Kaapschehoop Hiking Trail
Beauty: 3.5/5
Difficulty: 6.5/10
Technical rating: Short, steep inclines and declines with some long days on trail.
Duration: 2–4 days
Hidden away in the small village of Kaapschehoop near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, this trail offers a blend of charm, history, and natural beauty. The town itself feels frozen in time — a little like Pilgrim’s Rest — and it’s easy to miss if you’re just passing through. But if you stop and explore, you’ll be rewarded with a quiet, character-filled place surrounded by hiking gems.
The Kaapschehoop Trail network includes four huts, each with basic amenities such as flush toilets, showers (some with donkey boilers for hot water), and braai areas. One of the more unique overnight stops is an old, decommissioned train carriage — a memorable and quirky feature of this route.
Day 1: Kaapschehoop Hut to Florence Hill Hut (±17 km)
The trail begins from the Kaapschehoop Hut and climbs steadily up a rocky escarpment. We hiked in winter, and the rocks were slick with frost — gloves were a good idea. Once at the top, the landscape opens dramatically to reveal the entire De Kaap Valley below — the perfect spot for your first snack and photo stop.
The trail continues along the escarpment before veering inland through pine plantations and small streams — great places to refill your bottles and rest awhile. Later in the day, the path rises again, leading to Florence Hill Hut, which sits high on the ridge with panoramic views.
The temperature dropped sharply that evening as a cold front rolled in, but the firelight and starlit sky more than made up for it. The Milky Way was so vivid it felt close enough to touch — a fitting end to an excellent first day.
Day 2: Florence Hill Hut to Barret’s Coaches (±15 km)
The day starts with gentle ups and downs through pine forests. Navigation can be tricky — on one occasion we struggled to find markers after logging operations disturbed the paths. Take care to follow trail signs closely.
When the route is clear, the forest opens to a scenic picnic spot overlooking the valley. Later, the trail crosses a stream before climbing steadily toward Barret’s Coaches — a truly unique “hut” housed in a refurbished train carriage. It’s equipped with electricity, hot showers, and a braai area, offering comfort after a long day on the trail.
Day 3: Barret’s Coaches to Wattles Hut (±16 km)
One of Kaapschehoop’s most remarkable features is its wild horses — descendants of animals abandoned long ago — and you’ll often see them grazing freely along the trail. We encountered several early in the day while descending toward a forested ravine.
From there, the route winds past streams and climbs to an open escarpment, offering spectacular valley views. A beautiful waterfall marks the ideal lunch spot — its waters tumbling far into the gorge below.
After lunch, the trail cuts inland through wetlands beside a small dam, eventually reaching Wattles Hut. This hut offers one of the best atmospheres on the route — complete with a donkey boiler for hot showers, a cosy fireplace, and sweeping views over the valley below. We moved our mattresses near the fire and spent the night warmed by its glow.
Day 4: Wattles Hut to Kaapschehoop Hut (±14 km)
The final day begins on a gentle tar road with sunrise views over the highveld. Soon, you’ll reach the escarpment edge once again, surrounded by open grasslands and sculpted rock formations that feel both remote and timeless.
The trail follows the escarpment for most of the morning before winding through pine stands toward Kaapschehoop town, glimpsed in the distance. Passing the old forest cemetery, you eventually cross the road back to where it all began — Kaapschehoop Hut.
Before leaving, we stopped for well-earned pancakes at the delightful “Pan en Koek” café — the perfect finale to four days of quiet exploration.
Conclusion
The Kaapschehoop Trail might not boast the drama of South Africa’s coastal giants, but it’s rich in character and charm. Between its panoramic escarpment views, unique geology, and sightings of wild horses, it’s a trail that rewards curiosity. With multiple route options, you can tailor your hike from one to four days depending on time and fitness.
Bookings
For bookings and information, contact SAFCOL:
Tel: 013 754 2724
Email: ecotour@safcol.co.za