Welcome to your Home in the Bush.
Tomjachu Bush Retreat is an exclusive, family-owned private nature reserve set in over 550 hectares (1300 acres) of game fenced mountain bushveld where family, peace and nature embrace one another and special memories are forged forever.
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, with family, friends, or your loved one, Tomjachu offers something for everyone. On our trails, tracks and roads you can hike amongst the abundant plains game and through mountains and valleys, mountain bike through the bush on easy or challenging routes, enjoy a nature drive or guided bushwalk with our experienced ranger, or try your hand at fishing for bass and bream in our dams.
Or you can simply unwind by the pool, listening to the orchestra of over 265 bird species, as the fresh mountain air trickles up from the valley below.
Our multi award-winning Valbonne Villa offers the exquisite luxury of a 5-star TGCSA, self-catering Villa suitable for 6 couples or 12 guests sharing fully serviced. Regional winner and national runner up of the Lilizela Toursim Awards for four consecutive years in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Whether self-catering or choosing to dine with us in our elegant dining room at the Homestead, good food and great atmosphere are assured. Our relaxed, informal and highly professional team are sure to make your stay an indelible memory.
Awards:
- Lilizela Awards 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017 - Provincial Winner & National Finalist: Valbonne Villa 5 Star TGCSA S/C
- TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015, 2016 & 2017
- Luxury Travel Guide award Country Retreat of the Year 2017
- Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Accommodation at Tomjachu Bush Retreat:
The Homestead
Three individual bedrooms and suites with The Homestead`s beautiful sitting room, pool and terraces offering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
- 3 luxurious bedrooms (doubles and twins), all en-suite
- Coffee and tea station with Homemade rusks
- Inner and outer dining areas, for Dinner & Breakfast
- A la Carte dinner and continental or cooked breakfast included
- Extensive lawns and gardens
- Boma with open fire pit
- All rooms have fans
- Full same day laundry facilities (weather and water conditions permitting)
- Free WIFI
- Sitting rooms
- Drawing room with open log fire, leading to Gallery
- Large swimming pool with sun loungers and sun umbrellas
- Covered and open parking
- House Safe
Rock House
A luxurious hideaway, with huge sliding doors bringing a panoramic view to the foot of your bed, probably with the odd zebra or giraffe crossing your vision.
This vast open studio style cottage is beautifully and comfortably appointed with:
- A king-sized bed
- Bathroom with rock face double shower & WC
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Coffee and tea station with Homemade rusks
- Barbeque (braai area) and fire pit
- Sensuous plunge pool
- Lounge area
- Dressing area with separate WC
- Dining area
- Covered and open terraces
- Free WIFI
Self-Catering Cottage. Meals are available at the Homestead by prior arrangement
Bush Cottage
Surrounded by lush trees, Bush Cottage imparts a sense of being immersed and blended with nature. Perfect for a family getaway.
A stone clad open-plan romantic hideaway, situated with its own stunning, far reaching views across the valley and mountains. Its natural garden blends into the bush, with impala gracefully grazing on the lawn at dawn and ostrich gazing through the windows.
The cottage is beautifully and comfortably appointed with:
- One double bedroom
- One twin bedroom
- Bathroom with shower; additional WC
- Large sitting room with open fireplace and dining area
- Barbecue (braai area) and boma
- Free WIFI
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Coffee and tea station with Homemade rusks
- Private swimming pool
- Covered veranda with dining table and seating
Self-Catering Cottage. Meals are available at the Homestead by prior arrangement
Keepers Cottage
Keeper`s Cottage nestles under a giant fig tree where its roots clamber over a dramatic rocky outcrop.
Tucked away, but adjacent to the Homesteads gardens and pool, Keeper`s offers complete privacy and tranquillity, with its large patio where a hammock swaying in silent invitation.
Refreshing and airy, informal and relaxing, many arguably remark that it is the most romantic of our cottages.
Keeper`s Cottage features:
- King size bed (can be made twin)
- Open-plan sitting room and dining area with fireplace
- Open plan fully equipped kitchen
- Coffee and tea station with Homemade rusks
- Sunrise coffee terrace
- Barbecue (braai area) and boma
- Views over the trees towards the Bekker Mountains
- Bathroom with bath and separate shower
- Free WIFI
Self-Catering Cottage. Meals are available at the Homestead by prior arrangement
Valbonne Villa
Valbonne Villa is in a spectacular location that hangs above the Bekker Mountains, looking towards the Crocodile Valley Gorge, set in the Crocodile Mountain Conservancy just twenty minutes from Nelspruit. This Villa is a double-storey, dramatic classical South African Lowveld home, with cool rambling veranda and six bedroom suites brimming with family antiques, paintings, local art and a lifetime of memorabilia.
Valbonne Villa offers the exquisite comfort of a multi award-winning 5-star TGCSA, self-catering villa suitable for 6 couples or 12 guests sharing fully serviced. The accommodation includes an elegant sitting room, TV room, and study with all bedrooms en-suite, and a superbly fully equipped kitchen. An extensive covered terrace leads to a large braai area set in luscious gardens, with an infinity pool: all overlooking the most spectacular and dramatic views. Various catering options available.
- 2 king-sized beds, doubles and twins
- En-suite bathrooms
- Extensively equipped kitchen
- Coffee and tea station with Homemade rusks
- Spectacular veranda with breath taking valley view
- Barbeque (braai area)
- Fire Pit and Boma
- Stunning infinity pool and sun loungers
- Large and beautifully furnished lounge
- Indoor and outdoor dining areas
- Covered and open terraces
- TV room with DSTV and comprehensive DVD collection
- Extensive gardens
May Madness - Last minute 2 nights special
- IN THE AREA -
The world-renowned Kruger National Park
Only a 45-minute drive from Tomjachu to the nearest gate at Malelane lies the world-renowned Kruger National Park, which offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa.
Established in 1898 to protect the wildlife of the South African Lowveld, this national park of nearly 2 million hectares is unrivaled in the diversity of its life forms and a world leader in advanced environmental management techniques and policies.
You can pay a daily conservation fee and drive your own vehicle into the park to seek out the Big Five, the Miniature Five, or even the Ugly Five!
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
Scenic Drive
The Panorama Route
Arguably one of the top scenic drives in the world, the Panorama Route which connects several points of cultural and natural points of interest is one of the biggest attractions to this part of South Africa. Centered around the Blyde River Canyon, the 3rd largest canyon in the world, the route features a number of waterfalls, vast forest areas, potholes, historic towns, and epic views of the canyon.
Our suggested route is to travel through Hazyview and across to Graskop, stopping at the Mac Mac pools on the way. Breakfast at Harry’s pancakes in Graskop is a must. From there head up the R532 to see the Mac Mac falls, and onto the R534 to see the Pinnacle, Wonder view, and the infamous God’s Window escarpment view. Continue north up the canyon to the Berlin falls, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Lowveld view, ending at the fascinating Three Rondavels, before heading back down the R532 through Sabie and back home to Tomjachu, where a refreshing cocktail awaits!
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
Lowveld National Botanical Garden
The stunningly established Lowveld National Botanical Garden lies just outside Nelspruit, only 25 minutes away from Tomjachu.
The Botanical garden which covers 159 hectares is dominated by rugged, rocky river scenery, and is home to over 600 naturally occurring plant species, and a further 2000 that have been introduced, as well as abundant birdlife flitting amongst the many trees.
We can arrange a picnic lunch for you to take with you, or alternatively Kuzuri restaurant inside the gardens makes for a tasty lunch stop with shady views of the tree canopy.
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
Visit site
Oldest known caves in the world
Sudwala Caves
The Sudwala caves are considered the oldest known cave system on the planet. These vast, spectacular caverns rest in pre-cambrian dolomite rock, which is one of the oldest sedimentary rocks which occurs on earth.
There are daily tours lasting around an hour, and a restaurant on site. For the more adventurous soul, there is the amazing Crystal Tour which takes you deep into the heart of the canyon to find stunning crystal-lined caverns – but prepare to get dirty!
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
Visit site
De Kaap valley
Barberton and the UNESCO Makhonjwa Mountainlands
Situated in the De Kaap valley fringed by the Makhoniwa mountains, rests the historic town of Barberton. Established during the 1880s gold rush in the region, the town is a treasure trove for history lovers, and a visit to Barberton Museum is highly recommended. There is also the guided heritage walk, mining tours and even gold panning tours!
Barberton and the surrounding Makhonjwa Mountainlands have a captivating geological history, and in 2018 was declared South Africa’s 10th World Heritage Site; the mountains above the town are amongst the oldest in the world dating back 3.5 billion years, and are also believed to contain the oldest signs of life‚ with a micro fossil of bacteria discovered there that is estimated to be 3.1-billion-years-old!
Follow the Barberton Geo Trail on the R40 which winds its way across the stunning mountains, where numerous colourful information tablets stand in lay-bys along the route informing visitors about the landscape, nature in the area, and the fascinating stories the rocks have to tell.
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
Visit site
Charming village Kaapsehoop
Travel along the old road to Barberton, climbing up to 1486m above sea level, and you will reach Kaapsehoop, a quaint old gold mining village just below the escarpment, surrounded by picturesque meadows where wild horses roam amongst unusual granite rock formations.
There are a number of hiking trails through the surrounding landscape, but a short walk from the town brings you to the impressive Lowveld escarpment, which drops suddenly away providing epic views over the De Kaap Valley some 800 metres below. In this sleepy bohemian little town there are a few boutique shops, cafes and restaurants – our favourite being the intriguing Bohemian Groove Café.
Nearby you can also enjoy awesome horse trails – read more below
Chimp Eden The Jane Goodall Institute SA
Situated in the Umhloti Nature Reserve, 15 kilometres outside Nelspruit, the Jane Goodall Institute Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to a number of rescued chimps that have been displaced from their natural habitats in Africa.
Chimp Eden was established in 2006 and is the first and only chimpanzee sanctuary in South Africa. The sanctuary brings the world of chimpanzees into focus through educational daily tours, where you will come into close proximity with these wonderful creatures.
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
Visit site
Mountain Range Horse Riding
A short drive from the sleepy town of Kaapsehoop is the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails, run by the wonderfully charismatic Christo and his team. They have horses to suit every need from the novice rider to the very experienced.
Meander through the beautiful mountains, through forests, and along the Kaapsehoop escarpment, with epic views stretching into the distance. There are options for 1- or 2-hour scenic rides (depending on numbers), and they also offer tailor-made packages if you want to ride further or for longer, or even overnight.
Afterwards enjoy a nice lunch in nearby Kaapsehoop before heading back down the mountain to Tomjachu.
*Bookings in advance are required.
The Iconic Swaziland
For an interesting insight into the Swazi culture with fantastically scenic vistas, a day visit to the Kingdom of Swaziland is a must.
The last remaining absolute monarchy in Africa, Swaziland has a fascinating cultural history, and is well known for its impressive range of traditional arts and crafts, including wood and stone carving, mohair and grass weaving, vibrant jewellery and batiks.
A visit to the Ngwenya Glassworks is high on the list, where you can see the skilled tradesmen blowing the recycled glass into stunning new forms from an aerial walkway. The Swazi Candle Factory near Malkerns also makes for an interesting stop.
*Guided day tours can be arranged, please see below for details
A unique ‘bush golf’ experience
Nelspruit Golf Club
Only 15 minutes away, with wonderful views over the Nelspruit valley and lined with a bountiful array of impressive indigenous trees, this 18-hole course is without doubt one of the most beautiful courses in the Lowveld.
With lush fairways year-round, it is not uncommon to find red duiker and honey badgers on the course, and an array of birdlife flitting amongst the trees.
*Tee times can be booked at our reception – subject to availability
Visit site
A family adventure
Skyway Trails
Experience the freedom of gliding over one of the last remaining natural forested valleys along the Sabie River adjacent to the Kruger National Park.
The aerial cable trail takes you down into the valley basin, stopping along the way on a number of elevated platforms to admire the natural vegetation, birdlife and the views of the forest floor below.
Each section of the trail varies in length from 70 to 230 m linking a total of 10 platforms, making the total length of the trail 1.2km. The trail has been designed and built to South African civil engineering standards and all the equipment has been designed specifically for this activity.
Guided Day Tours
For a more in-depth experience, we offer guided day tours to many of the above attractions through our various partners. With an experienced and knowledgeable guide, you can relax and enjoy an exciting and informative day out, without having to worry about getting from A to B yourself, and with the invaluable benefit of local passion and knowledge.
Day tours can be taylor-made on request, but here are some
of our personal recommendations:
** We require advance booking for the guided tours. Please enquire for a
quote. Subject to availability.
Panorama Route
Travel along the epic Blyde River Canyon, with a breakfast basket included, and a stop to eat later at the famous Harry’s Pancakes.
Kruger National Park
Depart early to get into the park with your guide in a private open game viewer for a wonderful insight into the fascinating bushveld and its many creatures. A breakfast basket is included, and there will be a stop at one of the camps for lunch.
Chimp Eden, Sudwala Caves & The Botanical Gardens
Leave at 10am after breakfast and return late afternoon, with a stop at Kuzuri restaurant in the gardens for lunch.
Swaziland
An action packed day, leaving early to get to the border, to experience an intriguing culture. A breakfast basket is included for the morning drive, and there will be a break for lunch en route through the countryside.
Barberton Geo Trail, Gold Panning and Museum
Head off with a breakfast basket with your guide to explore the fascinating history of the town and the surrounding mountains, with a stop for lunch in the old town.
With no dangerous game on the property, unspoiled mountains and clear open bushveld, you can walk or mountain bike freely amongst the stunning African wildlife on our maintained tracks and trails, and enjoy the true beauty and freedom of Tomjachu Bush retreat. Wildlife on the reserve includes Zebra, Ostrich, Wildebeest, Kudu, Warthog, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Giraffe, Mountain Reedbuck, Impala, Blesbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Jackal, Bushpig, Civet, and Bushbabies to name but a few. The birdlife at Tomjachu is prolific. We have so far recorded 265 different bird species on the property that will have you reaching for your binos and bird-book. We offer nature drives and guided bushwalks with our qualified guide which allow a closer insight into the wonders of the African bushveld, and are a great way to appreciate the smaller details of nature on the reserve; from termites to tracks, trees and their medicinal uses, and abundant birdlife and close animal encounters. Or choose to cast your line into the cool waters of our South Dam fishing for Bass or bream, with only the splosh of kingfishers to disturb the tranquility.
Bring all required medications to ensure your health and safety while on holiday. If you plan to hike or do activities bring sun cream, hat and sturdy boots. We advise walking in trousers on the reserve.
Lowveld seasons:
Rainy Season (Summer) = Sept – March
Dry Season (Winter) = April – August
The Lowveld traditionally has hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures ranging from 8°C – 35°C, averaging around 23°C
Plan outfits in advance based on season location and activities. Always try to get to your next destination in daylight – it is much easier to get lost at night!
Don’t rely on your GPS! Always also refer to a map or call ahead for directions.
Cancellations:
• Cancellation only accepted in writing
• 30+ days = 0% charge
• Within 30 days = 50% charge
• Within 14 days = 100% charge
• All activities subject to availability and weather
• Activities & dining cancelled within 12hrs of start time will be charged full rate
Payment:
• 100% payment for the booking to be paid 30 days prior to guest arrival
• EFT, Visa & Mastercard accepted
• Unless paid for in advance, all extras, meals and activities must be settled by guest on departure
• We are cashless and do not accept cash payments
Cancellations:
• Cancellation only accepted in writing
• 30+ days = 0% charge
• Within 30 days = 50% charge
• Within 14 days = 100% charge
• All activities subject to availability and weather
• Activities & dining cancelled within 12hrs of start time will be charged full rate
One-night bookings:
• Min. 2 nights in Cottages Thu-Sun
• Min. 2 nights in Valbonne
• Min. 2 nights over all public holidays & Christmas Holidays
Situated approximately 3 1/2 hours east of Johannesburg, 15 minutes from Nelspruit CBD and just over an one hour away from the Kruger National Park. There is a team of friendly management and staff who are discreet yet always available at your request, allowing guests complete peace and privacy.
Directions
from Johannesburg and Pretoria:
Continue
on the N4 east past Milly’s Trout store and petrol station, keep left at the
fork onto R36 (Schoemanskloof).
Continue
on R36 for 15km and then continue on to R539 for 45km.
Keep
left at the fork and merge onto N4
After
23km use the left lane to take the ramp
signposted R104 Nelspruit (Mbombela)
Continue
down this road (Samora Machel Drive) for 8km, past Halls Farm Stall on your right,
until major intersection with R40.
Continue
straight through 2 intersections, (1km)
Turn
right onto Paul Kruger Str (there is an ABSA building on your right hand side)
Continue
straight onto Ferreira Street for 3km.
At the
roundabout, take the 2nd exit and continue on Ferreira Street for around 7km,
it will eventually become a gravel road.
After
2.5km at the top of the hill you will see our sign on the left (also a number
‘24i’, and sign to ‘Shiloh’) – turn left here.
Keep on this road for another 3km until you reach our gate at the top of the hill on
the right, press the ‘Reception’ button and let us know your name.
Children of all ages welcome
• Under 3yrs free of charge
• 4-12yrs 50% per person sharing rate
(Homestead)
• Children of all ages permitted on activities. Under 6yrs at sole discretion of ranger
