The ultimate getaway for those who appreciate the unassuming graciousness of country living. Dunked country and Equestrian Estate offers a varieties of activities suitable for both families and couples.With limitless activities you are spoilt for choice. The scenic estate with its trout dams dotted all over is easy on the eye and provides the tranquil setting that any city goer would expect.
Ride the horses through the magnificent scenery
This is a “ must do “ activity and is suitable for all ages. The horse trainers will take you on horse rides through the magnificent scenery and get you close to the wild game which includes zebra and buck. The rides take you along various path’s depending on the length of out ride you have selected at a gentle pace so if you have never ridden or are slightly rusty you will manage. We were not of the adventurous crowd so did not need to canter but I am sure experienced riders are catered for, as this is an Equestrian estate.
Try your hand at fly fishing
My boys loved this activity. The 1992 movie with Brad Pitt, A River Runs Through It comes to mind when I see people standing patiently next to any of the 19 well stocked trout dams casting their line using a fly hoping to get a bite.
Dunkeld dams are stocked with Rainbow trout. David took the time to give my boys some lessons, he seems to have to “ flick right “ as my one son put it. He showed them some basics and soon they were addicted. In the early evening I saw many father and son moments as they stood around the dams chatting and fishing at the same time. Definitely a good bonding sport.
Take the tractor ride to the hatchery
We are never to old to learn. I found this incredibly interesting. Farnie who has been working at Dunked for 24 of its 25 years of existence as a resort, drove the tractor along the country road up to the trout hatchery. Berna was our guide and she provided us with a wealth of information on the surrounding Forna and flora and animals and then explained the hatchery. It is the only hatchery of its kind in the Southern hemisphere, they recirculate the water and because of this only use 20 000 litres a day for approximately 260 000 fish. The amount of fish that are bred here can supply 60 million meals a year. The main purpose of the hatchery is to export live eggs to the Northern hemisphere. We viewed the various tanks from the eggs up to the large trout. The feeding frenzy is crazy, the fish literally jump out of the water. This is educational and something for young and old to enjoy.
Spoil time for mom at the spa
While the family is out fishing, riding horses or participating in any of the activities on offer mom can spoil herself with one of the treatments at the spa. There is a large selection ranging from massages ( hot stone therapy is a personal favourite ), waxing, pedicures and manicures. There are 5 pod rooms with beautiful chairs in the garden that look out onto a blue gum forest. Bookings are needed and the resort offers gift vouchers for the spa if you wanted to surprise someone with a special gift.
The entertainment area
Here you will find the tennis courts, heated indoor pool and an outdoor pool for the hot summer months. There is a jumping castle for children as well as mountain bike hire for kids and adults. The pool table and various board games are another favourite. My four boys found this to spot to have something for all of them. My eldest son enjoyed watching his football on the DSTV and using the wifi while the younger boys enjoyed the swimming and playing with other children. The resort also offers babysitting facilities by prior arrangement.
Smell the pine forest when you arrive
Be sure to wind down the car windows when you arrive at the estate as you slowly drive down the winding road to reception through the beautiful pine forrest. The sounds of the air moving through the tall stems and branches have an instant calming effect . The scents of the pines evokes a feeling of relaxation as you find yourself drifting off into a fairytale land. You can almost see the little field mice scurrying around amongst the fallen cones. On the right hand side you will catch a glimpse of the outside seating for those special wedding moments.
1883 restaurant
Named after the year that Dullstroom was founded, this fine dinning restaurant offers an ala carte menu prepared by an onsite chef using the freshest of ingredients all locally produced. A wide selection of wine is on offer.
Breakfast is buffet style and served in the restaurant, with a section of fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurt, freshly prepared eggs however you want them coupled with mini croissants, muffins and a selection of meats from bacon to sausages served with mushrooms. The food is hot and service is efficient. The simple lines of table settings are clean cut with the simplistic black and white emblem displayed on the table mats and crockery.
Variety of accommodation
I love a resort that offers a selection of accommodation making it affordable for everyone. Dunked has five different types of accommodation on offer. Starting with the Country Lodge suites which are ideal for couples, the rooms look out onto two of the fly fishing ponds. Besides the beautiful wall paper I loved the modern touch of having the bath in the middle of the room. This includes breakfast at the restaurant 1883. The other 4 types of accommodation are all self catering. We stayed in the Equestrian luxury lodge. The modern fittings and ultimate luxury make these units home away from home. All you need is inside including the complimentary loaf of Ouma’s hot bread which didn’t last more than 10 minutes with us. Attention to detail is superb with electric blankets for those cold nights, wall heaters, a fire place and a coffee station. Sitting out on the veranda sipping on coffee in the morning we gazed onto the fields where the show horses live. What a spectacular sight.
Equestrian centre
Below the Equestrian luxury lodges is the equestrian centre and the Sporting Horse. Here you will see the stables and the show jumping horses out in their different paddocks during the day. We were fortunate enough to see 2 new fouls. The Sporting Horse can be used for functions and is ideal for small and intimate weddings hosting up to 40people at a time.
The white swing chairs are ideally positioned so that you can sit and gently sway in the wind while looking out into the distance admiring the beauty and posture of the exquisite show jumpers.
Distance from JHB and the surrounding town
One of the most important factors would be the location. With less than a 3 hour drive from Johannesburg it is the ideal weekend getaway. The route from Johannesburg offers a couple of good stops along the way so if you wanted to make a road trip out of it I would suggest starting with a stop in Bronkorspruit first and seeing the Temple, having a cup of coffee and slice of fudge Picasso at Imagine cafe then wondering through the Anton Smit Sculpture park. Then move onto Belfast where you will find the Pig and Pickle pub with a very old tin building behind it. Shortly after that you will spot the pink VW beetle on the roof of a building advertising an antique shop.
On your way home leave enough time to wonder though the town of Dullstroom. Filled with whimsical shops like the Santa shop that has a selection of father Christmas characters, Dottie about Dullies and the bright red building selling Belgian waffles. These are only a few of the great spots, the best idea would be to park and walk down the main road.
There are of course so many more reasons to visit this amazing resort, these are however some of the most notable ones. Once you have been you will be wanting to return to enjoy the peace and tranquility that such a beautiful surrounding can offer.
Contact: www.dunkeldestate.co.za
Call: Touch Down Group 0861 868 243
Email: reservations@touchdowngroup.co.za
