Horse riding in the Western Cape is one of the most beautiful ways to see the province. You can ride along an empty beach with Chapman's Peak behind you. You can sip wine on horseback in Franschhoek. Or you can wander through the vineyards just outside Somerset West. Best of all, most rides suit beginners. Below are our favourite trails, all within a comfortable drive of Villa Helderberg, with prices, rules and tips to help you choose.
Riding along Long Beach towards Noordhoek. Photo: Imhoff Farm.
Beach horse riding in the Western Cape: Noordhoek
If you only do one ride, make it this one. The stables at Imhoff Farm in Kommetjie lead rides along Long Beach to Noordhoek. It's one of the longest and wildest beaches on the Cape Peninsula. On one side, the Atlantic rolls in. On the other, Chapman's Peak and The Sentinel rise above the sand.
The ride takes about an hour and a half. Along the way you pass the rusty wreck of the Kakapo, a steamship that ran aground here in 1900. Rides are at walking pace only, so complete beginners are welcome. At the time of writing, a group ride cost R1,050 per person (R1,200 from 1 December 2026). A private ride for two cost R2,100 (R2,400 from 1 December). Riders must be at least 12 years old and weigh under 95 kg. Rides usually leave at 10:00 and 15:00.
The afternoon ride is our pick in summer, because the light over Chapman's Peak is gorgeous. Book through Imhoff Equestrian Centre. From the villa, Kommetjie is roughly an hour's drive, so combine it with lunch at Imhoff Farm or a drive over Chapman's Peak.
Noordhoek beach with the mountains behind. Photo: Horse Riding Cape Town.
Vineyard horse riding near Somerset West
You don't have to go far for a great outride. Journey's End Horseback Rides is based near Sir Lowry's Pass village, only about 15 minutes from Villa Helderberg. The trails wind through the vineyards of estates such as Mount Rozier, Highberry and Journey's End, below the Hottentots Holland mountains.
On the longer rides, you climb to a viewpoint over False Bay. On a clear day you can see all the way to Cape Point. Novices are welcome, and the maximum rider weight is about 90 kg. Prices aren't listed online, so contact Journey's End Horseback Rides directly to book. Afterwards, stop for a tasting at one of the wine estates in Somerset West.
Wine tasting on horseback in Franschhoek
Franschhoek adds a twist: wine tasting from the saddle. Paradise Stables, on the Robertsvallei farm just outside the village, rides through vineyards and fynbos with the Franschhoek mountains all around. Their wine-tasting rides stop at neighbouring estates for a tasting along the way.
At the time of writing, a one-hour ride started at R750. A short wine-tasting ride started at R1,750 and the long version at R2,600. The weight limit is 100 kg. Children aged 12 and over can join only if they are experienced riders and supervised. There's a minimum of two riders, and the stables are closed on Sundays. See Paradise Stables for current prices. Make a day of it with our Franschhoek day trip guide.
A wine-tasting ride in the Franschhoek valley. Photo: Paradise Stables.
Mountain and beach trails in the Overberg
For more experienced riders, the Overberg offers the most varied horse riding in the Western Cape. The African Horse Company in Stanford, about an hour and 45 minutes from the villa, offers mountain outrides, beach rides and multi-day trails. On their most recently published rates, a one-hour mountain ride was R470 and two hours R850. A 3.5-hour beach ride was R1,300. Check African Horse Company for this season's prices.
Stanford is close to Hermanus, so you can pair a ride with whale watching in season. In addition, there are smaller stables at Wellington and Bot River. Ask us at reception and we'll point you to the one that suits your group.
Looking for something faster? Our guide to adrenaline activities near Somerset West has more ideas.
Horses below the mountains near George. Photo: Calvin Craig via Unsplash.
Tips for your first ride
Horse riding in the Western Cape is easy to plan, but a few things make it better:
- Book ahead, especially for weekends and the December holidays. Beach rides fill up fast.
- Wear long trousers and closed shoes with a small heel. Leave flip-flops and loose scarves at home.
- Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap and a light windbreaker. The Cape wind can pick up quickly.
- Check the weight and age limits first. Stables enforce them for the horses' welfare.
- Tell the guide honestly how much you have ridden. That way, they can match you with the right horse.
Our tip
Pair a morning ride with an afternoon of wine tasting or a beach walk. See our day trips from Somerset West for ideas, or ask us to help plan your day.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I go horse riding on the beach in the Western Cape?
The best-known beach ride is on Long Beach between Kommetjie and Noordhoek, run from Imhoff Farm. The African Horse Company in Stanford also offers beach rides in the Overberg.
Do I need experience for horse riding in the Western Cape?
No. The Noordhoek beach ride and the vineyard rides near Somerset West are at walking pace and suit beginners. Longer mountain trails are better for confident riders.
Is there a weight limit for horse riding?
Yes. Limits are usually between 90 and 100 kg, depending on the stable. Check before you book.
Can children go horse riding?
Most stables set a minimum age of about 12. Some ask that children are experienced riders, so always check first.
What is the closest horse ride to Villa Helderberg?
Journey's End Horseback Rides near Sir Lowry's Pass village, about 15 minutes away, rides through the Helderberg vineyards.