Dullstroom (also known as Emnotweni) is a small town in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, and along with Underberg (in Kwa-Zulu Natal), it is one of South Africa's premier fly-fishing destinations. The town features the highest railway station in South Africa at 2 077 metres above sea level.
Dullstroom is all about fishing - and trout (or fly) fishing in particular. Its crystal clear dams and streams are perfect for trout fishing and the area is also popular for various other outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain-biking and an array of other adventure sports. The town now also possesses a championship golf course - designed by one of South Africa's favourite sons, Ernie Els.
There are many excellent restaurants, coffee shops, a craft-beer brewery and a world-renowned whisky bar. A large and varied range of pubs all form part of the relaxed village atmosphere, but don't fool yourself - on long weekends when residents of Gauteng decide to head for the countryside Dullstroom seems like anything but relaxed and quiet!!
Dullstroom supports a significant arts community – and is an escape for artists, writers and musicians. As a result there are a number of galleries around town in which to browse and maybe find a memento of your holiday.
Winter in Dullstroom is all about fires and layers of warm clothing. Whether it is in your bed and breakfast, trout lodge or one of the many sociable pubs and restaurants around town your winter memories here will be filled with wood smoke, red wine, sherry or whiskey!
- The Dullstroom Winter Festival is held every year in July
- Anvil Ale Brewery - serving great craft beer
- browse the wonderful art galleries around town
Dullstroom was established in 1883 by Dutchman Wolterus Dull to settle Dutch immigrants. During the Second Boer War the town was destroyed and most of the settlers returned to the Netherlands.
It was proclaimed on 9 October 1893 and named after Dull, chairman of a committee which rendered assistance to families who had suffered losses during the First Anglo-Boer War. The element stroom, ‘stream’, refers to the Crocodile River nearby. One of the coldest towns in South Africa, Dullstroom is the only place in the country where beech and elm trees grow; they were planted by Dutch colonists.