No more haven for guests with Old Joe

SCHOEMANSKLOOF –  The owners of Old Joe’s Kaia, Paul Drews and Marian Cottle, announced earlier this year that they will “move on to the next chapter of their lives”, after running the guest house for 12 years.

According to them, the decision was taken mainly because it is just not the country haven it used to be.

“For many years Old Joe’s Kaia has served the tourism industry with its unique and special charm, trails and walkways, abundant birdlife and overall tranquillity, but several developments in Schoemanskloof have deprived the area of that unique ambience,” said Cottle.

While the N4 allows tourists to reach the Lowveld quickly and easily, the heavy traffic, including numerous trucks, produces noise levels not conducive to the exclusive hospitality associated with that of Old Joe’s Kaia.

They will, however, stay on and concentrate on hosting special events after October 31.

The guest house had been in operation for 60 years, said Drews.  “It was established by Marian’s grandparents in 1954 and by 1984 it had developed into a fully fledged guest house registered as Old Joe’s Kaia. We bought it 12 years ago,” he said.

As a small, family-owned and -run country haven in the beautiful valley, it became well known for its comfortable accommodation and home-cooked vegan meals. Among its attractions were indigenous trees and approximately 242 bird species. An experienced bird guide was even on site to enhance the experience of exploring the valley.