HORSE RIDING IN THE CAPE WINELANDS

3 Nights: From ZAR 22950 // GBP £1155*

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Horse riding in the Cape Winelands boasts stunning views and delicious food and wine.

This trip involves horseback riding through the stunning scenery of the Western Cape, just outside Cape Town. Team that, with wining and dining at several of South Africa’s best wine estates, and you might just have one of the most luscious horse rides on the planet!

The Winelands area of the Western Cape is considered by many as one of the greatest Winelands in the world, and boast spectacular scenery. Splendid mountains form a dramatic backdrop to lush vineyards, dotted with gabled Cape Dutch homesteads steeped in history.

Spend the mornings on horseback, enjoying long free canters, before reaching that day’s lunch spot. Dismount and be met by delicious wine tastings and fine cuisine throughout your stay. In the afternoon, remount, and enjoy a peaceful afternoon ride, soaking up the gorgeous landscape and feeling beautifully content.

With its magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and world-renowned wines, the Winelands region is synonymous with all the best that the Cape has to offer. Combining this setting, with the joy of riding great horses through some of South Africa’s best known vineyards, makes for a magical and unforgettable riding experience.

Short on time or already booked your trip to Cape Town – We can also help you book day rides here.

QUICK FACTS
Cape Winelands
Cape Town International Airport 
Open All Year
Tailor made
Group Size: Max. 6
Novices and Above
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Experience some of the best local food and wine South Africa has to offer
  • Canter through long tracks surrounded by pristine vineyards, with beautiful mountains in the background
  • Enjoy teaming fabulous and exciting riding with complete relaxation and wonderful indulgence
  • Just 40km from Cape Town’s airport; idyllically placed to escape the hustle and bustle for a while
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THE DESTINATION

Cape Winelands Area

The riding centre, and your accommodation is situated in the centre of the triangle created by the three world-famous wine regions: Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in the Western Cape.

About 40 km outside of Cape Town, beside the spectacular Cape fold mountains, there are series of valleys known as the Cape Winelands. The area is made up of stunning scenery, dotted with a collection of historic towns, little hamlets and Cape Dutch farmsteads that create globally acclaimed South African wines.

Cape Town

Cape Town; a place where cultures, cuisines and stunning landscapes, come together to create an awe-inspiring and exciting city. A city where, from almost every point, you can see either the sea, a stunning mountain or a quirky piece of architecture. All of this wonder is crowned by a showstopper: the magnificent Table Mountain.

Table Mountain National Park enfolds the heart and soul of the city and other jewels including Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, the V & A Waterfront, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and many others. The list of exciting activities is endless, with the majority of visitors taking advantage of Cape Town’s unique outdoor spaces. Here you can enjoy countless hikes, mountain bike trails, learn to surf, go paragliding off signal, cage dive with sharks or even abseil off the top of Table Mountain.

DATES & RATES

Open all year round and rides can be tailor-made. We recommend at least 3 nights in the Cape Winelands, 5 & 7-night rides can be arranged with different routes taken each day. Cape Gourmet Trails can be booked with 4 or more riders, a trail ride through some of the most picturesque Winelands paired with some of South Africa’s premier wineries and fine dining. 

 

Cape Gourmet Wine Trail 

All Year

5 nights: from ZAR 51300 // GBP £2580* pps  – single supplement ZAR 24100 // GBP £1140 

 

5 Star (Graded) Luxury Boutique Hotel 

All Year

3 nights: from ZAR 39570 // GBP £1989* pps  

5 nights: from ZAR 65950 // GBP £3316* pps  

7 nights: from ZAR 81610 // GBP £3862* pps  

Single supplement ZAR 3285 // GBP £155* per person per night

 

Mid-Range Wine Estate/Guest House

All Year

3 nights: from ZAR 31230 // GBP £1575* pps  

5 nights: from ZAR 52050 // GBP £2617* pps  

7 nights: from ZAR 69800 // GBP £3510* pps  

Single supplement ZAR 2180 // GBP £103* per person per night

 

On-Site Farm Accommodation

All Year

3 nights: from ZAR 22950 // GBP £1155* pps  

5 nights: from ZAR 34100 // GBP £1664* pps  

7 nights: from ZAR 51820 // GBP £2605* pps  

Single supplement ZAR 650 // GBP £30* per person per night

 

Includes

  • All accommodation
  • All riding activities
  • Several wine tastings
  • Dining a-la-carte at most lunch spots
  • All meals
  • Wine with lunch and dinner

Excludes

  • Gratuities
  • Extra drinks
  • Spa treatments
  • Any non-riding excursions not specified in the itinerary.
  • Transfers to the riding centre
  • International flights
  • Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
YOUR ITINERARY

** The following sample itinerary outlines the type of rides, wine tastings and other local excursions on offer at Cape Winelands Riding, situated in the centre of the triangle created by the three world-famous wine regions of Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch in the Western Cape. There is no minimum stay, but we would recommend at least 3 nights to really take in the magic that this area has to offer. For longer stays, you get to explore further afield and even do a day trip to Cape Point, Cape Town City or a beach ride – everything is tailor-made.

On arrival we will sit with guests and plan an itinerary to suit tastes, also taking into account the level of riding experience, size of group and preferred length of stay.

Unless otherwise arranged, meals are at quality local restaurants with either a set menu or à la carte. These restaurants have been carefully selected for your enjoyment and showcase the food and wine the region has become so famous for. Excursions are subject to seasonal changes and are always weather dependent.  Your riding program will be determined by your date of arrival and the length of your stay.

Day 1

After your arrival and once you have settled into your accommodation, we will take you for a short, gentle ride in the afternoon, giving you a feel for your horse and the general surroundings.  Then, back at your accommodation, enjoy poolside sundowners or relax in the hammock outside your room before experiencing local cuisine at its best at one of the top restaurants in Franschhoek / Paarl complemented by award-winning local wines.

Day 2

After breakfast, we saddle up and head into local vineyards and orchards, stopping for a brief break at a point offering incredible photo opportunities with the magnificent Paarl Valley stretched out below. We then head along the foot hills of Simonsberg Mountain towards Anura Wine Estate, a route on which you can give your horse its head and enjoy a canter between the vines and along charming old farm roads.  At Anura, enjoy a wine tasting before strolling over to the charming Estate restaurant for an à la carte lunch with your preferred wine. We head home at a leisurely pace after a lazy lunch, arriving back at the yard around 4pm.  There’s time to relax before dinner which is a culinary showcase of traditional Cape cuisine prepared by local chefs.

Day 3

Now acclimatized and comfortable with your horse, another full day’s ride starts with a spectacular mountain ride through refreshing eucalyptus and pine forest.  You will have ample opportunities to take photos of the panoramic views across the Paarl and Franschhoek Valley.  Stopping at Backsberg, another internationally-acclaimed vineyard and the first carbon neutral wine estate in South Africa, there’s time to sample excellent wines that are produced on this popular estate. After the wine tasting lunch is in the beautiful garden restaurant or by a cozy log fire depending on the weather. We then head back, riding through vineyards and plum orchards, enjoying more spectacular views across the Paarl and Franschhoek Valley and over the dramatic Drakenstein mountain range.  Back at the yard you can relax with a drink on the patio before your transfer to your accommodation.  If you are staying in our farm accommodation you are welcome to wander around the property and meet the rest of our horses or just relax in the hammock after a long day in the saddle.  Dinner is at a local restaurant in either Paarl, Franschhoek or the Stellenbosch regio

Day 4

Today’s morning ride takes you into more unspoiled terrain in the district, through new orchards, vineyards and along estate dams. Riders can set their own pace but whether it’s a fast canter or lazy meander, it’s another exhilarating morning on horseback followed by lunch at another winery. Without an afternoon ride today, guests can relax at their accommodation or amble through the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl, a 10- to 20-minute drive away, or play nine holes at the local golf course. Dinner is at a local restaurant giving you another taste of local fine dining and wines – an experience on a par with the best international restaurants.

For those wanting to venture further afield today, other full-day excursions can be arranged. Please note that these optional activities are charged extra. Some of the most popular one-day excursions are:

  • Beach ride and lunch along the coast
  • Cape of Good Hope – full day sightseeing following the peninsula coastline with a visit to a protected African penguin colony and, of course, the famous Table Mountain
  • Shark Cage Diving – a day for the true adrenaline junkie

The day ends back at your accommodation and then it’s another relaxed evening sampling fine local food and wines.

Day 5

Another full day ride awaits as we start out towards the Eastern side of Simonsberg, taking in the now familiar beauty that surrounds us.  After a slow, long canter through a lane of majestic eucalyptus trees we reach an air strip where you can choose to have an exhilarating gallop. After settling our horses we continue our ride, following the contours of the vines high on the Eastern slopes of Simonsberg before descending to the old-world charm of our lunch stop, Plaisir de Merle.  Dating back to 1693, this magnificent farm produces world-class wines which we’ll enjoy under giant oak trees, paired with a platter of local cheese and cold meats. The ride home is a relaxed meander through peach and plum orchards and, back at the yard, there is time to enjoy a drink on the patio before retiring to your accommodation.  Dinner tonight is a traditional barbecue (Braai) at the stables. This is an informal evening hosted by Louis and Ellen, enjoyed with more excellent wines from local estates.

Day 6

Waking up to another beautiful day in the Cape Winelands, we are ready to take you on picturesque forest ride through pine and eucalyptus trees. After an exciting fast uphill canter you are rewarded with sweeping views over the plains and wheat fields of the West Coast with Paarl Mountain, Paardeberg and Kasteelberg in the far distance. Listen to the birds as you ride along forest trails and, if you are lucky, you may spot a Duiker in the forest shadows. After returning to the stables you will be treated to lunch at a local winery and then back to the yard for a late afternoon ride before heading back to your accommodation.  At dinner, you will again be spoiled with local cuisine at one of the top local restaurants in the valley.

Day 7

On your last morning with us we are determined to add a few more lasting memories before you leave our beautiful valley. We take you for an exhilarating ride through the vineyards and orchards before it is time to say good bye. After check-out we will transfer you to the airport.  If you have an evening flight we can take you through to the V & A Waterfront for last minute shopping and sightseeing.

Cape Gourmet Trail

Embark on an exclusive 5-day trail ride through some of South Africa’s most famous wine farms. This ride combines the best scenery of the season with warm local hospitality, decadent wine tastings, gourmet dining and some incredible trail horses. Riding from vineyard to mountain to winery, every day offers new riding and culinary delights.

Saddle up and head into the local vineyards and orchards, stopping fof at an incredible viewpoint and photo opportunity with the Paarl Valley stretched out below. Then ride along the foothills of the mountains, giving their horses their heads for a long fast canter, before reaching your lunchtime stop. Try some of the regions best wines while enjoying a decadent cheese and charcuterie board. Then saddle up for a more leisurely ride towards your accommodation for the evening where you can relax in a hammock or indulge in a sundowner drink and watch the vineyards change colour. Dinner is a showcase of traditional and gourmet cuisine prepared by top local chefs.

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THE ACCOMMODATION

At Cape Winelands Riding there are three different accommodation level options – When you enquire we will let you know the hotel options.

Staying On-Site:

Enjoy staying on site at the stable, live amongst the horses, waking up each morning to the sounds of horses whinnying for their food. Enjoy homely and comfortable rooms, with an en-suite shower, a safe and a fridge. They are situated out the back with a view of the fields and mountains. They offer close proximity to the horses but also with privacy. Continental breakfast is provided for you to have at leisure in your room.

QUICK FACTS
Stellenbosch
Cape Town International Airport 
Open All Year
1 – 5 nights
Group Size: Max. 8
Novices and Above
View Gallery

3 Nights: From ZAR 22950 // GBP £1155*

See Detailed Rates

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SUITABLE RIDING LEVELS
Beginner
Novice
Intermediate
Intermediate Plus
Advanced
WHAT RIDING LEVEL AM I?
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
  • Experience some of the best local food and wine South Africa has to offer
  • Canter through long tracks surrounded by pristine vineyards, with beautiful mountains in the background
  • Enjoy teaming fabulous and exciting riding with complete relaxation and wonderful indulgence
  • Just 40km from Cape Town’s airport; idyllically placed to escape the hustle and bustle for a while
DATES & RATES

Open all year round and rides can be tailor-made. We recommend at least 3 nights in the Cape Winelands, 5 & 7-night rides can be arranged with different routes taken each day. Cape Gourmet Trails can be booked with 4 or more riders, a trail ride through some of the most picturesque Winelands paired with some of South Africa’s premier wineries and fine dining. 

 

Cape Gourmet Wine Trail 

All Year

5 nights: from ZAR 51300 // GBP £2580* pps  – single supplement ZAR 24100 // GBP £1140 

 

5 Star (Graded) Luxury Boutique Hotel 

All Year

3 nights: from ZAR 39570 // GBP £1989* pps  

5 nights: from ZAR 65950 // GBP £3316* pps  

7 nights: from ZAR 81610 // GBP £3862* pps  

Single supplement ZAR 3285 // GBP £155* per person per night

 

Mid-Range Wine Estate/Guest House

All Year

3 nights: from ZAR 31230 // GBP £1575* pps  

5 nights: from ZAR 52050 // GBP £2617* pps  

7 nights: from ZAR 69800 // GBP £3510* pps  

Single supplement ZAR 2180 // GBP £103* per person per night

 

On-Site Farm Accommodation

All Year

3 nights: from ZAR 22950 // GBP £1155* pps  

5 nights: from ZAR 34100 // GBP £1664* pps  

7 nights: from ZAR 51820 // GBP £2605* pps  

Single supplement ZAR 650 // GBP £30* per person per night

 

Includes

  • All accommodation
  • All riding activities
  • Several wine tastings
  • Dining a-la-carte at most lunch spots
  • All meals
  • Wine with lunch and dinner

Excludes

  • Gratuities
  • Extra drinks
  • Spa treatments
  • Any non-riding excursions not specified in the itinerary.
  • Transfers to the riding centre
  • International flights
  • Comprehensive Travel and Medical Insurance
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

It was a great, amazing, cool, top experience to ride the Tuliblock in Botswana. 8 day's on a back of a horse and view a lot of game. The guides and staff were great. So I will come back!

Nicole PlasTuli Safari, Botswana
READ MORE REVIEWS

How we care for our horses

Our horseback adventures are hand-picked for their quality and care of their horses. Here’s how the horses at Cape Winelands Rinding are kept in tip-top shape for your safaris. Our horses are on top of the hierarchy and receive very special care:
  • We believe horses should be horses, so we keep things as natural as possible; horses live out 24/7 and their coats are not clipped or washed with shampoos so they preserve their natural oils which keeps them dry and helps regulate their body temperatures
  • Many of our horses are ridden with bitless bridles and we rotate their working schedule to spread the workload evenly among all the horses.
  • Most of the riding is down old tractor tracks and vineyard roads so the going is generally soft underfoot and most of our horses are barefoot.

Please let us know if you have any more questions around this.

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