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For our drive from Johannesburg to the Kruger region we planned a stop somewhere en route that would offer some overnight rest and relaxation and allow us rime to enjoy the Panorama route next day. We like to visit breweries when travelling so what better than the highest brewery in Africa up on the Long Tom Pass?||||The booking was made months in advance directly with the hotel so I was a little surprised to find that we weren't expected when we pulled in. No worries though and we were escorted to a room looking out over the gardens. Apparently they were fully booked the following night so I'd rather not think about what might have happened if we'd turned up then. It might be worth confirming bookings before arrival because there's nothing else for quite a few miles around. Have to knock a point off for this I'm afraid.||||Anyway, back to the facilities. We arrived on a hot day so the hard floor in the room was refreshingly cool. There is heating for cold nights though. Plenty of room and a comfy bed plus the usual facilities so just the job.||||We didn't take long to get ourselves to the brewery itself. We were taken through a tasting of each of the available beers before selecting some to take into the garden and enjoy the sun. More beer was taken later with a tasty dinner. Service was friendly and efficient.||||After a restful night and a good breakfast we were soon on our way. I can only think that our lost booking was an unfortunate oversight but everything was fine in the end. If you're looking for a place to pull over on the Long Tom Pass this is where you...
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Welcome to the Highest brewery in Africa! (Second-highest in world) || ||RED RECEPTION||||Adorned in boutique red with cattle horn mountpieces, this discerning atrium has character and a modern vibe. ||The 2 family dogs rest peacefully and calmly at the entrance here, familiar with visitors and ignoring us completely.||||LOCATION||||Situated on the Long Tom passway on the way to/from Lydenberg (22km), this GEM BREWERY was a lovely surprise. As it was almost noon, we decided to stop for lunch, and were pleasantly surprised by the beautiful country house, which also functions as a B&B. ||||RESTAURANT BAR||||Ntshangasen?/Colin (forgot name) is the master Brewster onsite, and enthusiastically gave us a beer tour. He was cheerful, bubbly and charming, giving us advice on choosing the 2 beer bottles we purchased. They also offer beer tasting in 5 mini-shot glasses. We ordered burger and fries, which were BIG mouthfuls and Amazingly DELICIOUS! The diet fries were astonishingly crispy and tasteful for their size and presentation.||||It was winter and the lounge looks like one just from the ALPS with a massive centre fireplace. Would be cozy and comfortable at night or when the weather is colder. The design of the restaurant is European/German, and quite fitting for the BREWERY.||AWESOME INTERIOR DECORATING!||||CRAFT BEER||||Light, crisp-flavored beer emanating the full flavor, aroma, body, character which tasted almost floral and hoppy. The mouthfeel was fresh, refreshing and easy. This mini-brewery combines experience, science, art and passion! ||||GREAT...
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On our way from Marloth Park to Dullstroom, somewhere along the winding Long Tom Pass, we found this gem called Hops Hollow. We stopped for a quick beer... and honestly, we could’ve stayed the whole day! They brew their own craft beers right here, and we even got to taste their chocolate and coffee vodka cream liqueur — it’s pure pudding in a glass. I’m still dreaming about it!
The whole place has that cozy, old-world charm — big fireplaces, wooden beams, and those beautiful old trees outside that give you a real Irish countryside feel. There’s a vintage kombi parked right next to the kiddies play area under the trees, adding to that nostalgic, storybook vibe.
They also have rooms available if you want to stay over — and next time, that’s exactly what we’re doing! We didn’t get to try the food this time (we were rushing to Dullstroom), but just walking past the plates made our mouths water. Next visit, we’re planning to stay longer... maybe even organize a live show!
If you ever find yourself cruising the Long Tom Pass, make the stop at Hops Hollow — it’s one of those magical places you find without even...
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