Why You Should Visit Dullstroom A Remote Town Outside Of Johannesburg

Dullstroom is a favourite weekend getaway for Gauteng locals, and there’s no doubt why. With the surrounding breathtaking scenery and tons to explore, the town offers something for everyone. Here’s why you should visit.

To really escape from the city

Dullstroom is a beautiful, countryside escape and is only approximately 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. It’s also a great stopover for those traveling from Johannesburg to The Kruger National Park or back. Pack the car and say goodbye to the city lights, as this quaint town is the ultimate country escape.

Get directions here

Wild about Whiskey offers a wide range of tasting options that shouldn’t be rushed. Take a seat and spend an hour or two sipping on top-class whiskeys while a guide shares invaluable knowledge. Whether you’re a whiskey aficionado or don’t know your Glenmorangie from Glenfiddich, Wild about Whiskey caters to everyone’s needs.

Wild about Whiskey, Hugenoten Street, Dullstroom, South Africa, +27 13 254 0066

To visit the Dullstroom Winter Festival

Try to plan a visit when the weekend-long Dullstroom Winter Festival is in full swing. The annual event takes place around mid-winter during which the town fills with people, music, markets and more. The family-friendly event is host to a wide range of indoor and outdoor events of which many are free to attend. Book accommodation in advance as it fills up fast.

To taste locally brewed beer

Anvil Ale Brewery, situated on the edge of town, is the top spot for tasting beer and stocking up on local brews. The brewery serves locally sourced food and homemade treats, like relishes and amazing desserts – don’t skip the boozy pudding. When it comes to the beer, patrons can enjoy everything from blonde or pale ales to their refreshing Biere d’Saison. We especially love the Black Anvil stout, which owner Theo recommends trying with half orange juice.

For a night out

Believe it or not, the nightlife is pretty great. A drink (or two) at Duck & Trout has become an institution while there’s almost always a spot to catch some live music. The Old Transvaal Inn is a popular spot to start the evening and wood fuelled indoor fireplaces add to the ambience.

To visit the famous clock shop

On Dullstroom’s main street stands a little shop that sells everything from cuckoo clocks to mantel pieces. Each inch of wall is covered in different timepieces and the shop boasts the largest collection in the Southern hemisphere – with over 5000 items! It’s definitely worth a browse, and you never know, you might pick up a quirky souvenir!

The Clock Shop, Dullstroom Centre Naledi Dr., Dullstroom, South Africa, +27 13 254 0022

To eat out

From waffles and pancakes to the tastiest fresh trout that has ever graced a plate, Dullstroom has so much to offer when it comes to eateries. There are also loads of family-friendly restaurants to choose from, so there’s no need to leave the kids at home. Pickles & Things serve tasty local fare, and the menu includes an amazing breakfast spread and plenty of lunch and dinner options. The restaurant was one of the first in Dullstroom so quality is a given.

Pickles And Things, 86 Naledi Dr, Dullstroom, South Africa, +27 13 254 0115

To support the Birds of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre

The Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre, situated one kilometre out of town, aims to rehabilitate birds of prey back into the wild and offer educational programmes to the public. There are two flight demonstrations a day, which allows visitors to get up close and personal with these amazing birds, including raptors, eagles and owls.

The Bird of Prey, R540 corner Kruisfontein Rd., Dullstroom, South Africa, +27 82 899 4108

To go fly fishing

Grab your wellington boots and spend a morning on one of the many beautiful lakes in the area. Fly fishing is done on a catch and release basis and you can either plan your whole trip around the activity or simply get a day pass.

To shop local craft and design

Think artisanal chocolate boutiques, a top class coffee roasters, antiques, local artworks and clothing, Dullstroom has it all. Pop into Wild ‘n Woolly for hand-crafted knits while The Smokey Owl bookstore is your one-stop reading pleasure shop. Most shops are within walking distance from each other, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a hat as chances are you’ll be spending most of your days in Dullstroom outside. Visit Dullstroom Accommodation for all your booking needs when visiting this beautiful town.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.