The Wild Horses
The free-roaming horses that have become the soul of the mountain.
Kaapsehoop’s free-roaming wild horses are one of South Africa’s rare sights. Learn about the herds, how to see them, and how they’re protected.
The herd, up close
On the Kaapsehoop escarpment
Frequently asked questions
Where do Kaapsehoop’s wild horses come from?
Their origins are uncertain and several theories exist, including horses left behind after the gold-mining and Anglo-Boer War era. What is certain is that free-roaming herds have lived around Kaapsehoop for many decades.
Where and when can I see the wild horses?
The horses roam freely across the open grassland and commonage around the village, so sightings are never guaranteed. Early mornings out on the plateau are often the best time to find them.
Are the horses tame? How should I behave around them?
They are wild, free-roaming animals. Watch quietly from a respectful distance, never chase or feed them, and keep dogs under control.
Are the wild horses looked after?
They are watched over informally by the local community and conservancy, which monitors their wellbeing and has self-funded road-safety signage to help protect them where the road crosses their grazing land.