Cape Winelands

Ideal for wine lovers! This horseback ride in the famous Winelands area just outside of Cape Town offers riding trails through vineyards and forests, interspersed with wine tastings and ending with delicious meals in well chosen restaurants. Enjoy a beautiful, relaxing trail ride in an area steeped in history, on lovely fit horses, whilst non-riders can enjoy a variety of other activities in the region.
Book now Print the details for this ride
Centre based holidays
10 days / 6,5 riding
From £2,675
Open to non-riders
  • Riding against the backgdrop of the winelands mountains
    On horseback in the Winelands of South Africa
  • Riders along the Cape Winelands trail ride
    Enjoy a trail ride across the Winelands, in South Africa
  • Cape Winelands trail ride, South Africa
    Cape Winelands trail ride, South Africa
  • Gourmet riding holiday in South Africa
    Enjoy delicious meals in local restaurants
  • South African wines
    The trail ride is interspersed with wine tastings

Itinerary

Highlights

- Riding in the famous Cape Winelands area of South Africa
- Enjoy scrumptious meals and wine-tastings
- Itineraries are flexible - you can stay for as long as you like and do as much riding as you wish
- Ideal extension option following a different ride in southern Africa, such as a safari
- Other activities can be arranged (payable locally) such as shark diving and whale watching
- Non-riders are welcome and can join the riders at wine-tastings or hire a car and explore the local area
  • Day 1 1: DEPARTURE FROM HOME

    Overnight flight to Cape Town. Flights are not included but we can book them for you request.
  • Day 2 2: ARRIVAL IN CAPE TOWN - CAPE WINELANDS - 1-2 hours riding

    You will be met on arrival at Cape Town airport. You can arrive at any time - those who have just arrived from Europe or the US will likely arrive in the morning.

    You will be transferred 40 minutes to your accommodation in the Winelands. There are three choices of accommodation: basic, standard and luxurious, depending on your preference and budget.

    Please note: During a seven night stay there will be one full day of rest for the horses. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local area or take part in local activities (whaling watching, shark dive, cape of Good Hope Tour...)

    In the afternoon you will be offered a short, gentle ride to get a feel for your horse and the general landscape. After sundowners back at the stables or your accommodation you will be transferred to a local restaurant for dinner.

    Please note the listed price is for packages with accommodation at the farm. Other accommodations are available, please see dates and prices.

    NB. Please note that this is a sample itinerary and the routes, vineyards and tastings you experience may be different, depending on local availability, conditions and your preferences.
  • Day 3 3: CAPE WINELANDS - 3-5 hours riding

    After breakfast, it's time for your first full day ride. 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. Then ride along the foot 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 and cheese tasting before strolling over to the charming Estate restaurant for an à la carte lunch with your preferred wine.

    Ride home through the mountains with an afternoon stop at the award winning estate Neil Joubert, a vineyard not normally open to the public but with whom your guide has secured exclusive wine tastings. Arriving back at the yard at around 4pm, it’s time to relax before a dinner which will be a culinary showcase of traditional Cape cuisine prepared by local chefs.
  • Day 4 4: CAPE WINELANDS - 4 hours riding

    Now acclimatised and comfortable with your horse, today starts with a longer, exhilarating morning ride through peach, pear and plum orchards and on to a wine tasting at Backsberg, another internationally-acclaimed vineyard and the first wholly organic wine estate in the region.

    From there you ride towards the western face of Simonsberg Mountain, experiencing more spectacular views across the Paarl and Franschhoek Valley and over to the dramatic Great Drakenstein mountain range. The mountain trail takes you through refreshing eucalyptus and pine forests, ending back at the stables in time for a late lunch hosted by another local wine farm.

    This afternoon is a chance to relax at your accommodation or amble through the historical towns of Stellenbosch, Franschhoek or Paarl, a 10- to 20-minute drive away. Dinner is at a local restaurant in whichever of these towns you prefer, giving you another taste of local fine dining and wines – an experience on a par with the best international restaurants.
  • Day 5 5: CAPE WINELANDS - NO RIDING

    Our 7-day packages include a rest day in order to give both riders and horses a break.

    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:

    - Cape of Good Hope – full day sightseeing following the peninsula coastline with a visit to a protected African penguin colony
    - Great White Shark Cage Diving – a day for the true adrenalin junkie

    The day ends back at your accommodation and then it’s another relaxed evening sampling fine local food and wines.
  • Day 6 6: CAPE WINELANDS - 4 hours riding

    Today gives you the chance to play some Western Games in the large sand arena before lunch, followed by a faster afternoon ride through Glen Carlou. Spend the late afternoon strolling through picturesque Franschhoek, a small town famous for its gastronomy and with a historical Bastille influence evident in the charming culture, shops and eateries. Dinner is a relaxed affair at a pizzeria located on one of the wine estates.

    Optional activity (supplementary cost): Beach ride and lunch in the nearby coastal town of Hermanus (also famous for whale-watching at certain times of year)
  • Day 7 7: CAPE WINELANDS - 4-6 hours riding

    Today you step it up a notch and head out on a full day’s ride along the Simonsberg Mountain with a picnic lunch in the forest. This is a fantastic route for riders keen on a faster, more invigorating ride through the wood mill forests.

    A home-cooked dinner is hosted either by your guide or one of the stable’s local friends, who will pull out all the stops to make you feel one of the family, Africa-style.
  • Day 8 8: CAPE WINELANDS - 4-6 hours riding

    Set off on another morning ride, venturing into new unchartered trail routes - if you are feeling adventurous. After some fun on horseback, head to lunch at a popular cheese farm in the area.

    After lunch, let the horses cool off in the dam while you swim with them (strictly weather permitting). Your last evening is spent at a local family-owned restaurant, the perfect finish to your Cape Winelands experience.
  • Day 9 9: CAPE WINELANDS - CAPE TOWN - DEPARTURE - 2-3 hours riding

    It’s your last morning and your guides have saved the best for last. Your final ride takes you up to one of the most spectacular view points in the winelands where you can crack open some champagne and reflect on the week’s highlights.

    After a chance to shower and change you will be transferred to the airport. If you are on an evening flight out of Cape Town, then your guides will take you through to the V & A Waterfront in the centre of town for shopping and last minute sightseeing.

    Flights back will depart in the evening, but if you are continuing your holiday in Southern Africa then you can depart at any time.
  • Day 10 10: ARRIVE HOME

    Arrival back home in the early morning.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights or transportation to your destination (international/domestic) are not included, but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.     

- The above prices are based on a 7 night stay in farm accommodation (converted stables), sharing a twin/double room. It is possible to upgrade to a Boutique hotel or beautiful guesthouse accommodation at an extra cost (in 2022 the rate is approx. £3080/$3290/€3440 for the Guesthouse, £3600/$3845/€4020 Boutique Hotel) // (in 2023 the rate is approx. £3600/$3845/€4020 for the Guesthouse, £4210/$4500/€4705 Boutique Hotel) - please contact us for a detailed quotation.

- Dates are flexible and you can arrive/depart on any day and stay for as long as you like. Long stays of 7 nights benefit from a special rate (not available 15 Dec-15 Jan) and the nightly rate for shorter durations will be higher. This holiday will confirm for one person and all departures are guaranteed. Please contact us for a personalised quote over your preferred dates. 

- Please note: During a seven-night stay there will be one full day of rest for the horses. There are plenty of opportunities to explore the local area or take part in local activities (whaling watching, shark dive, cape of Good Hope Tour...)

Single supplements:
> Farm: £195/$210/€220 in 2022, or £230/$250/€260 in 2023 (no supplement has to be paid if you are willing to share your room).
> Guesthouse: £625/$670/€700 in 2022, or £725/$780/€810 in 2023 (also applicable if you sign up as a solo rider).
> Boutique hotel: £980/$1050/€1100 in 2022, or £1140/$1220/€1275 in 2023 (also applicable if you sign up as a solo rider).

- Airport transfers are an additional £150/$190/€180 per car (1-3 passengers) return and can be scheduled to suit you. Larger vehicles are possible depending on group size and the cost will be split between all in the group.

- Guests can book an itinerary in its entirety or pick and choose from the different options to build their own unique horseback holiday based on personal taste, level of riding experience, size of group and preferred length of stay.

- A 5-night Cape Gourmet Wine Trail is available on a selection of dates:
> 2022: £2260/$2415/€2520 per person. Single supplement is £1065/$1140/€1190.
>2023: £2650/$2835/€2950 per person. Single supplement is £1245/$1330/€1390.

- Please note that these prices are based on the South African Rand rate which is very volatile at the moment so we will confirm the price to you upon booking.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider
1 cook

Accommodation

Double room in farm accommodation

Meals

Full board with gourmet meals from dinner on day 2 to breakfast on day 9
Drinks and wine tasting, including house wines at the table and drinks during and after the rides.

Price doesn't include

Meals

Premium spirits and non house wines, and personal extra

Transports

International flights

Extra

Tips to local team

Insurance

Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation
Visas and personal purchase

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Transport

Airport transfers
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

The well-loved horses are a mixture of breeds, from Warmbloods to Thoroughbreds and including local breeds such as Boerperd and Basotho ponies. There is something for everyone and you can try different horses each day if you wish.

Guide & local team

Your hosts Louis and Ellen will usually be on hand to ensure you have a great holiday, but he may not always guide you when riding. There will always be two guides - a lead guide and a back-up, sometimes Louis and/or Ellen or Kate and other seasonal guides. All guides are experienced and passionate about what they do.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You should be at least an intermediate rider, capable of walk, trot and canter on a sensible horse. There are quiet horses for intermediate riders and more spirited horses for more experienced riders.

Rider weight limit: 90 kg, 14,2 stones, 198 lbs.

Pace

The pace is mixed to include walk, trot and canter. The riding terrain is soft underfoot and mostly along old tractor routes through the vineyards, orchards and forests. There are mountain climbs with magnificent views as well as ample flat areas for comfortable canters as well as the odd full gallop for those that wish it. Riding is usually faster in the mornings, and slower after a couple of wine tastings!

Tacking ability and participation

The horses are groomed and tacked up for you but you may be asked to assist with un-tacking at lunch spots and the end of the day.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

No special difficulties.

Equestrian equipment

Trail rider saddles and English GP saddles
Standard bridles and snaffle bits, some horses are ridden bitless.
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit. Helmets are mandatory.

Travel info

Comfort

There are three accommodation options.

Basic: Recently converted stables on the farm provide comfortable double or twin accommodation on-site. The rooms have ensuite shower rooms and a patio with fantastic views of the mountains. Breakfast is taken in your room and there are no communal seating areas, but you can put the chairs from your room on the patio.

Standard: A local guesthouse within a few minutes drive of the stables offers comfortable twin and double en-suite rooms, with the usual guesthouse facilities.

Luxury: A spa lodge on a neighbouring estate offers very comfortable en-suite rooms, plus the option for spa treatments (at extra cost) and the use of a swimming pool.

WiFi available. Laundry available at a nominal fee.

Meals

Meals are a highlight! Lunches are usually taken at wine estates and wine tastings are often included. Evening meals are in a selection of high class restaurants in the area - there are always three courses on offer with wine included. Restaurants are selected each day according to the wishes of the group and include local specialities such as springbok or fresh fish/seafood, classics such as steak or even quality Italian or Thai.

Climate

Cape Town has a long summer from November to March, a season with 11 or more hours of sunshine every day. The average summer temperature is 24.3 degrees Centigrade, with January and February temperatures averaging 26 degrees Centigrade. February is the driest as well as the hottest month of the year. Strong winds occur during November and early December. Temperatures may rise above 30 degrees in these months (for part of the day).

Spring (September/October) and autumn (April/May) are beautiful seasons in the Cape when nature is at its showiest!

Cape Town’s winters (June to August) can be stormy and wet. June is the wettest month of the year and light snow can fall on the higher Cape mountains. The average winter temperature is between 7 and 20 degrees Centigrade however it’s not uncommon to enjoy a beautiful week of sunshine in winter.

Tips

Tips are not expected but would be gratefully received if you wish to leave them. You can give your tips to your guide who will distribute them amongst the whole team. We would recommend c. £5-£10 per guest per day.

Packing list

Head
- Hard hats are compulsory and we recommend you take your own to ensure a correct fit.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - all year round, but particularly during the winter months (May - September) when there can be rain or thunderstorms
- Casual clothes for the evening
- You may wish to take something slightly smarter for some of the restaurants but this is not expected

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps. We don't recommend taking your favourite long leather boots in case they get damaged (and because they can be very hot!)
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for when not riding
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear

Our Recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!

Other useful items
- Swimsuit
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding

In your luggage
- Any liquids, such as shampoo, moisturiser, deodorant unless they are less than 100ml and all bottles can fit in a small, clear, plastic ziplock bag

In your hand luggage
- Any valuables, such as your camera, ipod, ipad etc.
- Your riding hat

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent, preferably containing deet
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

The Cape Winelands riding trail is the perfect extension to another riding holiday in Southern Africa.

For our Fish River Canyon ride in Namibia, you fly into/out of Cape Town and so it's really easy to add a few days of relaxing riding at Cape Winelands before/after your Namibian adventure.

For our riding safari in the Okavango Delta (such as Macatoo) or the Kalahari desert, there are direct flights from Maun to Cape Town; and for our thrilling beach rides at the Wild Coast you can fly direct from East London to Cape Town. There are then direct flights from Cape Town back to the UK with both British Airways and Virgin.