We have already established that Dullstroom is a family fun place to visit…and we know the Carnival is going to be extremely lekker…but if you are still afraid there won’t be enough to do on the weekend of the 1st of April, let’s line-up a few bomb proof entertainment activities for the weekend:
The Bird of Prey Centre is a must for everyone with kids. The educational excursion is unforgettable and highly entertaining. There are two shows a day at 10:30am or 2:30pm on Saturday and Sunday. The centre relies on ticket fees and donations to do their good work. Entry is R60 for adults, R25 for kids and R50 for pensioners. If your kids are under three they can enter absolutely free. The shows are weather permitting, so phone in advance to avoid disappointment. Dial 082 899 4108 to reserve a booking for the entire family.
Feeling daring? Why not try your hand at clay shooting? This magnificent and exhilarating sport can be practised by individuals, families or larger groups. Never tried it before? Don’t fret there are a couple of experienced operators in Dullstroom including Field & Stream and Lomas Creek. They both provide tuition, which includes an introduction to gun safety, eye & ear protection, shooting basics, shotgun ammunition, clays and clay operator. Prices range from R180 for ten shots, all-inclusive and all equipment is supplied. Phone Karin on 083 732 6332 or Derek on 082 606 0112 at Lomas Creek to give it a shot or Greg Williams on 013 254 0431.
If you love to run or mountain bike (or you feel like dusting off your lonely bike in the garage) Dullstroom offers the best high altitude training in the country at over 2100m above sea level. There is a lovely 8km route on the dirt railway road – approximately 8km from Seattle Coffee to the De Berg turnoff. If you’re lucky, you will see the local train marching up the hill. However be warned, if you wave – the driver WILL HOOT, it’s really friendly in the country. If you are a professional mountain biker, why not phone Dunkeld Country Estate at 013 254 0814 to gain access to over 30km of breathtakingly beautiful trails.
Give fly fishing a try and find out why Dullstroom is the trout capital of our lovely country. Dunkeld Estate has over 18 dams and for R280 a day you can try your luck at catching the big one. Mavungana (013 254 0270) and the Village Angler (013 254 0045) can also book day fishing waters and arrange tuition and rod hire. They will also help with the correct gear and some good local fishing advice.
Need some relaxation time? Book a spa day at the five star Walkersons Amani Spa. Their range of beauty and wellness treatments are a feast for the senses and the mind. They are quite full over weekends, so don’t miss the chance to be pampered and phone them in advance to secure your deluxe pamper treatment. They can be reached on 013 253 7000.
For those who just want to go with the flow, make your way up the main road and nip in to local shops and boutiques. Stroll through the variety of kids’ toys, clothes, quirky things, art, antiques and even the largest clock shop in the Southern Hemisphere.
The town on its own is a treasure for a great family getaway, combine that with the Lekkerland Carnival and you have a fail proof weekend of fun, music and adventure.
