Kaapsehoop or Kaapsche Hoop (established 1882) is a small, historical mining town on the Mpumalanga escarpment, that lies at an altitude of 1712m, free from malaria, with clear skies, crisp mountain air and beautiful views. The small village offers various accommodation venues, from basic hikers huts, self catering and B&B in historical establishments, luxury guesthouses, and even an old train coach. When visiting Kaapsehoop, be sure to enjoy the Kaapsche Hoop Nature Walk – an easy, leisurely one hour walk to the escarpment, for breathtaking views of De Kaap Valley below. The Blue Swallow is a very rare bird in South Africa, and are mainly found at Kaapsehoop, nesting and breeding in old, abandoned mine shafts in a natural heritage site outside town. Herds of wild horses roaming free in the area, are believed to be the only wild horses in South Africa.
Kaapsehoop is surrounded by the most amazing natural scenery, including forests, mountains, and waterfalls. The town is situated on the edge of a high plateau, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area. One of the main attractions in Kaapsehoop is the impressive rock formations that can be found in and around the town. The most famous of these is the “Horse Shoe,” a large rock formation that resembles the shape of a horse shoe.
Main Attractions near Kaapsehoop
- Historical Mining town (Kaapsche Hoop – original Dutch spelling)
- Hiking Trails
- Waterfalls and Nature Scenes
- Wildlife – Wild Horses, Oribi, Blue Swallow
- Indigenous Plants
- Rock Field Formations
- The Kruger National Park is one of the largest game reserves in Africa and is located about two hours from Kaapsehoop. It is home to a vast array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
- The Sudwala Caves are a network of limestone caves located about 30 minutes from Kaapsehoop. They are some of the oldest caves in the world and are home to unique rock formations and underground lakes.
- Sabie is a small town located about an hour away. It is situated in the middle of a beautiful forest and is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting.
- The Lowveld Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located about an hour and a half from Kaapsehoop. It features a wide variety of plants and flowers from the Lowveld region of South Africa and is a great place to relax and take a leisurely stroll.
The Rich History of Kaapsehoop
Kaapsehoop has a rich history and culture, which can be seen in the architecture of the town and the traditions of the local people. The town was founded in the late 1800s as a gold-mining town, and many of the original buildings still stand today. Kaapsehoop also is home to a variety of wildlife, including baboons, monkeys, and wild horses. Visitors can take a guided tour to see these animals in their natural habitat.
Wild Horses of Kaapsehoop
The Kaapsehoop horses are a distinctive and iconic landmark of the town, drawing tourists and photographers from all over the world. The horses are noted for their remarkable beauty and free-spirited character, which makes them a joy to watch in their natural surroundings. The horses live in the wild, foraging in the nearby grasslands and woodlands for food and water. They are not owned or managed by anybody and are free to come and go wherever they please. The local community, on the other hand, has grown to respect and appreciate the horses, and they are provided some form of safeguarding and care.
Despite their wild nature, the horses are generally not aggressive towards humans, and visitors are welcome to observe and photograph them from a safe distance. However, it is important to respect the horses’ space and not to approach them too closely or attempt to touch them.
