Cinnamon & Sage Country Cabins Review

If you’re the kind of person who’s drawn to misty mornings, crisp mountain air, and the slow rhythm of country life, then Dullstroom is the ideal escape. Perched high on the Mpumalanga escarpment, it’s the kind of place where time stands still—where trout-filled streams wind through valleys, pine forests disappear into the fog, and fires crackle in friendly cafés. There’s a softness to it all: in the weather, the light, the pace of life. Whether you’re wandering through artisan shops, hiking up mountains, or simply watching the clouds roll in over the hills, Dullstroom has a way of making you slow down and settle in without even trying.

We recently spent two nights in Dullstroom at a cosy little place called Cinnamon & Sage Country Cabins. Opened around two years ago, the two cabins—named Cinnamon and Sage—are tucked into a leafy garden off a dusty road on the Western border of the town.

On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Matty and her son Julian who manage the place. They were very hospitable and helpful with advice on Dullstroom throughout our stay.

From the outside, the cabins look unassuming, almost like little alpine cottages. But step inside, and it’s clear that a lot of care has gone into creating a space that feels both stylish and welcoming.

Living area

Each unit consists of a bedroom, a bathroom and an open plan lounge, dining and kitchenette area. The units sleep up to three adults (or two adults and two children) with a queen-size bed in the bedroom and a large sleeper couch in the living area. We stayed in the Sage cabin with our daughter.

The bedroom

The décor leans into country charm: wooden accents, soft throws, muted tones, and a couple of modern touches like a Smart TV with streaming access.

Bathroom

The kitchenette has a bar fridge, a two-plate stove, microwave, kettle, toaster, and a fully-stocked beverage tray.

Kitchenette

There are books to read, games to play and toys for the little ones. Other thoughtful touches included fresh flowers, marshmallows, sweets and oranges to snack on, and bubble bath in the bathroom.

Thoughtful touches

We were there during an extremely cold weekend. However, the cabins had air-conditioning, panel heaters, electric blankets in the queen bed, as well as hot water bottles.

Both cabins open onto private patios overlooking a garden, with a small braai area that attracts a lot of birds. The mountains are visible in the distance, and in summer, the surrounding fields are covered in cosmos flowers. We enjoyed relaxing in the rocking chair on the patio with magazines and a coffee.

Winter garden

Dullstroom itself has plenty to explore—artisanal shops, trout fishing spots, a clock museum, and the renowned Bird of Prey Centre, and everything is a short drive away. One can also go horse-riding, hiking, and mountain biking. In between exploring the town, we took a pleasant walk along the railway tracks to the dam, passing cows and horses along the way.

Dullstroom Dam

Cinnamon & Sage Cabins are ideal for budget-friendly romantic weekends, solo retreats, or quiet getaways away from the bustle of city life, where you can recharge in nature.

For more information, visit Cinnamon & Sage Country Cabins or book here.

See more things to do in Dullstroom.

Good to know:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
• Secure parking is provided at the property.
• There is a short stretch of dirt road to get to the cabins, which may not be suitable for low-lying cars.
• 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.

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.