Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

Dullstroom - South Africas best fly fishing

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 breathtaking scenery.

Dullstrooms Bird of Prey Centre

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 it’s 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 it’s 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 option 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 it’s 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.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Bethal 86 km, Carolina 82 km, Ermelo 143 km.

Altitude: 2075 m above sea level

Trout Tackle Specialists

Brain Whitehorn, Dullstroom Fly Fishing, EM Vaid & Company, Fishy Pete’s Fly Tackle Shop, Neil Champion, The Blue Shop

HISTORICAL VIEW

British War Graves

Dullstroom Railway Station

The highest station in the country

Reformed Church (Stone)

NATURE

Beech & Elm Trees

Dullstroom is the only place in South Africa where these trees grow in any significant numbers

Verlorenvallei Nature Reserve

ATTRACTIONS

Arts & Crafts

Bo-Peep Arts & Crafts, Delagoa African Art, Highland Fling, Jo Bangles ‘Ready-To-Wear’ Clothing Shop. Ross van Reenen Gallery, Salty Lunn’s Florist

ACTIVITIES

Outdoors Fishing

Fly and trout fishing

Hiking

Misty Valley Hiking Trails, Rassie’s Walker Trail, Ratelspruit, Salpeterkrans Hiking trail, Trout Royalty Hiking

Horse Riding Trails

Misty Valley, Salpeterkrans, Santa Valley, Trout Royalty, Uitvlught, Valley of the Rainbow.

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.

Accommodation in and around South Africa