Travelling to Tomjachu: Self-drive vs Fly In

Nestled amongst the rolling mountains of the Lowveld in the heart of Mpumalanga, lies Tomjachu Bush Retreat – situated within its own private nature reserve, 15km outside Nelspruit.

It’s not difficult to get to Tomjachu, but depending on timing, budget and how travel savvy you are, you have the option to fly into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit where we can collect you,or you can self drive from your previous destination direct to the lodge yourself.

Have a look below at the pros and cons of these options, to make a well informed decision on what modes of transport will work best for you.

Self Drive

If you enjoy submerging yourself in the local culture and scenery, and have a little more time to travel at your own pace, then driving to Tomjachu in your own vehicle will be both fun and adventurous! We are located 5km on a gravel road, so please do take your time and drive carefully. A 4×4 is not required, but very low clearance cars are not advised. We also advise not to use GPS or satellite navigation systems to find us, but rather to use the directions we send in our Visitor’s Guide and to follow our signs. GPS does not always send you the right way on gravel roads, and we don’t want you getting lost! You can also download directions HERE depending from which direction you are coming from.

Freedom

Self-driving gives you the freedom to explore the various regions of South Africa at your own pace. You can also choose where to stop, and how long to stay for, and have the freedom to explore. Often you will only find out about some of the great things to do in an area once you are there, and it’s nice to have the freedom to be able to visit them when it suits you best. Stop by one of the many farm stalls, restaurants and interesting shops enroute to discover and enjoy the local vibe and meet interesting people along the way.

Budget

Because transfers and taxi fares can become expensive, especially if you are hoping to explore the many local attractions, you will probably find renting a car to be a more cost-effective option when travelling in South Africa.You can also pack as much luggage as you wish without baggage fees, size and weight limits and enjoy the flexibility of your own agenda.

Fly In

If you are pressed for time and you do not want to navigate your way around South African roads, flying in to Nelspruit will be ideal! 

Convenience

If you are planning on spending a few nights at Tomjachu to relax and do nothing, you may wish us to collect you, so as not to waste car rental days whilst you are not using the vehicle. It’s also easier (and more relaxing), if you are not used to navigating your way on unknown roads.We can pick you up at the airport and transport you to the lodge in a comfortable, air conditioned vehicle and take you on any number of guided nature drives and activities whilst you are here. 

Saves Time

If you don’t wish to waste any unnecessary time travelling, flying into Nelspruit will save you a lot of travel time. Depending on which route you take, the trip takes around 3.5 to 4 hours compared to a 50 minute flight from Johannesburg. There are daily flights to Nelspruit from Johannesburg, Durban & Cape Town on SA Airlink, British Airways & Kulula. Flight tickets can get expensive nearer your travel date, so make sure you book well in advance to get the best rates available.

At the end of the day it is a personal choice and comes down to budget and personal preferences. Please feel free to contact us, should you need more information about the different travel options available so that you can choose the best option suited to you.