Our favourite spots at Tomjachu
The largest of the dams on the reserve, South Dam is home to abundant life and only a 10 minute walk from the Homestead.
Here you could spot an array of water birds such as Knob-billed ducks, Spur-wing geese, Giant Kingfishers and the majestic African Fish Eagles amongst many others. Terrapins (fresh-water turtles) can be seen sunbathing on the rocks, and large Water Monitors sliding into the water from the thick bush-covered island.
Possibly commanding the best view at Tomjachu, the Zebra heights picnic spot lies atop the highest point on the property, with trees casting delicious shade to cool off in after the steep climb to this stunning location.
Looking South you see the three distinctive peaks of the Bekker mountains, whilst looking North, you can see the famous lion head rock of Legogote far on the horizon, where ancient bushman paintings remain perfectly preserved in caves below the summit.
This stunning and secluded location derives its name from the towering matumi trees which line the stream.
The Matumi tree is a protected tree, whose wood is traditionally used for ornamental carvings and furniture, as its wood is very hard and termite resistant. The wood was also used for railway sleepers up until the 1960s, after which it became scarce and was subsequently protected.
Perched on the edge of a granite rock in heart of the reserve, the Lapa is surrounded with the historic remains of the Great Trek – an old Voortrekker road marked with stones is still visible descending steeply down into the valley. An ideal spot to enjoy a rest stop or picnic on your hike with a cooling breeze drifting up from the valley below.
A cool oasis located in deep in the valley, this picnic spot was named after the Grandfather of Tomjachu – Gordon Fillery.
The pools are located on the Voortrekker hiking trail, part of which traces the historical Voortrekker road which wound through the mountains towards Malelane, bringing a welcome pit-stop on the steep hike up from the bottom of the Tipperary Valley.
Symphony dam lies tucked into a small gulley below the plains stretching down from the main gate. With views into the hills across the wetland, this little dam is a great spot to let time wash over you whilst watching the Bee-eaters flit in and out of their holes in the dam wall. The orchestra of frogs starts tuning up in the early evening which is when the dam truly lives up to its name.
In the heart of the northern plains lies the Lido (meaning public swimming pool), which takes its name from the many Blesbok and zebra which laze in the sun on the banks of the small watering hole. There is almost always some animal activity around this springwater pan – but please don’t swim in here for your own safety!
The huge granite dome that is Tomjachu Hill dominates the view from the Homestead. A hike to the top of this ancient granite dome reveals a 360 degree panoramic vista of the reserve and surrounding mountains. Up here you may also see Klipspringer prancing across the rocks or hear the alarm whistle of Mountain Reedbuck.
