Old Joe's Kaia

We stayed in Old Joe's Kaia on our first night in South Africa after driving up from Joburg. It's a real hidden jem, tucked off the main road and a little paradise when you get into the property. We stayed in a traditional roundel, which if you want an authentic experience but still want an en-suite was spot on. We had booked dinner in advance and that was a great call. The menu is vegan (and we very much are not) but the quality of cooking, ingredients, passion and love for the food was absolutely at the front and centre of the meal. We had a fabulous 4 course meal, which delighted with each course. The next morning we had the most incredible breakfast of our three weeks in SA, it was an array of flavours, colours and textures that I've never had anything like before. I genuinely believe that in a different setting, this food would be winning numerous awards. The value of the stay was exceptional and I thoroughly recommend staying here. It's a world away from the bland hotel chains and so much better for it!

OJK is a destination in itself, not just a place to stopover. If I had known what a paradise this is, I would have stayed longer. Marian and Paul have placed so much attention on detail - in the rooms, along the walking paths and especially in the meals. 5-star vegan food (we are not vegan/vegetarian) - the 4-course evening meal was an explosion for my taste buds. They also sell their own dry meal mixes to take to kruger: just boil water and let them sit for 30 min and you have Marian‘s culinary magic in your tent/bungalow. We just had #1/6 and loved it. It is very easy to reach, right on the N4. Order drinks on the veranda and then just forget all your cares/stress.

This venue is a vegan retreat. The breakfast and dinners are a melody of tastes. Really amazing.

Warm and personable service by the team in a characterful old world setting. An antidote to increasingly generic offerings in the hospitality industry. Excellent vegan dinner and breakfast cooked by the owner and enjoyed in front of a crackling fire in the living room!

My partner and I stayed one night after visiting the Sudwala Caves, and it was the best night of our trip around Mpumalanga. We had a 4-course dinner and all the food was incredible, what an amazing experience. Such a beautiful place inside and out. Thank you Mariana and Paul for your warm hospitality and wishing you both a great 2024!