Staying somewhere different is often the most memorable part of a trip. In the small town of Kaapsehoop, visitors have the opportunity to sleep in a piece of history — The Royal Coach. This converted train carriage offers an unusual kind of overnight experience, one not found in a typical guesthouse or lodge.
The Royal Coach is not a themed replica. It is the original rail carriage used by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1947 visit to South Africa. Now stationary, the coach has been adapted to host travelers looking for a story to go with their stay. It has three bedrooms, each with a double bed. One of the rooms includes a private bathroom. The other two share a second bathroom with bathtubs.
Guests won’t find luxury finishes or modern hotel features. What they will find is the chance to sleep in the same coach that once carried a young royal on tour. The setup is simple: bedding, towels, a microwave, kettle, small fridge, cups, and teaspoons. Everything needed for a short stopover is in place.
For meals, the Salvador Bistro opens early and serves throughout the day. It is especially popular in winter for its wood-fired pizzas and working fireplace. Several other cafés and restaurants in town offer a variety of meals at fair prices, making it easy to explore local options.
Kaapsehoop itself is a town with its own pace, and The Royal Coach fits in perfectly — not as an attraction, but as part of the experience. It invites travelers to try something different, even if just for one night, and to come away with a story that starts with, “I once slept in a royal train carriage…”
The Royal Coach facilities
- 3 spacious Bedrooms
- Room 1 - double bed, en suite bathroom
- Room 2 - double bed with bathroom (not en suite)
- Bedroom 3 - maximum 6, sleeps 5 comfortably; 2 double beds and 3/4 bed
- Meals available at Salvador Restaurant, which is open from 08h00
Nearby attractions
Barberton, about 30 minutes from Kaapsehoop, is another historic gold-mining village. It has a fascinating history and various museums, including the Barberton Museum and the Barberton History and Mines Museum.
The Kruger National Park, one of Africa's largest game reserves, is roughly two hours' drive from Kaapsehoop. It is home to a diverse range of species such as elephants, lions, leopards, and rhinos.
Sudwala Caves are a network of limestone tunnels located around 30 minutes from Kaapsehoop. These are among of the world's oldest caverns, with unusual rock formations and subterranean lakes.
Sabie is a lovely tiny village around an hour away. It is set in a magnificent forest and is a popular site for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and white-water rafting.
