Tomjachu Crooked Cottage

Fenced Pet-Friendly Bush Cottage in Mbombela (Nelspruit), Mpumalanga: Crooked Cottage at Tomjachu Bush Retreat

About This Pet-Friendly Stay

Crooked Cottage at Tomjachu Bush Retreat offers a rare opportunity to stay in a truly peaceful bush setting with your dog. Located on a 550-hectare private nature reserve in the Lowveld of Mpumalanga, just 15 km from Mbombela (Nelspruit), this secluded cottage sits in its own valley surrounded by mountain bushveld.

This is the only pet-friendly accommodation at Tomjachu, making it ideal for dog owners looking for a quiet escape in nature. With its fully fenced garden, private location, and access to kilometres of walking trails, Crooked Cottage is particularly suited to guests who enjoy long bush walks and spending time outdoors with their dogs.

The cottage sleeps up to four guests in two bedrooms and offers comfortable self-catering accommodation with sweeping views across the surrounding mountains and bushveld.

Quick Info:

• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Pet policy: Up to 3 small dogs or 2 large dogs allowed
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathroom: 1
• Garden: Fully fenced private garden
• Kitchen: Fully equipped self-catering kitchen
• Outdoor areas: Covered veranda, braai area and firepit
• Location: Private valley 2.5 km from the main homestead
• Access: Rough gravel road – high-clearance vehicle recommended

Pet-Friendly Accommodation Features

Crooked Cottage is designed as a comfortable bush retreat with everything needed for a relaxed self-catering stay.

The main bedroom is furnished with a double bed, while the second bedroom has twin beds. A separate bathroom includes a shower and toilet.

The open-plan living area includes a comfortable lounge and dining bar, connected to a fully equipped kitchen fitted with an oven, stove, microwave and fridge.

Large doors open onto a covered veranda with outdoor seating and dining space, where guests can enjoy the surrounding bushveld views.

Outdoor Features

The cottage sits in its own private valley surrounded by Lowveld bush and mountain scenery.

Outdoor features include:

• Fully enclosed grass garden
• Covered veranda with outdoor seating
• Braai area
• Firepit beneath coral trees
• Private bushveld and mountain views
• The fenced garden allows dogs to move around safely within the cottage grounds.

On-Site Pet Activities

Crooked Cottage is particularly suited to guests who enjoy long bush walks with their dogs.

The property offers:

• 4.5 km of pet-friendly hiking trails accessible from the cottage
• A further 15 km of walking trails across the reserve
• Open savannah and bushveld walking routes
• Scenic mountain viewpoints and valleys
• There is no dangerous game on the reserve, allowing guests to explore the property on foot.

Dogs must remain on leash at all times while walking, hiking, or accompanying guests on mountain biking routes.

Nearby Activities on the Reserve

Tomjachu Bush Retreat offers a wide range of nature-based activities across the reserve.

Hiking
Guests can explore a network of trails through open bushveld, riverine valleys, and mountain routes. Trails range from easy walks to more challenging climbs, including routes up Zebra Heights with panoramic views over the Bekker Mountains.

Mountain Biking
Self-guided mountain biking trails run throughout the reserve and pass through open savannah, mountain terrain, and dense riverine bushveld.

Guests may encounter plains game including giraffe, zebra, nyala and bushbuck along the routes.

Bird Watching
The reserve has recorded over 296 bird species, making it an excellent destination for bird enthusiasts. Habitats range from grassland savannah to riverine forest.

Fishing
Two dams on the reserve offer catch-and-release fishing for bass, bream and barbel. Only barbless hooks are permitted.

Guided Bush Walks
Guided bush walks provide insight into the ecology of the Lowveld bush, including animal tracks, birdlife and plant species.

Pet Policy

Crooked Cottage welcomes dogs and is the only pet-friendly accommodation on the Tomjachu reserve.

• Up to 3 small dogs or 2 large dogs allowed
• The cottage garden is fully fenced
• Dogs must be kept on leash at all times outside the cottage garden
• Dogs are welcome on the reserve’s walking trails and mountain biking routes when leashed
• Dog beds and water bowls are available at the cottage, though guests are welcome to bring their own
• As the cottage is located in the bush, guests are advised to treat dogs for ticks before arrival. A tick prevention tablet from a vet or pet store taken 48 hours before travel is recommended.

Practical Information

• Crooked Cottage is located 2.5 km from the main homestead
• Access is via a rough gravel road
• A vehicle with standard or high ground clearance is recommended
• The final 5 km to the lodge is a dirt road
• Additional meals are available from the main lodge if arranged in advance

Optional meal services include:

• Four-course dinner
• Continental breakfast
• Cooked breakfast
• Picnic lunches

Ready to experience a peaceful pet-friendly bush retreat in Mpumalanga?

Crooked Cottage at Tomjachu Bush Retreat offers privacy, spectacular Lowveld scenery, and kilometres of walking trails for guests travelling with dogs.