Dullstroom

Dullstroom, also known as Emnotweni, is a charming small town situated in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa, approximately 2.5 hours drive from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Pretoria. Nestled within the Highlands Meander and part of the panoramic route, it lies 35 kilometers north of Belfast and 53 kilometers southwest of Lydenburg on the R540 road. At an elevation of 2100 meters (6900 feet) above sea level, Dullstroom holds the distinction of being the highest village in South Africa, featuring the country's highest railway station at 2077 meters and resting at the foot of De Berg, Mpumalanga's highest point at 2332 meters. Its highveld plateau location contributes to a unique subtropical highland climate, making it the only place in South Africa where beech and elm trees thrive.The town is renowned as one of South Africa's premier fly-fishing destinations, with crystal clear dams teeming with trout. Beyond angling, visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking on trails like Kruisfontein and T6 Tonteldoos, horse riding, and golfing on an Ernie Els-designed championship course. Dullstroom is also a significant birding hotspot, being the only place in South Africa where all three endangered crane species—the Blue, Wattled, and Crowned Cranes—can be observed. The surrounding high-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and forests support over 250 bird species, and other wildlife such as otters, zebra, and serval can be found. Its thin air makes it a popular training base for European long-distance athletes.Established in 1883 by Dutch settlers led by Wolterus Dull, at the invitation of President Paul Kruger, the town was originally named Dull's-stroom, referencing Dull and the nearby Crocodile River ('stroom' meaning stream). Proclaimed a town in 1892, it was largely destroyed during the Second Boer War in 1900 but was subsequently rebuilt, with a town council established by 1921. A stone memorial and garden of remembrance commemorate this period. Culturally, Dullstroom boasts a vibrant arts community, numerous excellent restaurants, coffee shops, a craft-beer brewery, and the world-renowned Wild About Whisky bar, which houses the largest collection of whiskies in the Southern Hemisphere with over 1000 bottles. The town also hosts annual events like the Ducktober Beer Fest, the highest beer festival in Southern Africa, and the Dullstroom Winter Festival. In February 2024, the town officially adopted the dual name Dullstroom-Emnothweni, with Emnothweni meaning 'place of prosperity'.