Tomjachu is an exclusive private nature reserve set in over 500 hectares of mountain bushveld, located within the Crocodile Valley Nature Conservancy. Now owned by the third generation of the Fillery family, the property has experienced a number of transformations over the years to become a wildlife haven for our guests enjoy today. We invite you to be part of the continuing story of Tomjachu.
The Property
Once an extensive tobacco farm, and later a tomato farm, the Tomjachu nature reserve now comprises 500 hectares of game-fenced mountain bushveld, and includes a number of diverse rehabilitated habitats including dams, ravines, dense bushveld thickets, streams, open savannah grassland, wetlands, cliffs and koppies. Each of these provide homes for an abundance of animal, bird and plant life. Beyond the swaying grasses and grazing animals Tomjachu also holds a wealth of recent and ancient history. The dramatic hills of the Lowveld around Tomjachu contain evidence of the area’s fascinating geological and human history. The nearby Makonjwa Mountains are said to contain the oldest discovered rocks in the world, and there is evidence of ancient human habitation in the bushmen paintings that have been found in the area.
The History
The property also has a lively recent history, including a rediscovered Voortrekker road which runs through the valley, the beginning of which is marked by a large upright stone which can be found near the Lapa. Adventuring on our Wagon Trail will lead you along a section of this impressive road.
In recent history the area surrounding the reserve has been traditionally farm land, just as Tomjachu was once a tobacco and tomato farm, until it was purchased in 1985 by Gordon and Vikki Fillery, the grandparents of the current owners.
The Family
Gordon and Vikki Fillery bought the property in 1985, with the intention for it to be home to them and their family. The property was originally named Valbonne Farm – Valbonne (meaning ‘beautiful valley’) being an area of France where Gordon and Vikki had lived before he moved to South Africa. The name lives on through our Valbonne Villa.
The Homestead was constructed between 1988 and 1991 and was home to Gordon and Vikki but shortly after completion and the family’s first Christmas here together Gordon passed away suddenly, leaving the property to his only son Brian Fillery.
Rehabilitation
Over the last few decades the property has continued to expand where possible, and has been lovingly and carefully rehabilitated through careful land management, with many indigenous animals re-introduced to the property. Invasive plant removal is a constant battle, and we run an annual programme to remove guava, lantana, pompom, and other non-indigenous plant species.
The reserve has to date recorded an impressive 296 different bird species, along with a vast array of mammal, reptile, amphibian, insect, tree, shrub, flower and grass species, including rare and threatened species, proving that our efforts have created a conservation paradise for our guests to enjoy.
Tomjachu Now
In 2016, following the sudden passing away of Brian Fillery, the father of Tom, Jack & Hugo (from whom the property gets its name – Tom-jac-hu) the middle son, Jack, moved to South Africa to live on the property.
He still resides there today, alongside his wife Dominique, and their daughter Evie. Together, Jack & Dominique oversee the running of the property, and also run an Architecture & Design firm called Fillery & Co. Jack is also an artist under Jack Fillery Art, creating mostly ceramic sculptures, some of which can be seen in the Homestead Gallery.
Along with his brothers and their families, Jack continues to expand the Fillery Family legacy, and to share their slice of heaven with guests from around the world.
Guests & Accommodation
Tomjachu can accommodate 14 guests across the Homestead and three nearby cottages, and a further 12 guests at our multi award-winning Valbonne Villa. Each accommodation has their own unique character and romance, but all are surrounded by the great splendours of nature.
Our friendly and professional team will make your stay an indelible memory.
