Location: South Africa » Mpumalanga » Lowveld Legogote » Nelshoogte Pass » BadplaasDawsons Game and Trout LodgeDawsons Game & Trout Lodge, Barberton, MpumalangaDescription "It is a place where the sun dances across the open plains at sunrise and sunset, painting the landscape a vivid combination of fiery red, orange, copper and gold. It is a place where herds of zebra, giraffe, nguni cattle, impala, springbok, bontebok, eland and wildebeest slowly wander the land, impervious to time. It is a place where dramatic mountains with perennial streams and waterfalls form the Komati River, flowing lazily from trout dam to trout dam. It is a place of open space, where you can relish the freedom of timelessness, exploration and peace. It is a place of retreat, of absolute relaxation. It is Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge - undoubtedly, magnificently, Unique." Dawsons lies at the transition of these two reas, "where the Highveld Springbok meets the Lowveld Impala". Where dramatic mountains with perennial streams form the Komati River and the backdrop of wide-open grassland teeming with herds of buck indigenous to Southern Africa is yours to indulge.
Our Lodge stands alone in this area, at the head of the Nelshoogte Pass, which winds down to Barberton amongst the oldest rock in the World and site of one of the earliest Gold Rushes and South Africa?s first Stock Exchange.
We accommodate sixteen guests in eight rooms, all of our facilities are of the highest standard, so that a stay with us is more like a country house party of yesteryear. For the mature and more thoughtful guest to relax and contemplate the qualities of life, that here, make a truly splendid place.
At Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge we offer exclusive accommodation in eight beautifully appointed rooms that have been individually decorated to create a rich colonial African ambiance without compromising on luxury. Each room offers full en-suite bathrooms with an elegant bath, spacious shower and heated towel rails. On those cold winter nights, guests can also relax in the warming glow of their own personal in-room fireplaces. AccommodationAt Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge we offer you a dinner bed and breakfast option (DBB), a fully inclusive (FI) option as well as a self-catering option. The Main Lodge is DBB or FI only, with the Homestead and Creekside Cottage providing self-catering accommodation. For those staying at the Homestead or Creekside Cottage, meals at the Main Lodge are gladly accommodated and charged per head. Please arrange with the Lodge well in advance and advise of any specific dietary requirements. Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge, a unique African Experience offers exclusive luxury in individually styled rooms. Rich décor creates an African ambience with elegant bathrooms and cosy fireplaces. Eight luxurious en-suite rooms with large Victorian-style bathrooms. All of our facilities are of the highest standard, large suites with dry-stone interior walls, percale linen, king size 4-poster beds, hand picked antique furniture, fireplaces, sherry and nuts, walk-in closet, heated towel rails, fully stocked mini-bars with Dawson’s home-made chocolate chip cookies as well as freshly ground coffee. This quaint thatched-roofed stone cottage lies tucked away in the privacy of Dawson’s mountainside. Also with own trout dam, fully equipped kitchen, DSTV, private verandah for afternoon sundowners. Open plan with double bed up stairs, 2 singles and a double sleeper couch. As well as 2 pull out mattresses. Perfect for a family of 4 or 5 or 2 couples. Gorgeously restored old farm house with 7 double rooms (5 en-suite) and additional beds for children. Can accommodate 14 people sharing plus 3 bunk beds in TV room. Pay per night for entire unit. Ideal for large parties that know each other as it is open-plan i.e family get-together, bachelor’s parties, conference groups, and girl’s weekend away. Serviced daily – towels, soap. At Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge we offer you a dinner bed and breakfast option (DBB), a fully inclusive (FI) option as well as a self-catering option. The Main Lodge is DBB or FI only, with the Homestead and Creekside Cottage providing self-catering accommodation. For those staying at the Homestead or Creekside Cottage, meals at the Main Lodge are gladly accommodated and charged per head. Please arrange with the Lodge well in advance and advise of any specific dietary requirements. Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge, a unique African Experience offers exclusive luxury in individually styled rooms. Rich décor creates an African ambience with elegant bathrooms and cosy fireplaces. Location- Situated in Mpumalanga where the Great Rift Valley forms the Escarpment
- 01h30 from the Kruger International Airport
- 02h00 from Sabi Sands
- 01h00 from the Nelspruit
- 01h30 from Malelane Gate in the Kruger National Park
- 03h00 from Johannesburg
- 01h00 km from Mbabane in Swaziland
- 01h15 from the Royal Swazi Sun (Bring passports for traveling to Swaziland)
Cuisine Marvel at our chef’s innovative talent while you sit back and soak up the atmosphere, savouring the taste and aroma of cuisine in its most exquisite form. Breakfast and lunch can be served either in the privacy of your own room, on the patio or enjoyed in our dining room. We make our own granola, infuse our signature ice-tea with home-grown herbs, venison and trout dishes to emulate our name: game and trout lodge. For a romantic lunch, our chef will prepare a sumptuous picnic basket that can accompany you on a self-drive outing to any secluded point on the reserve. Finally, for a truly African experience, dinner can be taken in our traditional African-style boma, around an open log fire. Picnics – brunch at trout dam; or on lawn under the trees.   
Attractions• Guided game drives and walks,
• Trout and bass fishing,
• Bird watching,
• Horse riding,
• Scenic forest and waterfall walks
• Enjoying the magnificent views.
• Horse Riding (when available) The area hosts a unique combination of bird species to trill even the most avid birder. Some speciaes include Knysna Louries, Malachite Hum bird, Olive Bush-Shrike, Trumpeter Hornbill and many more occasional visitors and seasonal migrants. Bring your binoculars or borrow ours. Dawson’s does not have any dangerous animals on the property, so it is the ideal opportunity to view game safely on foot. Our daily game drives will provide you with the opportunity to either walk from a point or enjoy a unique bush picnic set up on top of a hill overlooking the valley. While away the hours by doing what comes naturally at one of our seven well-stocked dams. Let us offer you expert tuition or set up a gourmet picnic for you to enjoy whilst you practice the art of casting. We practise catch and release only. All of our guests have full access to a wide variety of activities whilst staying at Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge. There is something for everyone – whether you want to wander along the river on an afternoon stroll or go on a Quad biking Adventure, we can organise it for you. Hiking and Walking
The hiking or walking opportunities on Dawson’s are endless. Walk along 100-year-old water canals to a spectacular waterfall or climb to Leonard’s Rock, the highest point of the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the entire valley. Restricted by very little as there are no dangerous animals to be wary of, you can explore every inch of our 2000 hectare property. As a result, we are an ideal location for young children to experience nature and make the most of wide-open spaces. Please ensure you let us know where you plan to hike and that all necessary safety precautions are adhered to. Horseback Safaris
Hoofbeat Safari's – offers professional horse rides for all ages and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful lowveld scenery as well as game viewing on horseback. Great packages are on offer which adds value to your ride and really creates that experience of a life time". Visit www.hoofbeatsafaris.com for more information. Sightseeing in and Around Dawsons
Dawson’s Game and Trout Lodge, is situated in Mpumalanga (meaning “the rising sun”) which is well known for its spectacular scenery, wild life and historical interest. Exciting day drives can be taken to nearby Barberton, Pilgrims Rest (home of the South Africa’s historic Gold Rush), Grasskop, Sabie and Swaziland, as well as the Kruger National Park. Quad Biking This is a great activity for families to enjoy together as well as corporate groups as part of a team building exercise. We offer some thrilling and exceptionally beautiful trails with something for everyone to enjoy. Archery
In no time a total novices will be hitting the target in good groupings and notching respectable scores thanks to the expert tuition of our experienced instructors. Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience the thrill of a clay pigeon disappearing in a cloud of dust in mid air. A variety of course layouts cater for all, from families to corporate groups. All equipment included. We give you the opportunity to give this noble sport a respectable try – you‘ll surprise yourself how well you do under the expert guidance and reassuring manner of professionals. Spa Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge now offer their guests spa treatments that focus specifically on de-toxification and de-stressing in an inspiring environment. Dandy-Line Spa at Dawsons was started by Debra. Stiglingh, a renowned therapist whose treatments embody her “All natural, all hands on” approach. Lengthy treatments beside the fireplace in the privacy and warmth of a guests cottage or outside on the grassland plains under the aloe trees, are filled with scents of peppermint, ginger, camphor, lemon verbena, coffee and vanilla. Dandy-Line’s products are all organic and locally grown, prepared on-site by the therapists, ensuring a holistic approach to the wellness process. Conveniently located off the R38 between Badplaas and Barberton in Mpumalanga, this exclusive game and trout lodge promises unrivalled service and hospitality. With eight luxurious suites overlooking the Nelshoogte Valley, rooms are colonial in style with a warm African ambience, off-set with elegant bathrooms and cosy fireplaces. View a variety of fauna and flora, participate in exceptional trout fishing or experience distinctive game viewing on horseback.   
Accolades | :Tourism Council of SA Star Grading |
TGCSA Star GradingFacilities Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge now offer their guests spa treatments that focus specifically on de-toxification and de-stressing in an inspiring environment. Dandy-Line Spa at Dawsons was started by Debra. Stiglingh, a renowned therapist whose treatments embody her “All natural, all hands on” approach. Lengthy treatments beside the fireplace in the privacy and warmth of a guests cottage or outside on the grassland plains under the aloe trees, are filled with scents of peppermint, ginger, camphor, lemon verbena, coffee and vanilla. Dandy-Line’s products are all organic and locally grown, prepared on-site by the therapists, ensuring a holistic approach to the wellness process. Conveniently located off the R38 between Badplaas and Barberton in Mpumalanga, this exclusive game and trout lodge promises unrivalled service and hospitality. With eight luxurious suites overlooking the Nelshoogte Valley, rooms are colonial in style with a warm African ambience, off-set with elegant bathrooms and cosy fireplaces. View a variety of fauna and flora, participate in exceptional trout fishing or experience distinctive game viewing on horseback. Weddings
Dawsons Game and trout lodge offers exclusive, luxury accommodation in eight colonial styled rooms overlooking the magnificent Mpumalanga escarpment. Our elegant venue and breathtaking gardens provide private and intimate settings for the ceremony. Once vows have been exchanged, the venue offers numerous photographic opportunities in the gardens. It’s the ideal getaway for those looking for peace, privacy and wonderful cuisine. Conferences
Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge offers fully inclusive packages as well as day packages, to suit your every requirement. With magnificent views, neat venues and amazing staff conferencing at Dawsons Game and Trout Lodge is effortless. Facilities | Baby Sitting Services | | Cocktail Bar in the Main Lodge | | Bird Watching | | Swimming Pool | | Outdoor Entertainment Boma | | Coffee & Tea Making Facilities | | Environmentaly Friendly | | Fishing | | Game Walks | | Game Drives | | Restaurant at The Main Lodge | | Spa & Wellness Centre |
DirectionsFrom Johannesburg take the N12 to Witbank, which joins the N4 and carry on towards Nelspruit. Turn off at Machadodorp (R541) and follow signs to Badplaas. At the T-junction, turn left to Barberton (R38) and the entrance to the lodge is approximately 15.2 km up the road on your left.
From Midrand take the M1 North to Pretoria, following the N1 to Polokwane (Pietersburg) and branch off onto the N4 to Witbank and later Nelspruit. Follow directions to Machadodorp and the lodge as above.
From Pretoria take the N4 to Witbank/Nelspruit following directions to Machadodorp and the lodge as above.
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Dawsons Game & Trout Lodge (Three Cities Group)
+27 (0)17 844 1900
+27 (86) 542 3817
+27 (83) 576 4215/6
