Day rides

Day rides

Enjoy our horses, our knowledge of the area and local nature without the overnight option or holiday package.

 

Choose from a number of different day rides in the Cape Winelands near the Franschhoek, Stellenbosch and Paarl area.

Whether you are an experienced rider wanting a fast and exhilarating canter down open farm tracks and mountain passes, or just a novice wanting a relaxing meander on a steady horse to get a different perspective of the magnificent scenery, you will have a great experience. We take care in pairing the most suitable horse to the rider’s skill level to ensure you have a comfortable ride guaranteed to leave you invigorated.

Want to mark a special occasion? Whether it’s a marriage proposal, corporate team building or just a group of friends wanting a different kind of day out, we’ll put together a memorable day ride set against the magnificent Great Drakenstein Mountains and full of local flavour. Day rides make a great birthday gift too!

Our day rides

Cape Winelands Riding offers day rides for every rider and every taste! From short rides through nearby orchards to full day rides with wine tasting and lunch, this is a wonderful way to spend some time in the saddle and take in the stunning vineyards and orchards. Prices start from R850pp (R400pp for children for a pony ride).
All rides need to be prebooked!

1 hour scenic ride

Suitable for beginner and novice riders, this is a lovely relaxed ride through lemon orchards with incredible views of the mountains all around. It is a perfect day ride for families with small children under the age of 12.

1,5 hour scenic ride

This is one of our most popular rides which takes the rider across neighboring farms, passing lemon orchards and vineyards on the way. The trail goes past a lake with spectacular views over the surrounding mountains. Suitable for most riders – experienced as well as novice and intermediate riders. 

2 hour scenic ride

A slightly longer ride through the vineyards, orchards and even blueberries. Ideal for intermediate and experienced riders. 

3 hour scenic ride

Our 3 hour scenic day ride takes you from our yard into the foothills of Simonsberg and is more suitable for experienced riders wanting some trots and canters.  It offers spectacular views over the Paarl and Franschhoek valleys below. Only available for groups of 3 people or more.

3-3,5 hour wine tasting ride

Starting at our yard, we ride to Babylonstoren to spend an hour wine tasting before we ride back to the yard via a different route.  This ride is suitable for most riders and the wine tasting is included in the rate.  Total amount of time spent in the saddle is approx. 2-2,5 hours with a 1 hour break in between for wine tasting.  The ride also takes you through vineyards and orchards with lovely views over the surrounding mountains.  This is one of our most popular rides.

Half day ride with wine tasting and lunch

This half-day ride is the same as above but also includes a lunch at the winery. Also suitable for all riders from novice/beginner to experienced/advanced. Duration is approximately 4-5 hours.

Full day ride with wine tasting and lunch

This ride is for more advanced riders, taking you into the foothills of Simonsberg with a stopover at a wine farm (usually Babylonstoren) for wine tasting and lunch. You will spend a minimum of 4 hours in the saddle with a 2.5 hour break in between for wine tasting and lunch.  The rate includes both the wine tasting and the lunch. This ride offers ample opportunities for trots and canters and even the odd gallop however the overall pace is determined by the riders’ level of confidence and safety always comes first.

Sunset ride in high summer

We offer a two-hour sunset ride during summer months (October to March), setting off at 16:30 depending on the month.  This is probably the best time of the day to ride as the hustle and bustle of the day is left behind and things wind down.  The gentle golden glow coming off the mountains and the sound of chattering guinea fowl are food for the soul. This is simply one of the best ways to end a day.

30 min pony ride

A short ride on the lead around the lemon orchards and the neighbouring farm reserved for children under the age of 8. 

Riding information

  • The minimum age we accept on day rides is 3 yrs.  Children under 8 yrs will be taken on the lead.
  • We are open 7 days a week and our starting times are flexible.  It is advisable to book at least 24 hours in advance.

Please read our FAQs for more riding information.

Do you live in the area? 

If you live close enough, you are welcome to bring your own horse and spend a weekend riding with us. We will stable your horse while you enjoy a night or two in our accommodation facilities.