‘Kaapsehoop’
The Royal Coach is a bed and breakfast accommodation situated in the historical mining village of Kaapsehoop, in Mpumalanga. The Royal Coach was part of the White Train that was used in 1947 for the British Royal Tour, in which Queen Elizabeth II travelled on her visit to South Africa. There are three double wood panelled bedrooms, one en-suite, and a separate bathroom.
Accommodation comprises three double wood-panelled bedrooms – one room with double bed and en-suite bathroom, a room with double bed, a third room that comfortably sleeps 5 guests, and a separate bathroom.
The Royal Coach facilities:
- 3 Wood Panelled 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.
The Royal Coach Contact Details:
Contact Person: Nicola Wilson
Tel: +27 (0)13 734 4287
Fax: +27 (0)13 759 1779 (attention Erika )
Cell: +27 (0)82 495 6253
Website: www.wheretostay.co.za/theroyalcoach
Physical Address:
The Royal Coach
Kruger Street
Kaapschehoop
Mpumalanga
South Africa
Hippo Pools is an affordable Guest House in the historical mining town of Kaapsehoop, Mpumalanga, that offers 8 fully furnished flats which accommodates from 1 to 8 people. The Guest House offers Self Catering, Bed and Self Service Breakfast or Dinner, Bed and Breakfast, and a fully equipped kitchen for functions. Hippo Pools Guest House offers baby sitting facilities, as well as a nurse aide to assist with the disabled or elderly guests.
The Kaapsehoop area is home to the endangered Blue Swallows, and activities in and around town include hiking trails, escarpment views and waterfalls, quad biking, horse riding, restaurants and craft shops.
Hippo Pools Guest House facilities:
- Sleeps 31 Guests.
- Self Catering, Bed & Self Service Breakfast or Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.
- Backpackers and Group Bookings welcome.
- Catering for parties and special functions.
- Dinner and packed lunches provided if required.
- Small gym, pool table.
- Laundry facilities available.
- Nurse Aide available for baby sitting, assisting the disabled and elderly.
- No Pets Permitted.
Hippo Pools Guest House Contact Details:
Tel: 013 734 4588
Website: www.safarinow.com/go/HippoPools
Physical Address:
Hippo Pools Guest House
602 Watkins St,
Kaapschehoop,
Mpumalanga
South Africa
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 Attractions:
- 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.
- Accommodation Options
Kaapsehoop Contact Details:
Contact Person: Reinette van Niekerk
Cell: +27 (0)82-333-2073
Website: www.kaapsehoopinfo.co.za
Physical Address:
Kaapsehoop
next to Berlin Forest,
Mpumalanga Escarpment
Mpumalanga
South Africa
The Two Creeks Hiking Trail is a moderate to difficult hike that starts and ends at Barretts Coaches, and is a 2 nights, 3 days hiking route through ravines, pine tree plantations, indigenous forest, rocky ledges, and passed the Starvation Creek Falls.
The Barretts Coaches comprises two train coaches with electricity, 50 bunk beds, 3 toilets, 2 showers, and a braai area with firewood provided – bring your own cooking and eating utensils.
The Two Creeks Hiking Trail:
- Starts at Barretts Coaches, ends in a circular route.
- Hiking Trail Route – Day 1, Barretts Coaches to Wattles Hut, 15.3km; Day 2, Wattles to Kaapschehoop, 13.8km; Day 3, Kaapschehoop to Barretts Coaches, 9.8km.
- Distance – 39km over 3 days.
- Duration: 2 nights/3 days.
- Rating: Moderate to difficult.
- Permit: R105 per per night – Please Call Komatie Eco Tourism to make a Booking on 013 754 2724.
- Features: indigenous forest, waterfalls, pine plantations.
- Each Hiker need: sunglasses, costume and towel, good walking shoes, sleeping bag, warm jacket, own food, insect repellent, refreshments, at least 1 litre of water, sunblock, camera, binoculars.
The Two Creeks Hiking Trail Contact Details:
Tel: 013 754 2724 (Permit)
Physical Address:
The Two Creeks Hiking Trail
near the Berlin plantation offices
Kaapsehoop
Mpumalanga
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is located on the Drakensberg escarpment, on a 17,000 hectare private concession on the Berlin forestry plantation of Komatiland, about 7km from Kaapsehoop town in Mpumalanga. Scenic horse riding trails winding through grasslands and pine forests, are enjoyed by beginners and experienced riders alike.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails offers scenic horse riding trails, supervised educational programmes for kids, lead reign pony rides for small children, as well as self-catering accommodation, a coffee shop, and a venue for small functions. Bookings essential.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails facilities:
- Horse Riding – various rides for beginners and experienced riders, and supervised lead reign pony rides in and around the stables for kids up to 6 years.
- Well-trained cross-bred horses; English or Western type saddles.
- Educational Programme – supervised, fun 5-day pony camps for kids (8 to 15 years), to learn about horses, nature, caving, hiking.
- Self-catering, farm style accommodation, barbeque facilities.
- Coffee Shop – refreshments and meals.
- Venue for small weddings and other small functions, .
- Bookings essential.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails Contact Details:
Contact Person: Christo (Enquiries)
Tel: +27 82 774 5826
Bookings: +27 76 108 0081 (Mariska)
Email: info@horsebacktrails.co.za
Website: www.horsebacktrails.co.za
Physical Address:
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails
near Kaapsehoop Town
Mpumalanga
South Africa
Postal Address:
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails
PO Box 14017
Nelspruit
1200