Kaapsehoop Horse Trails all about horses, nature and people.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails offers horse riding, self-catering accommodation, volunteer programmes and more.
Experience the wonderful benefits of being with horses, of being in nature when you spend time at this well-known and serene mountain getaway.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails for a sense of well-being
Situated on the Drakensberg Escarpment, 35km from Nelspruit, Mpumalanga in South Africa, near the quaint historic gold mining village of Kaapsehoop. As you follow the winding 7km forest track through the Berlin Forest, you will find your shoulders lightening. Your eyes drawn to the horizon while your lungs draw in the fresh pine-scented air.
You soon find a beautiful world for horse and nature lover.
Horses are both beautiful to watch and of significant impact to the lives of many. A ride on a horse is akin to no other feeling. Psychologists and other mental health professionals are more and more recognising the value of horses’ particular character to promoting well-being.
Christo Germishuys established the trails in 1994. He is an equine legend and gifted horseman. The 17 000 ha private concession with Komatiland Forests boasts of natural splendour with gorgeous vistas and scenery. Over the years this trail riding establishment has gained a fine reputation as a result of the excellent conditions of the well-trained horses as well as the safe riding, all combined with the soul and passion found in this unique setting.
WHAT WE OFFER
HORSE RIDING
Regardless of your riding experience, what better way to enjoy the soul-reviving feeling of being on horseback while soaking in sheer beauty and tranquillity. Safety, comfort and enjoyment lakes precedence however both novice and experienced rider can enjoy a wonderful ride.
Riding Options -1 Hour Ride
For all levels of experience, suitable for beginners and the not-so-fit rider, as well as for the experienced rider who can also expect to have a fun ride with both trotting and cantering.
Riding Times: Monday-Saturday:
Sunday
Riding Options -2 Hour Ride
For the more experienced rider who rides frequently, a minimum of 3 riders is required.
Riding Time: Monday – Sunday: 09h00
Riding Options - Day Ride
Only for experienced riders who rides frequently, and we require a group of 4 – 6 riders. This ride includes a stop in Kaapsehoop village for a light lunch on rider’s own account.
Riding Time: Monday – Sunday: 09h00
Riding Options -Pony Rides
For the tiny tots, 6 years and younger, we do lead reign pony rides in and around the stable area, under supervision.
Please note that children are not allowed to ride together with an adult on one horse. Children of 6 years and older will ride on their own horse depending on riding skills and comfort, otherwise they will be on a lead reign behind one of the guides.
The Horses
The breeds used for our trails are mainly crossbred horses. These include Boerperd-, Friesian-, and draught horse crossbreeds. The horses are trained using the natural horsemanship philosophy. They further enjoy a free-roaming life. The trail horses thus are not only well-schooled but also have excellent temperaments.
ACCOMMODATION
Every now and again, we need to pack a bag and venture out, to fill our souls with simplicity and beauty, and fill our bags with discovery, or rediscovery, therefore
come and stay over in our rustic farm-style accommodation and soak in the beautiful views, the stars and serenity.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is situated on a picturesque farm atop the Drakensberg escarpment just outside Kaapsehoop. It offers a comfortable retreat for nature enthusiasts. Ideally suited for families or groups of friends seeking a tranquil yet exhilarating country getaway, the location offers a serene escape.
Occasionally, we all yearn to pack a bag and venture out, immersing ourselves in simplicity and beauty. This allows us to not only fill our souls with discovery but also to rediscover the preciousness of life.
After a horse ride, take the opportunity to linger on the Kaapsehoop escarpment. Here, you can absorb the breathtaking vistas, the expansive blue skies, and the serene quietude. The rustic environment beckons with captivating details — from old, rusted tin cups to reclaimed pieces of wood and iron, all repurposed into artistic decorative elements.
Moreover, relish in extended conversations and campfire stories that extend into the night or savour the profound silence beneath the bright stars. Awaken to the morning symphony of twittering birds, accompanied by a cup of coffee. Embrace another horse ride or simply unwind, gazing across the soothing panoramic views.
And if you prefer to rather look at horses than to go horse riding, it is no problem. Simply relax and enjoy the sense of well being that this special environment offers.
We have 3 distinctly unique houses all with their own histories and stories, all self-catering.
Accommodation Options -Guest House
Experience the nostalgic charm of farm living at our Guest House. Indeed, every corner invites you back to a simpler, rustic time. Consequently, unwind in a cozy setting that offers the comforts of a bygone era.
Built in 1937, our Guest House stands as one of the first homes on the Berlin forest plantation, together with our Trail House. Boasting with gentle creaking wooden floors and vintage appeal evokes fond memories of days spent with grandparents on the farm. The spacious interior, adorned with wooden pane windows, maintains a cool ambiance. While complemented by a fireplace in the lounge that brings warmth to cold, misty mountain evenings.
Gather with loved ones inside or relax on the welcoming veranda, surrounded by the serene beauty of this historic home. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you create lasting memories in a setting that blends the past with the present.
Accommodation and Amenities
Our Guest House accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 comfortable bedrooms—one double bedroom and two twin rooms. The house includes a separate bathroom and shower, with towels and bedding provided for your convenience. The kitchen, with charming blue wooden cupboards, is fully equipped with a fridge, stove, and essential cooking and dining utensils.
Enjoy meals indoors at the dining table in the kitchen or likewise, step outside onto the veranda for a lovely alfresco experience. The lounge offers cozy seating around a warm fireplace, perfect for a snug winter evening. Outside, the braai (barbecue) area in front of the veranda is the ideal spot to enjoy breathtaking sunsets and so unwind after a fulfilling day.
Book your stay so that you can immerse yourself in this unique, relaxing atmosphere of our Guest House—in essence, a perfect blend of history, comfort, and natural beauty.
Accommodation Options -Trail House
Revive your soul in the serene setting of our Trail House
Experience the vibrant yet soothing atmosphere of our Trail House, where vintage charm meets African-inspired design. The gently creaking wooden floors add to the ambiance, creating a warm and inviting space perfect for relaxation and style.
Built in 1937, our Trail House stands as one of the first homes on the Berlin forest plantation, together with our Guest House. Similarly, the spacious interior, adorned with wooden pane windows, maintains a cool ambiance. While complemented by a fireplace in the lounge that brings warmth to cold, misty mountain evenings.
The veranda, with its expansive views, provides the ideal setting to enjoy a morning coffee or unwind with a sunset drink. Bask in the vibrant colors of the setting sun as you relax in this picturesque space.
Accommodation and Amenities
Our Trail House accommodates up to 7 guests in 3 comfortable bedrooms – the first room is furnished with a double bed. The second bedroom has 2 single beds. The third bedroom has a single bed and a bunk bed. Towels and bedding are provided for your convenience.
The house includes a separate bathroom and shower. The toilet is on the kitchen veranda true to the building style of the time. The lounge has a fire place and walks out onto a veranda with a braai area in front of the house.
The kitchen, with the cheerful yellow wooden cupboards, is fully equipped with a fridge, microwave, stove, and essential cooking and dining utensils.
Accommodation Options -Stable House
The Stable House was built up from the original stable complex from the early forestry years. Here the foresters kept their horses, which they used for both transport and timber extraction. The house now offers modern comfort and style however it still has the alluring atmosphere of a stable.
It has furthermore a hide-away feeling being tucked away in its own garden. It so offers a lovely, secluded space to unwind and revive your soul.
Accommodation & Amenities
The house offers accommodation for up to 4 guests. The main bedroom is furnished with a double bed. The second room has 2 single beds. The 2 bedrooms are connected which make it ideal for a family with young kids. The house has a bathroom with a shower and toilet. The kitchen is equipped with a stove, fridge, basic cooking and eating utensils. The kitchen has a private veranda with a braai (barbecue) facility, all nestled in its own small garden.
All the houses are equipped with basic food preparation and cooking facilities, as well as a braai (barbecue) area for self-catering. Alternatively, you can venture into the village of Kaapsehoop where you’ll find various restaurants.
Please note:
Other
We do not have an official camp site, however there are various areas where one can pitch a tent or park a camper or caravan.
Ablution is available next to the office.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
We offer a lifestyle experience horse volunteer program. Learn and benefit from the therapeutic effects of being with horses.
