I stopped on the mountain trail and inhaled the intoxicating fresh air. The rest of my family were far ahead of me, but I didn't mind. I wanted to enjoy the picturesque scene below me. I was just outside South Africa’s highest town, Dullstroom. Below me lay the shimmering blue dams and charming stone cottages of Walkersons Hotel and Spa. Nearby, a small herd of zebras and red hartebeests eyed me suspiciously, then scooted away. It was an idyllic scene.
View from the mountain
We returned to the lodge just as the rain began to fall. Our fly fishing plans had to be postponed but we were compensated with a roaring log fire and a hearty lunch at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Flying Scotsman, instead.
Main Lodge
After lunch, I went for a relaxing hot stone massage where I drifted off into lala land as Joyce cajoled all the stress out of me with her expert hands and hot stones.
The Terrace
We had arrived at the five-star hotel the previous day after a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Johannesburg. My camera began clicking as soon as we turned at the sign indicating the turn-off to our destination. The winding hillside road led us into a deep valley surrounded by the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga highveld within which the 800 hectare Walkersons Estate was nestled.
Swimming pool
On arrival we were welcomed and checked in promptly then shown around the lodge. Walkersons Hotel and Spa is built in the style of a Scottish Country Manor with natural wood and stone. The main lodge houses formal and informal lounges, multiple dining areas (including one for families with small kids) and a terrace with panoramic views. Tasteful antiques, tapestries, and artworks adorn the lodge. Comfortable verandahs with ample seating areas overlook the dams.
Our cottage
There are 27 suites including a honeymoon suite, and six self-catering cottages accommodating different sized groups and families. Our charming luxury cottage consisted of two huge en-suite rooms, a loft with two beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a lounge area with a book nook and a day bed. Log fireplaces, electric blankets, underfloor heating and heated towel rails were all provided to combat the cold elements.
Main bedroom
Our windows and private patio overlooked a duck pond, where the snow white ducks would swim all day. If there wasn’t so much to do on the estate, we would have been perfectly content to remain ensconced in our cottage. My kids loved their luxurious room and the loft and took turns to sleep in each one.
Loft bed
The bathrooms were huge too and there were spacious bathtubs overlooking the outdoors. Fluffy bathrobes, slippers and amply-sized toiletries were provided.
Part of the huge bathroom
Dullstroom is renowned for its fly fishing and this is a must-do at Walkersons . The estate boasts 14 well-stocked rainbow trout dams, making it a fly-fisherman’s paradise. Even if you’ve never done it before, like us, the friendly guides will show you the ropes as well as provide you with fishing rods and flies. We enjoyed the experience. My son, especially, loved it and can't wait to do it again.
Day bed with a view
The scenic surroundings beg to be explored. In fact, I couldn’t get over how pretty the estate was throughout my stay. Well-paved footpaths make it easy to explore and thoughtfully placed benches allow one to sit and relax while exploring . Activities include horse-riding, bird-watching, or leisurely picnics with baskets provided by the kitchen. Should you need to burn some of the extra calories gained during your stay, you can work out at the on-site gym, swim in the beautiful pool, or go on a leisurely walk or hike.
Our patio
The food from the award-winning chefs was wholesome and delicious. Vegetarians and pescaterians were well-catered for, and our dietary requirements were always taken into account. There was a special menu for the little ones too. We particularly enjoyed the fresh trout and the delectable desserts. For dinner one night, we were spoilt with a sumptuous prawn curry.
Some of the delicious dishes we enjoyed
The two-night stay at Walkersons was just what we needed after a stressful two months. The friendly staff took great care of us and the beautiful, serene countryside and old-world exclusivity and charm were just what the doctor ordered.
Sunrise at Walkersons
Luxurious and family-friendly, this is a great weekend getaway near Gauteng or a stopover en route to Kruger National Park or The Panorama Route. It is also a superb place for a wedding, a honeymoon or a conference. On second thought, you don’t need any excuse to stay here. Just treat yourself…and your family.
Book your stay here.
For more information, visit Walkersons Hotel and Spa .
Disclosure: 7
Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.
Great website
This looks like a super cosy place. I had a great time in South Africa and anything about it, around it or in the outskirts gets me interested.
A small herd of zebras and red hartebeests to begin with sounds like fun.
Oh the rains did spoil it but I think your hot stone massage made for it. The cottage and picturesque ambiance makes for a nice getaway from the din of the city.
I am literally admiring your whole room including your bathroom! I love bathtubs!
This is indeed gorgeous and glad you had a fantastic and pampering moment.
The main bedroom is so cute!!! And ok that infinity pool view is also just drop dead gorgeous. I like how it has more of a homey vibe to it and doesn't feel like you're staying at a corporate hotel chain. I definitely know where I'm staying if I ever visit Kruger National Park or anywhere in that area!
This place is gorgeous. I could sit on that pation all day long enjoying sunrise/ sunset and just marinate with friends and family.
The food looks deeeeeelicious!!!
You always write about such beautiful hotels in South Africa. Honestly, if you hadn't said it was here, I'd have thought Walkersons Hotel and Spa was in Scotland! I can really see the Scottish influence, and I'd try out some fly fishing, it sounds fun! Would love to stay here if I ever return to South Africa.
Wow! This place is perfect. I can imagine myself spending a week to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the big swimming pool. Would love to visit this place someday.
Thanks Clarice. It would be really easy to spend a week here enjoying the surroundings 🙂
I’ve never been to South Africa but this sounds wonderful! That pool is gorgeous! It sounds like the perfect weekend getaway!
Thanks Annick. Yes, the pool is beautiful and the scenery it overlooks is equally beautiful.
Love love love this resort. 800 hectares estate??? Whoa!!!
First of all yes, sometimes we get so much into photographing a place that we forget to stop and actually be there. Good that you took a moment to stop and breathe the mountain air!
The spa and the food looks so indulging... Indeed a perfect holiday.
Thanks Busha. Yes, it is massive hey. All that space makes it so easy to relax.