Location: Cape Winelands, South Africa
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights / 4 riding days
Accommodation: Hotels and B&Bs
Dates: Flexible dates year-round
Riding Level: All levels welcome
Group Size: Up to 8 people
Accompanying non-riders welcome
Seeing the Cape Winelands from the saddle is the best way to truly experience this breathtaking area of South Africa’s Western Cape province. Gallop between rows of vines and stop for wine tasting and tasty treats along the way, as you ride from vineyard to vineyard, across elegant country estates and wineries. Spend the evenings enjoying exquisite cuisine at some of the region’s world-renowned restaurants, pairing South African fine dining with the best wine. Meet fellow equestrians, foodies, and wine lovers from around the world who share a taste for adventure and finery.
This trail is offered year-round and can be arranged for any group of 2-8 riders. For private trips, the duration, accommodation, level and amount of riding are all customizable.
Horses
The horses vary as widely as the guests - breeds from all over the world with many different sizes, shapes, and temperaments. There is a horse here for everyone, from cool, calm mounts to fiery and forward steeds. Many of the horses are born right here at the farm, and are named after American cities - host Louis Geyer has visited every state in the US!
Riding Level
Intermediate-Advanced
Riders should be able to ride comfortably at all paces, and spend several hours in the saddle daily.
Accompanying non-riders are welcome!
Tack and Terrain
Riders may choose between English and trail saddles. Terrain will take riders through vineyards and orchards and up into the mountains, overlooking the wineries of the region. There will be opportunities to trot and canter, as well as slow, meandering trails through the hills.
Accommodation
Riders will stay in guesthouses and B&Bs in the Cape Winelands area. Venues vary year by year and with availability, but all offer quaint and unique accommodations in the tradition of the region.
Dining
Riding aside, the dining experience is truly the focus of this trip. En-route wine tastings, paired with dishes which exemplify the region’s history, culture, traditions, and diversity. Certain dietary restrictions may be catered to with advanced notice.
Itinerary
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Guests arrive at the stables after lunch by transfer from Cape Town. A welcome ride ensures that everyone is comfortable with their horse. Ride for around two hours, traversing the wine farms and orchards surrounding the yard. After the ride drinks will be served at the yard before heading to the first accommodation in a local, historic farm-style guesthouse.
Dinner is a traditional 'braai', giving guests the chance to get to know each other, as well as receiving some information about the trail route.
Riding: 2 hours
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Breakfast, followed by departure at 08:30. The trail officially starts at Boschendal Farm - the horses will be tacked up and ready to go! The morning's ride passes through the world-famous Boschendal vineyards and on to Plaisir de Merle wine estate where we stop for a tasting and lunch. Lunch is a platter of cold meats, cheeses and preserves, served alongside the award-winning wines of this beautiful estate which dates back to 1693.
After lunch the trail heads on to Kunnenburgh Farm and offers spectacular views over the Franschhoek and Paarl Valleys which lie below. You will travel along the top contours of these vineyards, crossing more wine estates to reach the overnight rest point for the horses.
Accommodation in a traditional Cape manor house on one of the oldest wine farms in the Paarl region. Dinner is a meat or venison feast at one of the finest restaurants in Paarl, prepared by local chefs and served with local wines.
Riding: 4-6 hours
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After breakfast, ride out at 09:30 for another day of adventure. Head onto the mountainside of Simonsberg and sweeping views of the Franschhoek and Paarl Valleys. Ride wine farms and orchards such as Babylonstoren, Backsberg and Niel Joubert. After around 2.5 hours of riding it will be time for another wine stop and a hearty lunch, prepared with local produce at Anura Vineyards.
After lunch the ride continues through more wine farms: Marianne, Natte Vallij, Le Bonheur and Mitre's Edge. The day ends at The Purple Windmill where the horses spend the night. Dinner at Mitre's Edge with a hearty home-cooked meal and specially selected wines from the cellar.
Riding: 4-6 hours
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Today is the longest riding day of the week with lots of ascents and descents. Ride over Klapmuts Koppie to enjoy sweeping views over the flatlands stretching towards Table Mountain in the distance. Ride through the vineyards of Warwick Wine Estate before crossing to Kanonkop wine estate for a private wine tasting in a classic historical cellar before lunching on a traditional platter.
After lunch, ride to Knorhoek where both horses and riders overnight. Enjoy a coffee or glass of wine on the patio overlooking the paddock as the sun sets. Tonight will be a traditional South African feast with excellent wines.
Riding: 5-7 hours
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The last riding day of the week heads up the mountainside behind Knorhoek offering views of the famous Stellenbosch, South Africa's oldest town after Cape Town. On a clear day, False Bay and Cape Point can be seen. Tasting and lunch at Morgenhof wine estate.
After leaving the horses at the yard you head to your accommodation to freshen up before the final dinner. There is a pool to be enjoyed tonight, weather permitting, and the dinner will be an experience to remember.
Riding: 4-6 hours
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Riders depart after a hearty breakfast. Additional nights and transfers to Cape Town can be arranged.
Dates
March 6-11 2024
Custom dates for groups of 4 or more
Additional nights in Cape Town and/or the Wineland can be arranged by request.
For an extended stay and to experience the full range of South Africa’s landscape and wildlife, combine this trip with the Waterberg Safari.
Trip Extensions
Looking for a longer trip? Consider combining this trip with any of the following itineraries:
Kruger Safari
Mozambique Beach Ride
Waterberg Safari
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Price Includes:
All accommodations - guesthouses, hotels, and B&Bs
All meals and wine tastings, including three-course dinners with paired wines
All riding activities, including tack and equipment
Does not include:
Airfare to and from South Africa
Transfers to/from Cape Town
Travel Insurance
Visas
Gratuities and personal expenses
Additional excursions or activities not included in itinerary