Critchley Hackle

Anchored on a mirror-still trout dam at the edge of Dullstroom, the lodge faces rolling highland grasslands and stone-walled gardens. The Mpumalanga Highlands’ crisp air and open skies set an unhurried pace, while town comforts—artisan shops, cafés, and a famed whisky culture—sit minutes away. The setting feels rural yet accessible: a scenic drive from Johannesburg and on the natural route to the Kruger Lowveld, with day-trip options to nearby waterfalls, nature reserves, and panoramic viewpoints.

The lodge typically offers around 20 individually decorated, en-suite rooms and cottages built in local stone. Interiors emphasize warmth and country character, with fireplaces, comfy seating, and views to the dam or gardens from private patios. Expect practical touches like tea-and-coffee facilities and in-room heating for cool highland evenings. Some units suit couples seeking quiet weekends, while family-friendly layouts provide extra space. Décor varies by room type, keeping the feel personal rather than cookie-cutter resort.

Days revolve around the dam and the outdoors: casting for trout on site, lazing beside the swimming pool, and strolling landscaped paths. Indoors, the dining room serves hearty, seasonal fare, while the lakeside bar—often referred to as the Dam Bar—makes a cozy fireside perch in cooler weather. Staff can point you to nearby hiking and biking routes, horse riding, and local attractions like the Birds of Prey Centre. It’s relaxed, unfussy hospitality with the right comforts where they count.