Jervaux Reviews

Such prestine and untouched nature is hard to find these days. Our whole experience was pleasant. From the minute we arrived and was taken across the river in a small boat, to transporting our bags from the river bank to the little Cape Duch House in a wheel barrow, to the hospitality of our host was amazing. The beauty of the clear river water and ever changing mounting ranges will be my "happy place" to which I escape in my mind wehn city life gets too much.

We really enjoyed it. It's so peacefull - we felt we had a 3 week holiday after the weekend. Enjoy the boat trip .... kids loved it!!! Sorry about the terrible wind, but nothing you can do about it - that is mother natures fault!!!

We stayed for one night only, but I would book a week in a heartbeat. The owner Charles De Nobrega is a kind old gentleman who used to be a famous heart surgeon and more famous footballer back in the day. Now he lives on a remote hillside and builds beautiful houses. By his own admission he's reclusive.

We stayed in the single bedroom property - a huge open plan house with wooden beamed ceiling, warm terracotta tiles, and shelves full of random books (Greys Anatomy to Shark Encyclopaedia). The large bedroom has a massive comfy double bed and a view out to an entire mountain slope. The en-suite bathroom has an "open plan" shower and a large bath with feet.

The main attractions are as follows:
An almost Olympic size deep natural pool in the near by crystal clear river. See bright red and blue dragonflies the size of your hand buzz about. Perfect for cooling off.

The remote location - the views of the surrounding hills are astounding, as you are totally remote.

The smell of the feinboss natural shrubs, grasses etc, smells like warm mowed lawns in the afternoon.

The wildlife - a wild large male leopard was photographed recently behind the house. A 200 strong troupe of baboons live nearby, sometimes visiting the houses. You can hear them calling in the nearby forest. Geckos, large spiders, ants/termites and scorpions can all be produced on demand in the surrounding vegetation, and you might see the occasional snake. But THIS IS AFRICA!

This place is not for the feint-hearted - it's clean but not wire-brush and disinfectant style. It has all the facilities, but no technology whatsoever. The wildlife is all around you, but not out to get you in any way.

I had the most wonderful, healthy, relaxing and contemplative 24 hours I've ever had, and cannot recommend Jervaux enough.

We had an amazing time. The accommodation is really cosy and lovely - really interesting antique furniture, the houses themselves are beautiful and well stocked. The location is AMAZING. They are right by the river. The water is clear and wonderful - we had such fun just walking, swimming and braaing every day. A very chill relaxed holiday. The owner Joe is a really fascinating guy - very helpful too!