Luxury Lodges · Lowveld, South Africa
Tomjachu Bush Retreat
Overview
Welcome to your Home in the Bush
Tomjachu is an exclusive, family-owned private nature reserve set in over 500 hectares of indigenous Lowveld mountain bush 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 simply unwind by the pool, listening to the orchestra of over 270 bird species, as the fresh mountain air trickles up from the valley below.
We accommodate 14 guests at the Homestead and four delightful cottages, each with their own unique character and romance. In our Homestead Dining room our chefs prepare spectacular menus available to all of our guests. We are additionally blessed with spectacular bush locations to enjoy memorable bush dinners or picnics at one of our many picnic sites around the property.
Our multi award-winning Valbonne Villa offers the exquisite comfort of a 5-star TGCSA, self-catering Villa suitable for 6 couples or 12 guests sharing – fully serviced.
Suites & Rates
Choose how you stay
Bush Cottage
Bush Cottage
PRIVATE HIDEAWAY – HEAVENLY RETREAT FOR SMALL FAMILIES AND GROUPS. Nestled in a secluded bush location with mountain views. One double, one twin bedroom. Bathroom with shower. Large sitting room with open fireplace, fully...
Keepers Cottage
CHARMING SERENITY – IDEAL FOR TWO. Nestled under a giant fig with stunning mountain views - our hidden gem. King sized bed, large sitting room with fireplace, and open-plan fully equipped kitchen, private boma....
Keepers Cottage
Rock House
BLISSFUL SOLITUDE – BEST FOR ROMANTIC GETAWAYS. A truly romantic getaway, with wild mountain views from the King sized bed, fully equipped kitchen, private boma and private plunge pool. Meals at Homestead available by...
Rock House
The Homestead
OLD-WORLD CHARM – PERFECT ACCOMMODATION FOR FAMILIES OR COUPLES. Three individual bedrooms and suites with The Homestead's beautiful sitting room, pool and terraces offering an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Spectacular mountain views from the...
The Homestead Suite 1
The Homestead Suite 2
The Homestead Suite 3
Valbonne Villa
MBOMBELA’S BEST – GREAT ACCOMMODATION FOR LARGE FAMILIES OR GROUPS. Award-winning 5 star, exclusive self-catering villa for 4-12 people. The villa is set at the top of the property, overlooking the reserve, with private...
Valbonne Villa
Details
Good to know
Accommodation & amenities
Complimentary Wi-Fi, Cooking Equipment, Cooking Facilities, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Languages spoken
Afrikaans, English, Zulu
Ideal for
Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
On-site activities
Bird Watching, Catch-and-release Fishing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Available), Meal on Request
Nearby activities
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Elephant-back Safaris, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, General Sightseeing, Golf, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Hiking, Horse Riding, Mountain Biking, Natural History Tours, Safaris, Sky Diving, Walks (Self Guided), Wildlife Tours
Property facilities
Activity Desk, Barbeque Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room, Vegetarian
Location
Where you'll be
Activities
What you can do
Bass/Bream Fishing (catch-and-release)
South Dam and Symphony Dam contain a variety of wild bass, bream, and barbel, who take well to a variety of lures and even fly. Cast your line and let time fly by while you drink in the magic of a Lowveld sunset over the water. For conservation reasons we operate a strict catch and release property, and only allow the use of barbless hooks. (Rods are available for hire)
Bird Watching
The variety of different habitats on the Tomjachu reserve create homes for a huge array of birds, and here have so far been recorded over 270 different species, with sightings of some special birds such as Narina Trogon, Bat Hawk, and Crowned Eagles. With no dangerous big game on the property, birdwatchers can walk at leisure for as long as they like. There is also a bird hide at Tom's Dam.
Bush Dinner Experience
A truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy a short nature drive and watch the mountains turn pink in the fading sunset light, before meandering further down the valley to be welcomed by a crackling fire, fine wines, the scent of delicious food being prepared, and your hosts for the evening. Dinner is served under the canopy of the night sky with only the sounds of the trilling nightjars to accompany the tranquility. (Duration 3-4 hours - not included in room rate)
Guided Bushwalk
Guided bush walks allow a closer insight into the wonders of the African bushveld. Follow termites and animal tracks, learn about the medicinal uses of the trees and shrubs and relish in the abundant bird life and other close animal encounters. A knowledgeable guide will lead you along trails and animal paths through the open savannah and past watering holes and dams. (Duration 2 hours - not included in room rate)
Guided Day Tours
Tomjachu offers Guided Day Tours to a number of local attractions including the infamous Kruger National Park which offers a wildlife experience that ranks with the best in Africa, as well as the stunning Panorama Route including views such as God's Window and the Three Rondavel's amongst others. Guided Day Tours are also offered to Swaziland, Lowveld Botanical Gardens, Barberton Historic Town and Maputo. (Duration full day - not included in room rate)
Hiking (self-guided)
With no dangerous game on the property, walk freely amongst unspoiled mountains and clear open bushveld past stunning African wildlife, to enjoy the true beauty and freedom of Tomjachu Bush retreat. There are over 15kms of designated routes varying from easy to challenging, and many kilometres more of mapped roads to be explored. Picnic packs are available to take on hikes
Mountain Biking
The biking routes take you through open savannah, mountain, and thick riverine bushveld where you can expect to encounter some giraffe, zebra, bushbuck, nyala, and other plains game along the way. Some of the routes are challenging, but riders are able to set their own pace. (Bikes are available for hire)
Nature Drives
Explore the Tomjachu Reserve with a knowledgeable guide taking you through the mountain bushveld for a close encounter with a variety of game, bird species and diverse plant life, including giraffe, zebra, kudu, blue wildebeest, warthog, mountain reedbuck and more. Once you have explored the stunning surroundings, enjoy a sundowner accompanied by tales of the property’s history, surrounded by the endless views and peaceful sounds of nature. (Duration 2 hours - not included in room rate)
Ready to plan your stay?
Tell us your dates and we'll handle the rest — flights, transfers and the lodge itself.
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