Dullstroom is a small town in the Mpumalanga province in South Africa. Unlike its name, it’s a vibrant haven with adventure, from fly-fishing to locally brewed craft beers and soaking in breathtaking night skies.

Here are 11 things Dullstroom is known for and why you should schedule a visit! 

1. Fly Fishing

Dullstroom is the fly fishing capital of South Africa. The trout industry dates back to 1912 when Mr. HJ Gurr, the Postmaster of the nearby town Lydenburg, unexpectedly caught a fish that looked like a trout in the Dorps River. 

The Blue Crane Farm is also an ideal fly-fishing base in Dullstroom. Dullstroom is surrounded by an exceptional selection of trout waters, dams, and rivers; hence, the town is nationally and internationally renowned as a fisherman’s paradise. 

2. Rivers for Angling Activities

Dullstroom is home to world-class rivers such as the Upper Olifants, Elands and Klein-Olifants rivers. They’re home to rainbow and brown trout, which offer challenging fishing grounds for anglers of all levels. 

The rivers are well-stocked with healthy trout populations as they practise responsible fishing practices in Dullstroom. For instance, catch-and-release is encouraged to preserve the trout population and ensure a healthy ecosystem in their rivers.

3. Trout Breeding

Dullstroom is famous for trout breeding and preservation. Several hatcheries in the city use traditional and modern techniques to raise healthy trout fingerlings, employing controlled environments to ensure optimal water quality, temperature, and feeding.

Hatcheries use natural spawning, where trout breed independently within controlled ponds. Once they reach a suitable size, they are released into rivers and streams, replenishing the population and boosting angling tourism activities.

4. Elm and Beech Trees

Due to its relatively cool and temperate climate, Dullstroom is the only place in South Africa where elm and beech trees grow. Their presence is a historical quirk, a testament to how the Dutch early settlers brought these saplings to their new African home. 

You’ll find a towering elm among the grove, known as the “Grand Old Lady,” estimated to be over 130 years old. Today, these trees symbolise resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of human connection in Dullstroom.

4. Record-breaking Collections

Dullstroom is home to one of the world’s largest whisky and clock collections. First,  Wild About Whisky boasts the second-largest whisky collection in the world, with a jaw-dropping array of over 440 drums from around the globe. 

On the other hand, with over 7000 designs, The Clock Shop in Dullstroom has the largest selection of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere, with a mesmerising over 2 million timepieces from across the globe and throughout history.

5. Snow Spotting

Dullstroom is situated at an altitude of 1,600 metres, making it an excellent snow-spotting area during the winter months of June to August. One of the locals’ favourite snow-spotting destinations is the Dullstroom Railway station. 

The Dullstroom Railway station is the highest in South Africa, perched at a breathtaking 2,077 metres above sea level. Amid Victorian architecture, you’ll enjoy the snow while sipping coffee from the quaint station cafe or exploring historical exhibits there. 

6. Stargazing

Dullstroom’s remote location and minimal light interference create the perfect canvas for astronomical observation and the ultimate stargazing experience. You can explore its night skies naked-eye stargazing or constellation safari tours.

You can stargaze at the Dullstroom Town Square, the Chrissiesmeer, the Machadodorp Mountain Pass, or the Forest Creek Lodge. You can also join a guided constellation safari tour and learn about the Southern Hemisphere’s celestial cartography.

7. Protecting Endangered Bird Species

Dullstroom is a haven for diverse birdlife and is dedicated to protecting these species. The Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre looks after injured, orphaned, or displaced birds, and experts nurse them back to health. 

On the other hand, the Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve breeds endangered crane species. They also work on preserving the network of more than 30 interconnected wetlands, vital breeding and feeding grounds for these birds.

8. Horse Riding

Dullstroom offers unforgettable horseback riding experiences with 1 to 2 hours of scenic, tranquil horse rides through beautiful countryside and a tour of Dullstroom and its pubs. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-timer, there’s a trail for you.

Horseback riding is a unique way to connect with nature and enjoy the serene silence of the countryside. Don’t forget to capture the landscapes you’ll encounter on horseback, from rolling hills dotted with farms to majestic mountains from this town.

9. Hiking

There’s a game farm just outside the village of Dullstroom, which is the site for two circular hiking trails of 13 km and 6km, respectively, that, when combined, make up a weekend’s worth of hiking. 

Along the Ribbok Route, you’ll skirt the edge of the farm before descending to cross the river and down to a waterfall, where one can lunch and spend time in the rock pool. On the Trout Route, you’ll follow the river and fly fish when you see the waters. 

10. Clay Pigeon Shooting

Dullstroom is the place for those old-time country pursuits, and at Field and Stream Farm, you can visit their Clay Pigeon Shooting Range. It’s open on most Saturdays, and you can experience the thrill of the hunt by shooting at clay disks with a shotgun.

Clay pigeon shooting can be enjoyed alone or as part of a group and is a popular team-building activity. In this activity, a trap machine shoots discs, called clays, into the air, and participants fire at them using a shotgun.  

11. Golf Courses

Dullstroom has world-class golf courses, including the Dullstroom Country Club, the Highland Gate and Trout Estate, the Waterval Golf Estate, and the Highland Gate. Nestled amid rolling hills, they promise challenging layouts and breathtaking scenery. 

These golf courses are set against the backdrop of the mountain valley in the Drakensberg of Mpumalanga. Then, you can enjoy post-game drinks on the clubhouse terrace with fellow golfers and grab a delicious meal at the onsite restaurants.