Day Trip from Nelspruit to Kaapschehoop

A trip to Kaapsehoop is a humble break from the city crammed with charming scenery, creative people and attractions that display exactly what this down to earth community is all about. 

Kaapsehoop is a small town and if you are not looking for it, you could easily drive past without noticing. But making a stop in Kaapsehoop is definitely worth your while! Here’s why:

Kaapsehoop was established in 1882 with the discovery of gold in surrounding streams. Today the gold has been replaced by green gold of commercial forests which safely holds the ghost like town in its midst. Kaapsehoop is well known for its magnificent bird life that is truly unique to the area and wild horses which roam freely around town, welcoming visitors.

The climate is ideal for a day trip with crisp winters and moderate summers. It is recommended to take a warm jacket with you as it may get a little chilly in the late afternoon.

Kaapschehoop Wild Horses & Scenery

Scenery & Bird life

Kaapsehoop is a very popular tourist destination in Mpumalanga that features natural splendour and a wide variety of activities. Situated merely 30km out of Nelspruit, the scenic drive to Kaapsehoop is just one reason to visit the small town. Thousands of hectares of lush green trees surround the town and is known as the Kaapsehoop Valley. This is truly a beautiful sight as the picture perfect scene stretches as far as the eye can see and let’s one truly feel in touch with nature and all its splendor.

Half way up to Kaapsehoop lies a valley that is a very popular sight for the Lowveld Birdlife Club to observe the region’s bird life. Birds typical to the area are reed cormorant, darter, grey heron, black headed heron, little egret, Abdim’s stork, hadeda ibis, Egyptian goose, African black duck, African fish eagle, crane, red chested fluff tail and crowned plover to name but a few. Kaapsehoop is a bird lovers paradise!

Kaapschehoop Horseback Trails

Wild Horses, Horse Trails and Hiking Trails

Kaapschehoop has the only wild horse herds in South Africa. These beauties are said to be remnants of British troops who were stationed in the town during the South African War. Apparently the horses were left to the wild when the Kaapsehoop police station was shut down years ago to make way for motorised transport. Today these wild horses roam free in the area and every now and then tourists are fortunate enough to see them pay a visit to town.

The Kaapschehoop horse Trails, first on the to-do list as you travel from Nelspruit, is an attraction geared for the whole family. There are a number of tours available which give visitors the opportunity to see the natural beauty of Kaapsehoop on horseback. Christo and his team, who are well familiar with the area, will take visitors on a soul-reviving adventure. There are horseback rides for everyone, regardless of your experience or age. The trails run through undulating grasslands, pine forests and along the breathtaking escarpment views.

Hiking Trails

If going on foot is more your style then you might enjoy the Kaapsehoop hiking trail which meanders through breathtaking scenery, plantations and historical sites. The hiking trail goes through the Berlin forest and can be split into various options ranging from two to five nights. The shortest route is 19km while the longest is almost 55km. Overnight huts are also available in the Kaapsehoop Village looking over beautiful streams or situated in a patch of pine trees.

Where to Eat

With all the fresh air and exercise, you might feel like a good meal or a sweet treat! There are a number of popular options to choose from in Kaapsehoop. Visitors can dine at Bohemian Groove Café, view artworks from some of the best local artists and on weekends there is usually some live music paired with great dining specials to enjoy. Owners Charl and Andrea Fourie were inspired by the popular “Bohemian Grove”, an elite club in America from 1872 until today. Bohemian Groove Café is a restaurant that inspires creativity through excellent dishes, cold drinks and a relaxed atmosphere.

Bohemian Groove Cafe

Right next door is Salvadore Mainstream Bistro, a fully equipped bar with pool tables and an accompanying menu. The bistro offers an outdoor area where visitors can enjoy an ice cold beer or a delicious pizza!

Koek ‘n Pan is famous for their variety of delicious pancakes, savoury or sweet. The restaurant has something to suit every taste! It is suitable for the whole family and features a deck, upstairs and down. If you are in the mood for something a little different, try the platter pancake option on the menu which allows customers to order two or five different fillings and is definitely a winner!

Koek ‘n Pan & Salvadore

Architecture & History

The buildings in Kaapsehoop date back to the 1880’s. The Victorian inspired architecture resembles the lifestyle of the miners who built their houses from corrugated iron with decorated gables back then. The building material proved strong enough to withstand the hands of time as both houses and businesses are all made from this durable substance still today. These houses are equally as beautiful as the view of the misty mountains. Kaapsehoop even has its own chapel which has a huge glass window with a wooden cross as centre piece. The Chapel is also a popular venue for weddings.

One can even visit the Mining Commissioner’s House which dates back to 1884. It was built two years after the discovery of a gold nugget near Duiwelskantoor which immediately attracted 180-250 diggers. The settlement was renamed Kaapsehoop in 1886. Just outside town are rock field formations which are made up of quartzites of the Black Reef Formation of the Transvaal Supergroup.

Architecture & Chapel

Kaapsehoop is an all in one stop. It makes a great day trip with unique bird life, horseback riding, hiking, picture perfect nature scenes, fresh air, and scrumptious food and drink. Be sure to make the sho’t left and visit Kaapsehoop!