such as typhoid or hepatitis A. Visitors should also take precautions against mosquito bites to reduce the risk of malaria.

Getting to Dullstroom: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dullstroom

The nearest airport to Dullstroom is the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Dullstroom. Visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to the town.

Bus Stations Near Dullstroom

Dullstroom is not easily accessible by public bus, and visitors are advised to rent a car or take a shuttle from nearby towns.

Other Options

Visitors can also hire a private driver or take a taxi to Dullstroom. Alternatively, visitors can take a guided tour that includes transportation.

How to Get Around in Dullstroom

Dullstroom is a small town that is easy to navigate by foot or bike. Visitors can also rent a car to explore the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Dullstroom: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Dullstroom can explore nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Kruger National Park: A world-renowned wildlife park ideal for safari tours.
  • Sabie: A small town known for its stunning waterfalls and hiking trails.
  • Johannesburg: A bustling city offering various attractions, including the Apartheid Museum and Soweto tours.

Conclusion

Dullstroom offers visitors a chance to relax and explore the natural beauty of South Africa. Whether it’s hiking, fly fishing, or simply enjoying the local cuisine and culture, there is something for everyone in this charming town. Plan your trip with this comprehensive guide and make the most of your visit to Dullstroom.

Verloorenkloof (Lost Canyon) Verloorenkloof (Lost Canyon) Fly fishing Fly fishing