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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
