Horse Trail at Vrede en Lust: Stellenbosch Wine Valley Ride

Meander through working vineyards on horseback under century-old oaks

A 90-minute guided horse trail at Vrede en Lust Wine Estate in Stellenbosch's Franschhoek valley, where you ride through vineyards and along the river under oak trees with an experienced guide and helmet included. Groups stay under 15 riders. Children from age 8 are welcome. The trail follows a gentle pace across the working farm in the foothills of the Simonsberg, weather permitting.

The experience

Vrede en Lust sits in the Franschhoek wine valley, about 40 minutes from Cape Town airport, and the horse trail winds through the estate's working vineyards and along the river. The route meanders under oak trees at a pace that lets you take in the surrounding mountains and valleys without rushing. You'll be on a horse the whole time, led by an experienced guide who knows the property and the region. Michelle, who runs Wine Valley Adventures, has been operating here for over 30 years and works across three wine regions: Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch.

The ride lasts 90 minutes and is open to groups of 2 to 15 riders. Children from age 8 can join. Anyone under that age cannot ride. A helmet is provided and required. The trail is weather-dependent, so if conditions turn poor, you'll be offered an alternative date instead of a refund. Arrive on time: late arrivals forfeit time from the booking. A minimum of two riders is needed for the trail to depart.

What’s included

• Use of a horse.
• helmet.
• experienced guide leading the trail.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 90 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “ROADWORKS ALERT: Expect delays of up to 40min due to roadworks. Set your Google Maps arrival 40min earlier than your booking time. Guests must arrive 30min early for a safety briefing.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPublic transport nearby

Operated by Wine Valley Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this trail if you want to explore the vineyard on horseback in a small group. The 15-rider limit keeps the pace relaxed and the experience intimate, unlike larger commercial rides elsewhere in the valley.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the horse trail at Vrede en Lust?

The trail runs 90 minutes and covers the vineyard, oak-shaded sections and the river path on the working farm.

What's included in the horse trail booking?

The horse, helmet and an experienced guide leading the ride are all included. You bring yourself and arrive ready to mount at the scheduled time.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my ride?

The trail is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, you'll be offered an alternative date rather than a refund.

How many people ride together on this trail?

Groups are limited to 15 riders maximum, and a minimum of 2 riders is required for the trail to depart.

Is the Vrede en Lust trail suitable if I've never ridden before?

The trail moves at a gentle pace and is led by experienced guides, so it's designed for riders of varying ability. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness to ride comfortably.