Critchley Hackle Lodge — Hotel in Emakhazeni Local Municipality

A Hidden Gem in Dullstroom

We stumbled upon the restaurant at Critchley Hackle Lodge almost by accident—but wow, what a find. If you’re anywhere near Dullstroom, this place is absolutely worth the stop, even if it’s just for breakfast and the view.

First off—the setting is something else. You’re seated right on the edge of a serene trout dam, with rolling hills and crisp highveld air wrapping around you. It’s peaceful, almost cinematic. There’s something about the light there, especially in the morning, that just makes you breathe a little deeper.

The staff? Incredibly friendly—warm, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. The manager made a point of checking in on our table, and not in that “tick-the-box” kind of way. You can tell they actually care that you’re having a great experience.

We ordered the eggs Benedict but asked if we could swap out the ham for trout (it is Dullstroom, after all)—and man, what a bonus that turned out to be. The trout was melt-in-your-mouth fresh, perfectly cooked, and paired so well with the poached eggs and hollandaise. Whoever made the bread deserves an award too—it’s homemade, hearty, and just the kind of thing you’d drive out for again and again.

Honestly, this place is a hidden gem. Not flashy or overdone—just really good food, amazing people, and one of the best views you’ll find in the area. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to slow down and enjoy something special.

Thank you! See you...

Unforgettable Stay at Critchley Hackle Lodge – Leisure Room 1 & 2 are Pure Bliss!

Our recent stay at Critchley Hackle Lodge in Dullstroom was nothing short of exceptional. We had the pleasure of staying in Leisure Room 1 and 2, and from the moment we walked in, we were blown away by the comfort, style, and tranquility these rooms offered.

Both rooms are beautifully furnished, spacious, and thoughtfully designed with cozy touches that immediately make you feel at home. The beds were incredibly comfortable, the fireplaces added a warm, romantic charm, and the attention to detail in the decor was just perfect.

What truly sets these rooms apart is their location – right on the edge of the lake, offering peaceful views and the most serene atmosphere. Waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying a morning coffee with the mist rolling over the water was pure magic.

The lodge itself is well-maintained and full of character. The staff were warm, welcoming, and went out of their way to make our stay memorable. It’s the kind of place where you can truly relax and disconnect from the hustle of everyday life.

If you’re looking for a luxurious yet peaceful retreat in Dullstroom, Leisure Room 1 and 2 at Critchley Hackle Lodge are unbeatable. We can’t wait to return – this place is...

The website offers a lodge and restaurant but does not inform that the restaurant 'is managed on the basis of occupancy.. This means that '...although the restaurant is open 7 days a week, it is always open on Friday and Saturday evenings and some days of the week depending on business'.

Imagine our disappointment, when we arrived in the late afternoon on a Sunday looking forward to a drink in the pub and a meal in the restaurant when we were informed that the restaurant was closed and the kitchen staff had gone home. We were then advised which restaurants nearby were open and directed accordingly. We were also given a remote to access the premises on our return. In these circumstances, we declined to take up our pre-booked and fully paid accommodation and when we requested a refund were informed that because we did not communicate a requirement for dinner that evening, our request was refused as accommodation had been provided.

Had we been informed on booking that the restaurant was managed on the basis of occupancy, we would not have booked. No stars...