Sep 2, 2019 | Accommodation in Nelspruit, Things to in and around Nelspruit
The areas surrounding Nelspruit were born on the backs of the ancient mines. Dotted all around Barberton, Kaapsehoop, and Pilgrims Rest, to name but a few of the old towns, are mines going deep down into the earth. These same mines are the reason why our small part of the world is so filled with interesting history, and is the very reason why some places are now ghost towns.
When staying at our Nelspruit accommodation, you can easily spend a morning or afternoon visiting one of the old mining towns. The one closest to Nelspruit is Kaapsehoop and it is today an attraction that entices countless visitors, many of whom are from Nelspruiters seeking some peace, quiet and mountain air.
A bohemian town today, but a gold diggers delight back then, Kaapsehoop is well known for many reasons, including its mining heritage. And some of the oldest mines in the area can be found in and around the village of Kaapsehoop.
No one is quite sure exactly who first started mining here, or exactly where they came from. Although their artefacts and tools have been uncovered here. Few people have recorded history from this period, but the Mining Commissioner of Kaapsehoop at the time, David Wilson, did keep a record of a few of the examples of these early miners’ activities.
When the government at the time requested that a shaft be sunk for mining, in order to uncover the source of alluvial gold, an object was found. Once they reached a depth of 17 feet, what was initially thought of as a nugget was actually a square hinge. The one side of the hinge had a small piece of parchment upon which characters were written while on the other side was a piece of human hair. The scribbles on the parchment were not recognised. The outside of the hinge was decorated with figures.
The locket was such an interesting discovery that it was sent off to the Masonic Lodge in Barberton, as it was agreed that the symbols on the locket were masonic in origin. Since then the peculiar object has disappeared.
Other objects were also found, also with markings, but they too have been lost to history. The other notable artefact is a sarcophagus cut out of stone. This remarkable piece of stone was discovered on a rock lodge some 2000 feet above the plain between Lydenburg and De Kaap Valley.
The scatterings of history and the people who once made their living from the earth can be seen all across Kaapsehoop and a little digging back in time presents numerous fascinating stories. When you travel through this part of the world, don’t leave Kaapsehoop off your map.
Mar 4, 2019 | Things to in and around Nelspruit
While taking a break in Nelspruit, and staying at our lazy Nelspruit accommodation, why not take a trip to Kaapsehoop and indulge in a day of horse riding?
The best place to go horse backing riding is at the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails. Situated just 35km from Nelspruit, the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a true gem of a retreat for those who enjoy horse riding or while it is also the perfect place for every nature enthusiast. The retreat is situated on the Drakensberg escarpment, about 7km from the village of Kaapsehoop, which is well known for its wild horses.
The horses at the Kaasehoop Horse Trails are well-trained, with a good temperament and they are safe for novice and experienced riders. While out riding you will always be accompanied and guided by a team.
For the less experienced, those who might be a little nervous, there is an hour-long route, while for the more experienced there is the four to six-hour ride. All rides are through the pine forests and rolling mountains of the scenic escarpment.
One hour rides (for beginners) are a fun, laid-back ride, while the two-hour ride is for the more experienced rider. Regular riders can take the four or six-hour rides. This ride includes a stop at one of the great village restaurants, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch before heading back to the retreat. Or if you prefer, you can take a ride through the plantation and have a packed picnic lunch before heading back to base.
While out there one can enjoy a refreshing drink or nibble at the Gypsy Caravan Café. The café is run by an eccentric Café Keeper who has many years of culinary experience and therefore you can be assured of a scrumptious treat while enjoying the surroundings. The patio is known as a meeting place where friends enjoy a cup of slow percolated coffee.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails also has a shop where you can purchase gifts of crafts, books and even photos are available so that you can take a piece of your experience home with you.
Kaapsehoop Horse Trails also offers fun pony camps where you drop your children off for a few days and they can enjoy nature and horses while under constant adult supervision. Daily programmes include horse riding, swimming, hiking and plenty of outdoor fun and fresh air. Three meals a day are included in the package.
Should you be between the ages of 18 and 55, and be physically fit, you can also enjoy a working holiday. Volunteer Programmes are available from one week to twelve weeks. They will teach you basic skills but you are required to have some riding experience. A volunteer will be expected to work from 7-16 daily. Three meals a day are supplied on the working days and you will be allowed to have a day off when required. Accommodation is in the form of a two bedroomed flat for 4 people sharing. Basic laundry and kitchenette facilities are in the flat as well as an en-suite bathroom.
When staying at our Nelspruit accommodation, it is easy to spend a day riding horses in the town of Kaapsehoop. Don’t miss out on this exciting activity!
Jun 29, 2018 | Nelspruit Lodge
Up high in the misty mountains, just a 30-minute drive from Nelspruit, is the old village of Kaapsehoop. It is the ideal place to spend the day if you are looking to escape the city and get outdoors, and with all of the hiking trails and outdoor activities, you’ll find that Kaapsehoop has plenty to offer.
Kaapsehoop attracts all types of people, from creative and eccentric people looking for a haven of solitude to those who love the outdoors and just want to escape for a weekend. And the beautiful thing about Kaapsehoop is that there really is something for everyone.
Things To Do In And Around Kaapsehoop
This quiet mountain village is the perfect place to spend the day or even just an afternoon. Winters spent by the fireplace in a cosy pub, or summers spent exploring the hiking trails and watching distant storm clouds gather are just a few of the things that locals love to do. Other attractions include a visit to the numerous waterfalls found in between the forest tracks, viewing the wild horses as they come into the village for a snack, or simply walking right out to the escarpment and looking down onto the ancient De Kaap Valley.
Horseback riding, for both pros and amateurs, is another very popular past time and a wonderful way to see the surrounding nature. The Kaapsehoop Horse Trails is a famous company offering just such adventures! Recently Scooter Tours opened shop in the area, giving guests to the village an alternative way to get around. They are ideal for the whole family and their tours take you through the most beautiful surrounding areas.
About Kaapsehoop
Kaapsehoop was originally a mining town. But unlike its compatriot villages, this mining town did not explode into a bustling town. It remained the size that it is today, while nearby mining towns such as Barberton continued to grow.
The village that was once known as the “Duiwel’s Kantoor” was founded in the early 1880’s when gold was discovered in the small stream which runs through the village. Much of the plans to build a town was put aside in favour of digging for gold. But with bigger gold veins being discovered at Pilgrim’s Rest and Barberton in earlier years, and later with gold being found on the Witwatersrand, prospectors turned their attention to towns offering more wealth opportunities and interest in Kaapsehoop declined.
However, unlike other former gold mining areas, Kaapsehoop did not become a ghost town. Instead, it remained a small village and today it allows us to enjoy a break away from city life.
When visiting Nelspruit, a trip up to Kaapsehoop is a must. The short drive up the mountains, into that crisp air, is the perfect recipe for a revived mind. Because the climate up there is quite chilly, many prefer to leave the village before dark and spend their evenings at accommodation in Nelspruit, such as Nelspruit Lodge.
Our accommodation is in the ideal location for those wanting to explore other towns close to the city, as we are central and we have all the comforts you could want in a lodge! Book your stay at our accommodation in Nelspruit today!
Jun 15, 2018 | Accommodation in Nelspruit, Nelspruit Lodge
Nelspruit is one of those special cities. It is not yet completely urbanised as far as the eye can see, but it is busy and big enough to be considered a city. And every city needs a bit of nature in which citizens can escape for a bit of peace and quiet.
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is just the place to do that.
The Lowveld is one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Its warm weather makes for a tropical environment in which all kinds of luscious plants grow. As the capital of the Lowveld, and of Mpumalanga as a whole, Nelspruit is home to the Lowveld Botanical Gardens which is one place where you will see just about every type of indigenous plant in the area.
A Day in the Botanical Gardens
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is shaped by the Nel River and the Crocodile River, both of which cut through the gardens and create natural boundaries. The rivers meet in the gardens and create a
stunning waterfall, which you can see at the Nels and Cascades Viewpoints.
The gardens are one of the 9 National Botanical Gardens of South Africa.
Founded in 1969, after the local Municipality decided that having such a garden would promote tourism, the gardens have become a place of education and conservation. The gardens were officially opened on the 10th of September 1971. The land consists of municipal grounds as well as land donated by the Board of HL Hall and Sons. The gardens cover a total of 165 ha and of all that land, only 30 ha has been carefully cultivated, the rest has been left to grow wild.
The last 40 years have seen many changes to the gardens, which now boasts a tea garden which is ideal for events as well as a children’s play area. But one of the best ways to experience the gardens is to pack a picnic basket and spend your day exploring all the paths before settling down for a snack.
The gardens have a small entrance fee and once inside, visitors have a number of tour options. You can easily spend your whole day enjoying the paths and sights of this beautiful garden.
Along with having a wide variety of plants local to the Lowveld, the gardens also have their very own African Rain Forest. When exploring the forest, you can walk closely along the Crocodile River and across a suspension bridge. This forest is not only filled with local plants, but it also has plants from the Coastal Belt and the Province of Limpopo.
Another interesting attraction is the useful plant’s section. An entire corner of the park is filled with plants that have a particular use, from astringents to plants known to ease pain. With all the information boards, you will learn all about the local plants that can be used as medicine when prepared correctly.
The Lowveld Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to visit when you are in Nelspruit. And the best place to stay in Nelspruit is at our lodge. We have the most comfortable and some of the most affordable accommodation in Nelspruit, and we are just a short drive away from the Botanical Gardens.
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