Discover Dullstroom: Mpumalanga’s Highland Gem

At approximately 2,100 m above sea level, Dullstroom is South Africa’s highest town—a charming highland retreat brimming with quirky stores and scenic outdoor escapes. It is often referred to as “Scotland’s only outpost in Africa” due to its misty climate, rolling hills, and trout fishing, all reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands.

9 best things to do in Dullstroom

1.Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

Established in 1997, the Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre is located about 1km outside Dullstroom. The centre focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned indigenous wildlife, especially raptors. It also serves as an educational hub, promoting awareness of endangered bird species through interactive flying demonstrations and self-guided tours where you can read the unique stories of the resident birds.

2. The Clock Shop

The Clock Shop

The Clock Shop is a magical corner of time with over 7,000 clocks, making it the largest collection of clocks in the Southern Hemisphere. Established in 2007, it started modestly with just 30 fun clocks and has since grown to offer a wide variety including grandfather, wall, mantle, and cuckoo clocks. The shop is located in the Dullstroom Centre and attracts clock enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering everything from small alarm clocks to large antique pieces.

3. Fly‑Fishing (Trout Fishing)

Trout Fishing at Walkersons Hotel

Dullstroom is renowned as South Africa’s prime destination for fly-fishing, especially trout. The region has numerous dams and rivers, which are well-stocked throughout the year with rainbow and brown trout. Many estates and fly-fishing venues—like Walkersons Private Estate, where we tried it—offer lessons, equipment hire, and picturesque fishing spots against the backdrop of scenic mountains and grasslands. Both beginners and seasoned fly-fishermen are catered for, usually with both catch-and-release or catch-and-keep options. The town’s fly-fishing tradition stretches back more than a century, and competitions are hosted regularly.

4. Verloren Valei Nature Reserve

Verloren Valei Nature Reserve (cc: SA Ramsar)

Verloren Valei Nature Reserve is a 6,000-hectare protected area near Dullstroom, known for its expansive wetlands and grasslands. Internationally recognized as a Ramsar wetland, the reserve contains over 30 interlinked wetlands from which four rivers originate. Rare plant species, like wild orchids, can be found here. The reserve also serves as one of the country’s few breeding sites for all three endangered crane species: blue crane, wattled crane, and crowned crane. Access to the reserve is controlled, with visits allowed only by appointment and guided tours.

5. Hiking

Dullstroom on the Dam

Dullstroom has a variety of scenic hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels, with routes ranging from gentle walks to more demanding climbs. Trails often feature panoramic views, waterfalls, rivers, indigenous forests, and a wide array of wildlife and birdlife.

One of the easiest and most scenic hikes is the ‘Dullstroom on the Dam’ walk, a gentle trail that circles the dam, offering beautiful views of the water, surrounding hills, and the town itself. The trail is clearly marked and suitable for all ages, with options to hike up onto the hillside for panoramic vistas. Along the way, you might encounter friendly horses and ponies. The weekly Dullstroom 5km parkrun takes place on Saturday mornings at the Dullstroom Dam.

6. Horse‑Riding

Horse-riding

Horse riding in Dullstroom is a popular activity catering to all ages and experience levels and is a peaceful way to enjoy the scenic landscape, observe wildlife, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Guided outrides lead through scenic countryside, rolling hills, dam walls, and sites with panoramic views and historical landmarks such as Anglo-Boer War graves.

7. Dullstroom Museum

The Dullstroom Museum, managed by the Dullstroom Heritage Society, preserves and showcases the rich history of the town through artifacts and heritage items dating back to the first settlers in 1884 through to the present day. It features collected items and informative displays that illuminate the cultural and ethnic diversity that shaped Dullstroom. The museum operates mainly on private funding and is run by volunteers, typically open from Friday to Sunday.

8. Dullstroom Railway Station

Dullstroom Railway Station

The town is home to South Africa’s highest railway station, sitting at about 2,077 m on the Mashishing (Lydenburg) line. Though no longer operational, the station and its surroundings are a nostalgic relic of South Africa’s past.

9. Walk Through Town

Dullstroom Town

Dullstroom has a charming range of attractions including quirky art galleries, cool coffee shops,  and historic buildings. The Dimitrov Art Gallery is particularly popular on weekends, where artist Branko Dimitrov and his family display bold, vivid paintings often inspired by music and dramatic skies. Other notable galleries include Trout and Décor Boutique and Atelier Asteria, offering a diverse range of artistic styles and crafts.

Dimitrov Art Gallery

Where to stay in Dullstroom

Luxury: Walkersons Hotel and Spa

Budget: Cinnamon and Sage Country Cabins

Good to know

Many businesses in Dullstroom close on Mondays and Tuesdays because they are open over the weekends. So these are not the ideal days to visit.

See more things to do in Mpumalanga.

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.