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for a sense of well-being

Experience the wonderful benefits of horses and nature at Kaapsehoop Horse Trails. This well-known and serene mountain getaway, offers horse riding and accommodation, equine programmes and more.

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 being drawn to the horizon and your lungs drawing in the fresh pine-scented air.
Soon a beautiful world meets both 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, indeed psychologists and other mental health professionals are more and more recognising the value of horses’ particular character to promoting well-being.

Established in 1994 by equine legend and gifted horseman, Christo Germishuys, 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 tranquility. Safety, comfort and enjoyment takes precedence however both novice and experienced rider can enjoy a wonderful ride.

Riding Details

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.

Accommodation Options

Programs

We offer various equine programmes as we highly value learning and education. These include kid’s pony camps, school groups, horse volunteering, and specialised group programs.

Programs and Details

What others say about us

Excellent

Based on 182 reviews

Alan Wallett

2023-10-17

Friendly people, well-kempt horses, and a ton of fun. If you're passing through or planning a visit, Horsetrails is an absolute must in Kaapschehoop. Loved it.

Ethan Landry

2023-10-04

Gorgeous scenery with charming accommodation. Mariska and Cristo are wonderful hosts and perfect guides to explore this mountain paradise.

Georgie Roberts

2023-08-29

An absolute must-do! This is the best kept secret of Mpumalanga. No matter your belief you will feel closer to God between a horse and the breathtaking expanse of nature here. Fantastic guides and horses, wonderful farmhouse accommodation, delightful village close-by... Pack up your friends, family and spend a weekend reconnecting with life out here. Thanks Christo and Mariska. You went above and beyond for a sublime experience in your beautiful bubble.

Louis Nappi

2023-08-04

Haven't been on a horse sine 1977, stable horse that had minds of their own but these horses were gentle, and controllable. Owners and lead were patient, informative with us novices.

Willie Fourie

2023-04-22

Scenic little hide away. Loved the place. Will visit again.

yolanda louw

2023-04-02

Marissa is just the best.

Excellent

Based on 87 reviews

Mirjam

2021-05-01

A must do for nature and horse lovers My husband and I stayed at one of the cottages for two nights and had THE BEST TIME! The accommodation is rather simple but with lots of love for detail. We got picked up from the airport and went to a local supermarket first, as the whole place is self-catered. After settling in, we already went on the first outride to get an idea of the whole area around us. We were immediately fascinated by the surrounding forests and canyons which we didn’t really expect to be this stunning to be honest. The horses are in extremly good shape and are living their best lifes, either on the farm or roaming wildly in the forests and fields around the farm. Sitting on your own little porch, drinking a sunset beer and watching the horses enjoying their evening was one of the most memorable things we enjoyed every day. The rides with Christo are pure fun and you will learn a lot about the area and don’t want to stop listening to his stories 😊 No matter the experience level, they will find the matching horse and duration of the outrides, always making sure you are having the best time. I can only recommend to stay for a couple of days, as you will enjoy the combination of silence, nature and adventurous rides a lot 😊…

Brigitta Nielson

2021-03-01

Perfect place to visit. Definitely a must! Absolutely amazing experience. I’m not an experienced horse rider but feel so safe. The trail was beautiful. And We just loved it soo much. Definitely a place to visit. That place, people and horses So natural and beautiful in every way.

Diedrich P

2020-09-01

Kaapsehoop horse trails Wonderful experience with well trained horses and beautiful scenery. Christo, Mariska and Leon have a passion for what they do. A must if you visit Kaapschehoop. From beginner to advanced riders are catered for.

barbm01

2020-06-01

A true Lowveld gem. A MUST !! This is one of the Lowveld gems. Such a special place. Happy horses who know their job and Mariska, Christo and Leon are brilliant hosts. To top it all, the scenery on the rides is breathtakingly beautiful. This is a must do if you are in the Lowveld.

Desiree T

2020-06-01

Amazing Outride We love the horses and trails. Can not wait to come back and just breathe. Great team who work with the horses and pair you up with rhe right horse 🐎!!! Thank you Leon.

kerrygames

2020-01-01

A Wonderful Stay at Kaapsehoop Horse Trails We were a group of 4 who were lucky enough to spend a wonderful 2 days & nights at this amazing place. We visited mainly for our teenage niece who is a big horse lover & she was in here element. Us 3 non-riders still enjoyed a lovely hour morning ride with Christo along this…

Anne-Marie

2020-01-01

Beginner This was the first time I have been riding. I couldn’t have been made to feel more welcome and comfortable from start to finish! Fantastic staff and horses. The trails are beautiful with some amazing views too. Highly recommend!!!

Natori C

2019-12-01

Best views while riding the best horses If you are a horse person like me then you will really appreciate trail riding with these horses. They are safe, fun, and sure footed. Riding with Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a great way to see some amazing views. Leon and Mariska love what they do and you feel very safe riding…

Dewilde101

2019-12-01

Awesome horse trail An awesome trail through the pine forests around Kaapsehoop, epic views and a beautiful Jackal Buzzard! My son's 1st trot very well tutored by Mariska, who wonderfully allocated Monty! Bell Bean was a lovely ride! A great experince!

Christo Van Schalkwyk

2019-08-01

Stunning views, excellent trail The view on the trail was really stunning. The speed at which the trail was done was great and could also accommodate my seven year old grandson. That together with a heartfelt hospitality made the outing just amazing. Afterwards a good cup of coffe. Thanks for all the effort!!