Old Joe's Kaia

Most amazing experience. No where else can you experience such incredible food. Just wow. Old Joe’s feeds your soul. The beauty of the mountain, the peace walking through the labyrinth, relaxing at the cosy fireplace. Marian and Paul create magic

Old Joe’s Kaia is an absolute gem—Marian and Paul set the tone from the moment you arrive with warm, attentive hospitality, making you feel immediately at home. The venue itself is beautifully appointed, blending cozy charm with uplifting energy, and each dish surpasses expectations with inventive flavors and impeccable presentation. It’s not just a meal or a stay—it’s a soul-reviving experience that leaves you refreshed, inspired, and already planning your next visit.

I've been vegan for 10 years and I can say that our 3 course meal for dinner was the best I've ever had! Presentation perfect, taste combination sublime... fulfilling and soul satisfying meal. Breakfast no different to the dinner served... absolutely delicious! The venue itself is tucked away off the main road and has a romantic feel to it. Some lovely antiquey items dotted around the communal area and always something gorgeous or unusual to keep the eyes busy... A library stocked with some gems and thought provoking books. A wonderful night or 2 escape from the hustle bustle...

I booked a room for a night with dinner and breakfast included as a first stop on route to the Kruger Park after hearing from friends how amazing this place was back in the early 2000's. Being a former Vegan for 5 years I was honestly interested in the caliber of food on offer and arrived with an open mind. To be honest the place is in a terribly "run down state" where their much advertised Labyrinth is unmaintained. Gardens are in an overgrown unmaintained state. Rooms are clean but our bedroom veranda door could not lock due to the wooden door frame being swollen from years of neglect. Some verandas and balustrades have totally collapsed outside some rooms. Fire fighting equipment has not been serviced since 2021 which is a concern. Not going to lie but spent most of the night awake worrying about security as a result of our veranda door not locking and considering there is no security onsite with little to no perimeter fence, being positioned next to a national highway in South Africa this was a definite concern. OK fine 2020 was tough on us all and obviously business was not that great but the food would be awesome right? Wrong and what we were served for dinner was average at best and I can honestly say I have tasted better from my Wife's kitchen on a slow Tuesday when we were still Vegan. Thanks to the fireplace, a small library and a bottle of fairly priced red wine not all was lost. The owners truly need to "get outside" a little more and take a look around. To me it looks like they are totally focused on the catering side of the business and have given up on what they were meant to build on when they took over. Thanks for the hospitality and decent conversation but we will not be returning.

Another awesome night at Old Joe,s Kaia ! Fantastic hosts and wonderful vegan food ! The breakfast was absolutely fantastic ! 👍😃 Highly recommend a stop over .. this from a big carnivore that love a hearty meal 😃

Marian and Paul are special people and they treat you as if you are family. The care they put into everything to make your stay wonderful is not like I have had before. The food needs a separate comment. Marian and her team go above and beyond. It is the best vegan food I have ever had. The care and presentation of each dish is so beautiful. I will definitely return. The tranquility and spiritual aspect is something you should not miss. Dana K. Canada