REVIEW: Craft beers and gemsbok steaks at Jagveld Brouery

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On the road to Welgevonden Game Reserve, with the Waterberg hills unfolding ahead of us, we made a worthwhile stop for lunch at Jagveld Brouery. The brewery-restaurant sits just off the main route, easy to reach but far enough to feel like a welcome pause in the journey. With its clean design, wooden tables, and concrete tiled walls, Jagveld has a quiet confidence about it—nothing flashy, just the comfort of a well-considered space where the food and beer speak for themselves.

We arrived just before lunch hour hit its stride and were greeted with a relaxed energy, the kind that makes you want to linger. After settling at one of the polished wooden tables, we were handed menus that balanced hearty meat dishes with local charm. The brewery’s passion for its own craft beers is clear: every beer name nods to something uniquely South African—My Boke, Mauser, Mogol, Tweebuffels, and Draken. We tried the beers, which were refreshingly different from mainstream offerings—less bitter, surprisingly smooth, and easy to enjoy.

We also enjoyed their cappuccinos, which arrived hot and frothy, with just the right amount of kick to revive road-weary travellers. The food came out swiftly and was plated with just enough care to feel intentional without being fussy. One of us ordered the gemsbok loin steak, beautifully cooked and served with crisp golden fries. The meat was lean and flavourful—gamey in all the right ways—and tender enough to cut through without effort. For the other plate, we had chicken schnitzel, well-crusted and moist, paired with a rich, savoury sauce and a side of fresh vegetables. It was the kind of meal that leaves you full but not sluggish, satisfied without needing dessert.

There’s something about eating a proper meal in a place that understands its setting—where the ingredients, the decor, and the people all feel like they belong to the landscape. Jagveld Brouery fits neatly into that description. It’s a stop that feels like part of the travel experience, not just a filler between destinations. The brewery itself is small but serious about its beer, and knowing they’re made right there, on-site, added something to the whole encounter.

The staff were friendly without overstepping, giving us space to enjoy the food and the moment, but quick to assist when needed. We left feeling well looked after and better prepared for the next stretch of our journey into the bushveld. If you’re heading into Limpopo for a weekend of wildlife and wide skies, this is the kind of place that makes the drive part of the adventure—an unassuming gem with satisfying meals and its own unique flavour.