Photos: Tomjachu Bush Retreat
About this place
Tomjachu Bush Retreat is an exclusive, family-owned private nature reserve of more than 550 hectares of game-fenced mountain bushveld, 15 km from Mbombela (Nelspruit) in Mpumalanga, overlooking the southern boundary of the Kruger National Park and the Crocodile River valley. With no dangerous game on the reserve, guests can roam more than 20 km of trails, tracks and roads freely and safely among plains game such as zebra, wildebeest and antelope. It is a serious birding destination: over 275 species are listed across habitats that run from grassland savannah and thorny thickets to rocky outcrops and riverine forest, with sought-after specials including Crowned Eagle, Narina Trogon and Retz's Helmet-shrike, and a bird hide at Tom's dam. Specialist bird walks are offered with local guide Ben Coley, and the reserve's proximity to Kaapsehoop's Blue Swallow Reserve, Kruger and the Blyde River Canyon opens up day-trip birding for species not found on the property.
Accommodation spreads across the reserve in individually characterful units: the three-bedroom Homestead, once the family home and full of Lowveld antiques; charming Keeper's Cottage under a giant fig; the romantic stone-built Rock House with its own plunge pool and panoramic Bekker Mountain views; the family-sized Bush Cottage; dog-friendly Crooked Cottage with pet-friendly trails; and the award-winning five-star Valbonne Villa perched high above the valley, ideal for groups of up to twelve. Guests can self-cater, take breakfast or dinner in the Homestead dining room, and enjoy guided nature drives and walks, bush dinners, star-gazing and open-air picnics. Tomjachu is a BirdLife South Africa affiliated property.
Amenities
Bed linen
Braai area
Fireplace
Nature trails
Swimming pool
Plunge pool
Get to know where you stay
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Availability
Any available room
6 rooms, sleeps 2 to 12
Check-in
Select date
Check-out
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November 2026
December 2026
A night is shown as unavailable only when every room is taken.
Where you'll sleep
6 room types, sleeps 2 to 12
King · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
A romantic open-plan stone cottage, built from rock hewn on the reserve, with undisturbed panoramic views of the Bekker Mountains, a large covered veranda and a private plunge pool. Utter privacy, with only the passing zebra to disturb you. Self-catering, with breakfast and dinner-inclusive rates available.
2 bedrooms · 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 2 bathrooms
A family cottage nestled among the trees, with a large open-plan sitting and dining room, fully equipped kitchen, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and a large veranda with outdoor seating overlooking the bushveld. Ideal for families or a getaway with friends. Self-catering for up to 4, with breakfast and dinner-inclusive rates available.
6 bedrooms · 12 guests · 6 bedrooms · 6 bathrooms
The crowning jewel of Tomjachu: an award-winning five-star exclusive-use villa perched high above the valley, with a rambling covered veranda, stunning sitting rooms, extensive gardens, a boma and a pool. Four consecutive Lilizela Tourism awards as the top five-star exclusive self-catering group accommodation. Sleeps up to 12; a private chef is available with advance booking. Self-catering.
2 bedrooms · 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bathroom
The only dog-friendly cottage at Tomjachu, with two bedrooms, an open-plan lounge and fully equipped kitchen with a dining bar counter, and a covered veranda by the fire. Direct access to 4.5 km of pet-friendly hiking trails plus a further 15 km of trails on the reserve. Bring the dogs and walk among mountain views and plains game. Rate on request.
King or twin · 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom
A charming one-bedroom self-catering cottage huddled beneath a giant fig tree, offering complete privacy and serenity with stunning mountain views, a large veranda, garden, private boma and an outdoor fire. The Homestead pool and dining room are a short walk away. Self-catering, with breakfast and dinner-inclusive rates available.
Nature
What lives at Tomjachu Bush Retreat
10 animals and 283 birds recorded here or nearby.
These are records, not promises. Wild animals and birds move, so sightings are never guaranteed.
About Mbombela
Important information
Check-in and check-outIn 14:00 · Out 10:00
Check-in Time
14:00 - 18:00
Please arrange your arrival within this time window. If you need to arrive outside these hours, please contact the host in advance.
Check-out Time
By 10:00
Please ensure you check out by this time to allow for cleaning and preparation for the next guests.
Cancellation and changes50% refund 30+ days
Refund schedule
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Please note that some accommodations may have their own specific cancellation policies that differ from our standard policy. These will be clearly indicated on the accommodation's page or during the booking process.
For any questions regarding cancellations or to request a cancellation, please contact our customer support team.
Pet policyPets welcome
Pet policy
Pets are allowed (on request)
Please inform the host about your pets when making your booking.
Travel insuranceInformation only
Spekboom does not advise on, recommend, or sell insurance.
For information only: Expatriate Group provides travel, health and life cover for international travellers and can generate a quote online. Any policy is arranged and managed entirely by Expatriate Group.
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Before you book
Payment terms
Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation PolicyStrict
- 50% refundcancel 30+ days before check-in
- No refundwithin 30 days of check-in
Note: The 2.5% conservation contribution, payment processing fees, and any applicable referral commissions are non-refundable in the event of cancellation. Conservation contribution fees (2.5%) support conservation and community projects in the destinations you visit. Payment processing fees are absorbed by Spekboom for completed bookings, but cannot be recovered once a booking is cancelled. Referral commissions, where applicable, are paid to the referring party upon booking confirmation.
Payout Protection: Guest payments are held until the free cancellation window passes. This protects guests who cancel within their cancellation window and ensures hosts receive guaranteed payouts after the cancellation period ends.
House rules
Guests are expected to respect the house rules of each accommodation. These rules will be provided upon booking confirmation.
Check-in & Check-out
Check-in from 14:00 • Check-out by 10:00
Liability
Spekboom acts as an intermediary between guests and accommodation providers. While we strive to ensure accurate information, we cannot be held liable for any discrepancies or issues arising from the accommodation itself.
By making a booking through Spekboom, you agree to our Terms of Service (Version 3.5). You acknowledge that: (1) the 2.5% conservation contribution and payment processing fees are non-refundable in the event of cancellation (Spekboom absorbs payment processing fees for completed bookings); (2) Spekboom acts as an intermediary platform governed by South African law. For the complete terms and conditions, please visit our full Terms of Service page.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tomjachu Bush Retreat located?
Tomjachu Bush Retreat is in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The map on this page shows the area.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Tomjachu Bush Retreat?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 10:00. Contact the host directly if you need to arrange early check-in or late check-out.
Are pets allowed at Tomjachu Bush Retreat?
Yes, Tomjachu Bush Retreat is pet-friendly. We recommend confirming pet size and number with the host before booking.
How many guests can Tomjachu Bush Retreat accommodate?
Each room sleeps between 2 and 12 guests. The rooms section on this page shows the limit for each one.
What causes does a booking at Tomjachu Bush Retreat support?
A portion of every booking at Tomjachu Bush Retreat contributes to BirdLife South Africa. See the property's causes section for how the funds are used.
How do I book Tomjachu Bush Retreat?
Select your dates on the Tomjachu Bush Retreat property page and submit a booking request. The host confirms availability, then you pay securely through Spekboom to complete the reservation.
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