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Blue swallows and wild horses ...
Kaapschehoop hiking trail, near Nelspruit

The Kaapschehoop hiking trails are situated in the historic De Kaap Gold Fields where one experiences undulating hills, rocky valleys, treed gorges and crystal clear streams.  The discovery of gold in the area in the early 1880's led to the establishment of the village of Kaapsehoop.

There are several possibilities for the hikers.  The trails can be combined for hikes of between two and five days with four trail huts spread over the area so that the diversity and beauty can be enjoyed.

Accommodation at Barretts is in two railway coaches, sleeping 30 people.  They are equipped with electricity, 3 toilets, 2 showers, donkey boiler and braais.

The 16,3km trail from Barretts to Wattles winds through wonderful indigenous forests before following the cliff edge to Starvation Creek and then on to the Starvation Creek Falls and the Waterblommetjie Dam.  Pine forest and tree ferns can be enjoyed on the hikers way to Wattles Hut.

An old forestry house greets the hiker at Wattles.  The hut houses 30 bunk beds, 3 toilets, 4 showers, donkey boiler, braai facilities with wood.

The Wattles to Kaapschehoop trail  is 15,4km and follows the escarpment affording magnificent views of the De Kaap valley.  The vegetation is varied so enjoy it prior to exploring the old cemetery just outside the village of Kaapschehoop.

The Kaapsehoop Hut has 16 bunk beds, no electricity, braai with firewood, donkey boiler, 2 showers and two toilets.

The Kaapschehoop to Coetzeestroom trail is 14km and leads back to the escarpment edge prior to the descent through pine trees to a forestry road which eventually brings you to a number of old mine shafts.  The trail leads down to the Blue Swallow Plains, a 470ha patch of grassland set aside for the conservation of the Blue Swallow habitat.  The trail winds through indigenous forest and along  streams to Coetzeestroom Hut.

The Coetzeestroom hut has 30 bunk beds, 2 cold showers and 2 toilets and a braai.

The Coetzeestroom to Barretts trail is 18km and takes the hikers to the top of Battery Creek Falls before descending down to the creek and the bottom of the falls.  After reaching the weir, the trail meets a forestry path which one to an old lookout post.  After crossing a plain the trail winds through an indigenous forest and up to a rocky outcrop, along a forestry path to a dam.

Bookings: Komatiland: phone-012 481 3615 and fax-012 481 3622.