Dawson Lodge is situated near Badplaas about 4 hours from Johannesburg in a beautiful setting surrounded by hills and a trout lake. In addition to the Lodge, there is also a cottage next to the trout lake which is ideal for anyone who wants to fish for trout. Most of the group stayed at the Lodge while I stayed down at the cottage. It’s a self-catering unit which is very well equipped and even has satellite TV. 

We arrived late afternoon so there wasn’t much time to do anything after check-in before diner was ready. Prior to dinner, we were invited to watch the chef show us how to prepare a trout which although I’m not fish eater, was very interesting. Its always amazing how simple professionals make their job look.

As with everywhere we’ve stayed, the food was wonderful and the whole group dined together on one long table which added to the atmosphere.

The following morning after an excellent breakfast, there was the option to take part in various activities such as archery, quad bikes and horse riding but most people decided to enjoy the opportunity to sleep in a bit later than we have able to all week. I’d woken up early to try to take some pictures as the sun rose. It’s a wonderful sight in the African wilderness to wake up as it gets light and then to see the shadows cast by the mountains retreat as the sun rise. The morning mist soon disappeared and a glorious blue sky was soon in its place.

If you would like to contact us for more information about fly-fishing and other activities in Mpumalanga, South Africa, please visit our website here (http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/)