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Outdoor Guides, South Africa · March 30, 2017

Kaapsehoop Day Trip: Best Things to do in Kaapsehoop

Are you planning a trip to the Lowveld or perhaps even the Kruger National Park? If so, it’s the perfect opportunity to stop by one of the quaintest villages in South Africa – Kaapsehoop.

South Africa’s stunningly beautiful Lowveld located in Mpumalanga Province is an area renowned for its low-lying valleys, majestic waterfalls, lush forests, wildlife, and quirky towns. While the region commonly serves as the main gateway to South Africa’s prestigious Kruger National Park, there are loads of amazing places to visit in Mpumalanga!

One such place is Kaapsehoop – a quaint and quirky little town that offers beautiful views and a rich history dating back to the Anglo Boer War and South Africa’s gold rush period. Added to that, you might even get a chance to see the town’s wild horses.

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Discover the best things to do in Kaapsehoop. We highlight everything you shouldn't miss on your Kaapsehoop day trip. #kaapsehoop #southafrica #thelowveld

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Table of Contents

  • About Kaapsehoop
  • Kaapsehoop Wild Horses
  • What to do in Kaapsehoop
    • Salvador Main Street Bistro
    • De-liteful Glass Works
    • Koek ‘n Pan
    • Gold Dust Trading
    • Silver Mist Country Inn Chapel
    • Soul Creations
  • When to visit Kaapsehoop
    • What to pack for a day trip to Kaapsehoop
  • Getting to Kaapsehoop
  • Where to Stay in Kaapsehoop

About Kaapsehoop

Kaapsehoop Village

Kaapsehoop is a peaceful village, a short drive from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. Set 1468m above sea level, Kaapsehoop is an excellent example of the Highveld Escarpment’s natural beauty. In addition to its serene beauty, a large part of the area has also been declared a National Heritage Site, giving a safe breeding ground to endangered Blue Swallows. With only 150 residents, the village includes a handful of cottages, guesthouses, and eateries. All easily accessed on its gravel roads.

Interestingly, Kaapsehoop was initially named the Duiwel’s Kantoor (Devil’s Office) because its large sandstone boulders resembled a room filled with tables and chairs. The fact that a cloak of mist often blankets the escarpment might also have contributed to this somber name.

During the late 1800s, gold discovery in one of the creeks nearby quickly changed this somber connotation to one of hope. Soon after, prospective miners renamed the town to Kaapsehoop, meaning ‘Hope of the Cape.’ However, as the gold ran out, the miners’ hopes receded too. Soon, many miners left in search of gold elsewhere in the Lowveld. Today, Kaapsehoop is recognized as a historic mining town in the Lowveld, and the original Old Mining Commissioner’s house still stands.

Kaapsehoop Wild Horses

Apart from its rustic charm, gold rush history, and scenic plateau, there is one thing that sets Kaapsehoop apart from its neighbors in the Lowveld: its free-roaming wild horses. So much so that the town has become synonymous with them. Little wonder visitors from near and far have been flocking here.

Even though it is not entirely clear where the horses come from, many locals believe they descend from the British troops stationed here during the Anglo Boer War. Regardless of their descent, there is nothing more magical than witnessing these creatures graze leisurely along the mountain and green pastures in town.

Kaapsehoop wild horses

What to do in Kaapsehoop

Kaapsehoop is the perfect place to enjoy a morning brunch, a lazy afternoon, or even spend a night. There’s plenty to do and see:

  • Grab a bite at one of the many eateries lining the entrance or mingle with the locals at Salvador’s.
  • Go treasure hunting at the gift or thrift stores scattered about town.
  • Take a hike in one of the neighboring forests, where you are sure to find a waterfall or two.
  • Go on a horse riding trail or take a carriage ride.

When I visit Kaapsehoop, I love popping in at these places below.

Salvador Main Street Bistro

Situated on the main road as you enter Kaapsehoop, Salvador’s is one of the top Kaapsehoop, boasting a great little menu. Enjoy brunch, a late lunch, or snuggle up next to the fire on a cold, misty day.

It usually turns into a lively pub on weekends, and you will soon find yourself mingling with the locals or enjoying a game of pool. They also make a mouth-watering prego (a Portuguese beef sandwich)!

De-liteful Glass Works

De-liteful Glass is a cute little glassworks shop in the same building block as Salvador’s. The store has an array of unique glass products made by hand. Here you will find anything from colorful glass wind chimes to lampshades. As an added touch, the store can also make custom-made products catering to your every need.

Koek ‘n Pan

Enjoy freshly made pancakes, a traditional South African treat at Koek’ n Pan. This Kaapsehoop restaurant offers a wide variety of savory and sweet crepes.

I love ordering the cinnamon-sugar pancake, served with fresh cream and lemon slices. Melt-in-the-mouth goodness!

Insider’s tip: Next to the restaurant, there is a luscious green field. On busy days, the area is mostly used for parking. But, should you ever find yourself in Kaapsehoop on a less crowded day, be sure to find the wooden bench in the field – it’s a great spot to admire the views!

Gold Dust Trading

This treasure trove is home to antiques, art pieces, books, and various vintage goods. If you are anything like me, you will easily spend hours working through dusty book covers or scavenging for trinkets, jewelry, souvenirs, and much, much more.

Silver Mist Country Inn Chapel

A charming little chapel sits opposite the Silver Mist Inn, which was previously the old Post Office. It serves as a popular wedding venue and has a large glass window overlooking a field.

Soul Creations

Stroll past the Old Mining Commissioner’s house and then make your way to Soul Creations. This small jewelry manufacturer specializes in unique designs and alterations. They also have an impressive selection of gemstones on display.

When to visit Kaapsehoop

Kaapsehoop can be visited year-round, but it’s good to know that it gets quite crowded on weekends. During the winter months, Kaapsehoop and its surrounding plateau are often covered in a cloak of mist, giving it a mystical and eerie feel.

During the summer months, blue skies, luscious green fields, and fresh air are enjoyed by young and old. It’s a great time to pack a picnic and enjoy at one of the picnic spots nearby.

No matter which season you choose to drop by Kaapsehoop, it is an excellent place to take gentle strolls, relax next to a fireplace or spend time with family and friends.

Oh, and just a heads up – due to its high altitude, the weather is somewhat unpredictable. Make sure to check the local weather report before you leave home, and always bring something warm.

What to pack for a day trip to Kaapsehoop

  • Most places accept Visa/ Mastercard but always have some cash handy.
  • A jacket or blazer as it can get quite chilly here.
  • Comfortable walking shoes.

Getting to Kaapsehoop

Kaapsehoop is roughly 30km from Nelspruit, making it easy to reach in 30 minutes by car. From Samora Machel Dr (R104), turn onto Kaapsehoop Road (near I’langa Mall), later becoming Hermansburg Road. Continue straight until you reach Kort Street. The village is on the left.

While you make your way up the winding mountain pass lined with pine trees and scattered rock formations, be sure to stop for a selfie at the De Kaap Valley, previously proclaimed the Valley of Death. The valley offers a scenic panorama of the lower-lying area and Barberton.

Where to Stay in Kaapsehoop

While Kaapsehoop makes for the perfect day trip from Nelspruit, it’s also a great place to spend a few nights away from the city’s hostel and bustle. Although, you won’t find any five-star hotels here, part of Kaapsehoop’s charm lies in its off-the-grid location and lovely B&B’s.

Silver Mist Guest House Country Inn is probably the most famous place to stay in the historic village of Kaapsehoop. Located away from the main dirt road, the Inn offers beautiful 4-star accommodation in the most tranquil setting imaginable. There’s also a lovely tea garden where you can sit and enjoy the sweeping views over the valley and mountains. Don’t expect to have the garden all to your self though, because the wild horses love grazing here! Check rates and availability here.

If you’re looking for something a bit cozier, Panda’s Guest Cottages is a great alternative for a romantic couples getaway. The guesthouse features simple yet tastefully decorated rooms with classic furnishings and colorful touches here and there. However, perhaps the best part about checking in here is that each room includes a patio, perfect for enjoying Kaapsehoop’s misty mornings with a cuppa in hand. Check rates and availability here.

Have you ever been to Kaapsehoop? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. If you love small quirky towns, be sure to check out our top 10 choices for the best small towns in South Africa. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and subscribe to our blog to get all the good stuff first!

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Discover the best things to do in Kaapsehoop. We highlight everything you shouldn't miss on your Kaapsehoop day trip. #kaapsehoop #southafrica #thelowveld

In: Outdoor Guides, South Africa · Tagged: day trips, hiking, kaapsehoop, waterfall

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Comments

  1. Zel says

    May 13, 2017 at

    KAAPSEHOOP is a very beautiful place. And you captured beautiful pictures on it. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. JM Kayne says

    May 13, 2017 at

    Very beautiful place you got here! I enjoy the information you shared in this post and appreciate sharing on “what to bring” too!

    Thank you for introducing Kaapsehoop!

    Reply
  3. GIORGOS says

    May 13, 2017 at

    It looks like the ideal place to spend your day photographing all these pretty images! I love the photo of the horse especially!

    Reply
  4. Harmony, Momma To Go says

    May 14, 2017 at

    Wow, these pics are so beautiful! Plus the horses are too cute! I’ve always wanted to go to South Africa – someday!

    Reply
  5. Nida says

    May 14, 2017 at

    This is so perfect!! Especially the wild horses! I really do want to visit this place soon. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  6. hoponworld says

    May 14, 2017 at

    Thanks for your great comments everyone; this little village is a real gem. Hope you guys get to experience it one day!

    Reply
  7. vivomigsgee says

    May 16, 2017 at

    I would love to go to Kaapsehoop and encounter the wild horses in person. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  8. Chloe says

    May 16, 2017 at

    This is so cool! I’ve always wanted to go to South Africa. I would love to see wild horses or any animals!! Your pictures are amazing.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      May 22, 2017 at

      Thank you Chloe, South Africa is a wonderfully diverse country. If you love animals, as much as we do, you are in for a real treat!

      Reply
  9. sung at CT Destinations says

    May 17, 2017 at

    The pictures look great! Would like to visit this.

    Reply
  10. Halina says

    May 17, 2017 at

    Very nice post! I like the photos and the tips are very useful. Adding a map is a great idea. 🙂

    Reply
  11. Graxxii says

    May 18, 2017 at

    Peculiar horses. Great stuff. South Africa is on my bucketlist!

    Reply
  12. Agness of aTukTuk says

    June 2, 2017 at

    Such a stunning place! I would love to spend more days there! 🙂

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      June 2, 2017 at

      Stunning indeed! It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

      Reply
  13. Flo says

    July 4, 2017 at

    Looks like such a stunning place! The name change was a great idea, I’m sure its old name wouldn’t have been too appealing for tourists! I’m dying to visit Kruger so will have to add this to my list of places to check out.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 6, 2017 at

      Haha, totally agree Flo. Kruger is amazing – if you do ever head out to SA it is a must!

      Reply
  14. Kar says

    July 5, 2017 at

    Kaapsehoop looks like a beautiful village. Especially the horse scenery, I could imagine that it was a special place to be. It is also not what I expected of South Africa; this kind of scenery. If I only saw the pictures, I would say it is somewhere in Europe.

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 6, 2017 at

      Thanks, Kar. SA is a wonderful country, rich in culture and filled with diverse scenery. It’s magic! Hope you get a chance to visit one day.

      Reply
  15. Megan says

    July 6, 2017 at

    Kaapsehoop looks beautiful! I’d never even heard of it before, but it looks like a lovely, relaxing place to visit. And I have a daughter who would just *love* to see the wild horses. I may not get her home after that. Thanks for opening my eyes to a new destination!

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 6, 2017 at

      Thanks Megan! Kaapsehoop is a great little place to enjoy with friends and family. Great picnic spots, waterfalls, quirky shops and best of all, the wild horses! Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  16. Katalin says

    July 7, 2017 at

    What a unique place with the wild horses! It was an interesting read about the gold rush.

    Reply
  17. Danijela WorldGlimpses says

    July 8, 2017 at

    The first picture that came up when I opened your blog made me say wow out loud! It looks so lovely, I can only imagine hiking with that landscape around – so beautiful! Would make me take a break a lot to admire the view. 😀

    Reply
  18. Daniela || Ipanema travels to says

    July 9, 2017 at

    Looks so beautiful and peaceful! I’m not sure the roads will ever lead me to this part of the world, but never say never…

    Reply
  19. Madhurima Maiti says

    July 9, 2017 at

    The wild horses look great. Amazing photos! Very well written post. Enjoyed reading it 🙂

    Reply
  20. Sherry van Zyl says

    April 22, 2021 at

    We would like to have a picnic at the picnic spot where the stream is, please let me know how we go about it, do we have to pay and book?

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      April 24, 2021 at

      Hi Sherry, we always had a picnic in the huge pear tree field near the waterfall. You’ll need to drive past Kaapsehoop. Just after the first bend, turn off on the dirt path. Just a heads up, the gate might be locked. I heard it’s possible to go ask in town for the key, but we personally never had to do that. Alternatively, there are lots of great spots within the village where you can enjoy a picnic. The field near Koek ‘n Pan is quite nice as well as the rocky trails opposite it.

      Reply
  21. Lizel says

    July 30, 2021 at

    I would like to find out if it’s true that you have to pay R30 to enter the town of Kaapsehoop? Is this true and if so, is it legal? And if so, where does the money go to? Is it puplic knowledge and who made the decision? Does the government know that money are being charged to enter the town?

    Reply
    • hoponworld says

      July 31, 2021 at

      Hi Lizel, that’s the first I’ve heard about this. I’m not in SA now, but I’ll ask my sister if she knows anything about it (she lives in Nelspruit). As for the legality of this, I’m afraid I can’t comment on that. But, if it is true, I’m sure there is a good reason for it and that the money is being used for a good cause. Have you tried contacting the Mpumalanga Tourism Bureau? They might be able to give you a better answer.

      Reply
    • Rod Ostker says

      March 28, 2022 at

      Not true. I spent this past weekend there. An experience you will not forget.

      Reply
      • hoponworld says

        March 29, 2022 at

        That’s great to hear Rod, glad it’s still free to enter. Thanks for taking the time to update everyone.

        Reply
  22. Anke says

    September 30, 2022 at

    My husband and I got married in Kaapsehoop. Beautiful place near and dear to my heart. Planning a trip back mid 2023 as we live in the US now.

    Reply

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Mariza is a South African who ditched her job in Advertising to teach English in Taiwan. Ten years later, she now calls Taiwan home but still visits South Africa whenever she can. She shares in-depth destination guides and all her insider tips on traveling in Taiwan & Asia here.

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