Franschhoek without the wine farms…
The trees were already turning when I pointed the car east and left Pretoria behind. Three hours of open road, and somewhere along the way, the city noise just… stopped. A right turn onto a dirt road, a hand-painted sign for Elandskloof Trout Farm, and I knew the weekend was going to be exactly what I needed.
It had started as a last-minute plan. Our hiking club had postponed for the final long weekend of April, someone suggested Dullstroom, and — as a woman travelling alone — I did what I always do: reached out to Shaun at Think Adventure for a proper rundown. Back came a well-researched, comprehensive Dullstroom guide: things to see, places to eat, things to do, and practical advice on staying safe as a solo female traveller. Armed with that, I had no reason not to go.
My first stop was Elandskloof Trout Farm, 15km outside the village. For R50, I could choose from three hiking routes, all open from 8am on Saturdays and safe for solo hikers. I filed that information away for the morning and drove on into town.
Dullstroom in autumn is magical. The trees were shedding their golden leaves, the air was crisp, and the fairy lights strung along Naledi Drive were warm and welcoming against the grey sky. I walked up one side of town and down the other, making sure not to miss a single courtyard, hidden alley or recommended stop. The Heritage Museum was my first proper visit — a modest three-room building that punches well above its weight. Original documents demarcating settler plots, town planning records, personal items (bibles, letters, photographs) dating back to the late 1800s. For its size, it holds a remarkable amount of history. I made a donation, bought a boerie roll to support the Heritage Society, left a Google review, and hit the streets feeling suitably informed.
What followed was one of those slow, wandering afternoons that you can’t really plan. There are gift shops, second-hand bookshops, décor shops, fishing tackle stores, and curio stands tucked into every corner. I found dried fruit and smoked trout, silk scarves and decent biltong, waffles and rusks and — inexplicably — working gramophones. One shop had an entire range of novelty rubber ducks, including a peacock duck and a Darth Vader duck, which felt like a very Dullstroom thing to offer. The gloomy day demanded coffee, and wandering through a local gallery I found a small coffee shop where the barista asked where I was from and delivered my order with a little chocolate on the side. A proper welcome.
I’d decided to camp, which is not for everyone — Dullstroom has no shortage of guesthouses and inns for those who’d prefer more than polyester between themselves and the elements. But I grew up camping and I have what I need to be comfortable. Dullstroom on the Dam sits just at the edge of town: two ablution blocks, a restaurant, and individual sites each with a light, plug point, braai stand and tap. The bathrooms have electricity and hot water. After setting up camp I took a slow walk around the dam, chatted to a few fishermen, and tried to sweet-talk some inquisitive colts who were clearly angling for a treat.
I woke to sunshine and hadedas, and watched the local Parkrun committee set up for their 5km while I sipped my coffee. Perhaps, on a more ambitious morning, I might have joined them. But I had my heart set on that solo hike — and honestly, it turned out to be the highlight of the entire weekend.
I’ve heard many women say they’d be too scared to hike alone. That fear is completely legitimate. What helps is being prepared: knowing what to pack, doing your research, leaving your details and hike plan with reception, checking landmarks, keeping devices charged. When all the logical, sensible boxes are ticked, you’ll still feel a little nervous. Do it anyway. It’s worth it.
The Elandskloof trails delivered more than I’d expected. There’s a Boer memorial on the farm, and a waterfall I apparently managed to miss entirely. But there was game, and pretty cows, a miniature horse, and a donkey. There were fields of cosmos and bladder hibiscus catching the morning light. The weather was perfect, the trail was kind, and I genuinely didn’t want it to end.
On my way back through town I stopped at the Clock Shop — a small space dedicated to antique grandfather and mantle clocks, all ticking away — and then at Harrie’s Pancakes, which is exactly as good as everyone says. Back at the campsite, I got chatting to Bongani at the fishing tackle shop, who was teaching a group of boys trout fishing technique. He told me the dam was well stocked, that he could have me handle a rod in 30 minutes, and that I’d be eating what I caught by dinner. I’m saving that for the next visit.
Sunday started slow. Grand hiking plans gave way to a lazy pack-up and some last-minute shopping in the village. There was plenty I didn’t do — some things in Dullstroom are just better suited to a couple or a group — but driving back to reality, it felt like a perfect weekend. Enough done to feel satisfied, and enough left over to make sure I’ll come back.
Guest Writer and Images by. Nadeema Jogee
Practical Guide: A Solo Weekend in Dullstroom
Getting There
Dullstroom sits in the Mpumalanga Highlands, roughly 2–2.5 hours from Pretoria or Johannesburg. Take the N4 towards Middelburg and Belfast, then the R540 towards Dullstroom. It’s a straightforward drive on good tar — no 4×4 required. There’s no public transport to speak of, so you’ll need your own vehicle. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Where To Stay
Camping: Dullstroom on the Dam (end of Janson Street) sits 800m from the village centre and is the pick for campers. Sites are undesignated — find a spot that suits you on the grass overlooking the dam. Each site has access to power points, braai areas, and hot-water ablutions. Camping costs R200 per night. It’s peaceful, well-run, and close enough to walk into town for dinner. Book ahead for long weekends — it fills up fast.
Not camping? The village has a wide range of guesthouses, B&Bs, self-catering cottages, and lodges. Check dullstroomonthedam.co.za or dullstroomreservations.co.za for current availability and pricing.
Hiking: Elandskloof Trout Farm is the wilder, more remote option — about 25km from Dullstroom via the R540. Take the Machadodorp gravel road for approximately 5km to the entrance. Three colour-coded day hiking routes are available: the Blue Route (5.15km) leads towards a waterfall, the Yellow and Green Routes (7.5km combined) pass a Boer War memorial, and the Pink Route (5.1km) heads through the game reserve area. The farm is home to over 800 head of game including eland, blesbok, and zebra — keep your distance and enjoy the show. Day hiking costs R50 per person. Always check in at reception before heading out, and download your maps for offline use — signal is patchy on the trails.
Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate is the closer, safer alternative — and one I didn’t make it to on this trip, but it was on my list. The trails are private and patrolled, making them a particularly good option for solo hikers or women hiking alone. The Blue Forest Trail (8km) is the most scenic; the Green Trout Trail (13km) adds water crossings for something more technical. Day visitor access costs approximately R180 per person. Worth a call to the Adventure Centre (078 293 1403) to confirm trail availability before arriving.
Things To Do
At Dullstroom on the Dam: The dam is ideal for a golden hour walk before dinner, and Bongani at the fishing tackle shop can teach you to handle a rod in under 30 minutes — with dinner on the line if you’re any good. Horse riding is also available on site.
Dullstroom Heritage Museum: On Naledi Drive inside the Information Centre. Small, fascinating, and free to enter (donations welcome). Worth 30 minutes to understand why this town exists — it makes the architecture considerably more interesting.
Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre: On the R540, 1km north of Dullstroom. Their raptor flight demonstrations are arguably the town’s most iconic experience — watching a Cape Vulture or Martial Eagle fly inches above your head is genuinely humbling.
Breathe Adventures (HQ on Naledi Drive): If you want someone else to plan the adrenaline, these are your people. Canyoning, rappelling, bike tours, climbing, and guided hiking and camping tours.
Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve: 13km north of Dullstroom on the De Berg road. A RAMSAR-protected wetland and the only place on earth where all three of South Africa’s crane species breed. A paradise for birders and anyone wanting true solitude.
Where To Drink
Dullstroom Gin & SA Craft Spirit Emporium — 65/1 Naledi Drive, Shop 4, Ivy Lane. A steampunk-inspired tasting room in a misty highland setting. Top pick for an afternoon of craft gin.
Anvil Ale House & Brewery — 746 Machteld St. Award-winning craft beer brewed with Dullstroom spring water. Order a tasting tray, grab the White Anvil, and sit in the garden.
Wild About Whisky — 50 Hugenote St. Claims the largest whisky menu in the Southern Hemisphere. Ask for a tasting flight. Take it slow — altitude and whisky are a potent combination.
Where To Eat
Mrs. Simpson’s Restaurant — 194 Teding Van Berkhout St. An institution. Famous for its quirky shoe and handbag décor and legendary service. Order the lamb shank or the trout.
Harrie’s Pancakes — Cnr Naledi Drive & Lethabo St. South Africa’s most famous pancake house, with both sweet and savoury options. Don’t let the queue put you off; it moves fast.
The Duck & Trout — Naledi Drive. A cosy pub with a massive fireplace and a surprisingly good sushi menu. The Duck and Cherry Pie is a local staple — ideal for a rainy afternoon.
The Mayfly Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge — 67 Naledi Drive. More upscale, with consistently excellent steaks and a great cocktail list.
The Coachman — 89 Naledi Drive. Hearty, unpretentious country cooking. Perfect for a Sunday roast before the drive home.
Waffle & Co — 77 Naledi Drive. Belgian-style waffles in a lovely courtyard setting, next to The Lighthouse. Kid-friendly and pet-friendly.
KatinKa’s Restaurant & Deli — Naledi Drive. Fresh ingredients, excellent breakfasts, and baked goods dangerous for your diet. Try the quiche.
Fatima’s Kitchen — 255 Blue Crane Dr (inside the Blue Shop). Authentic Indian curries. When the mist rolls in, a spicy butter chicken is exactly what you need.
The Poacher Pub & Restaurant — 66 Naledi Drive. The local favourite on a Friday night. Unpretentious, warm, and reliably good pub grub.
Where To Shop
Most of Dullstroom’s shopping is along Naledi Drive — you could walk the whole strip in under 20 minutes and miss nothing.
The Clock Shop — Naledi Drive. Over 5,000 clock designs including antique grandfather and mantle clocks. Even if you’re not buying, walking through it feels like a museum visit.
The Deli Stroom — 83 Naledi Street. Gourmet cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal breads. Perfect for stocking up for a picnic, or simply for good cheese and salami sticks on the road.
The Lighthouse — 109 Naledi Drive (same courtyard as Waffle & Co). Old-fashioned sweets, pickles, home décor, and an arts and crafts shop next door.
Dullstroom Village Market — Naledi Drive. A community market held periodically on weekends. Free entry, pet-friendly, family-friendly. Check their Facebook page for upcoming dates.
What To Pack
Dullstroom sits at 2,100m above sea level — the highest village in South Africa. Pack warm layers regardless of season. Autumn and winter mornings can be near-zero, and the famous Dullstroom mist can roll in within 10 minutes and reduce visibility to nothing. A lightweight technical shell is non-negotiable. Download offline maps before heading out on the trails — data signal is unreliable beyond the village.
Best Time To Go
Dullstroom rewards visitors year-round. Autumn (March–May) brings golden trees, cosmos fields, and crisp air. Winter (June–August) is cold and dry, with frosty mornings and clear skies. Summer brings lush scenery and afternoon thunderstorms. Whatever the season, book ahead for South African long weekends — the village fills up quickly.
Emergency Contacts
- Elandskloof Reception: 013 254 0136
- Elandskloof After Hours: 082 922 6835
- SAPS Dullstroom: 013 254 0141 (or 10111)
- Dullstroom Village Security: 076 920 8831
- Netcare 911: 082 911
- ER24: 084 124
- Belfast Hospital (closest state facility): 013 253 1184
Frequently Asked Questions — Dullstroom
Is Dullstroom safe for solo female travellers?
Yes, Dullstroom is widely considered one of the more welcoming destinations in South Africa for women travelling alone. It’s a small, walkable village with a friendly atmosphere, and the main hiking trails at both Elandskloof and Dunkeld Estate are either access-controlled or actively patrolled. Standard solo travel precautions still apply — share your plans, keep devices charged, and trust your instincts.
Can you hike solo in Dullstroom?
Yes. Both Elandskloof Trout Farm and Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate offer trails confirmed safe for solo hikers. Elandskloof is more remote and wild; Dunkeld’s trails are private and patrolled, making them the more beginner-friendly solo option. At either venue, always register your route and expected return time at reception before heading out, and download offline maps — signal on the trails is unreliable.
What is there to do in Dullstroom besides fishing?
Quite a lot. Hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, and raptor flight demonstrations at the Bird of Prey Centre are the outdoor highlights. In the village, you’ll find craft gin, whisky, and beer tasting, a surprisingly diverse restaurant scene, galleries, antique shops, and the occasional market. Breathe Adventures can arrange canyoning, archery, and climbing if you want to add some adrenaline to the mix.
What is the best time of year to visit Dullstroom?
Dullstroom is worth visiting in any season. Autumn (March–May) is particularly special — golden trees, wildflowers, and long weekends that make escaping the city easy. Winter mornings bring frost and dramatic mist; afternoons are often warm and sunny. Summers are lush but expect afternoon thunderstorms. Avoid arriving without a booking on South African long weekends.
