Western Cape Horseback Riding: Mountain Vineyard Trails

Canter through vineyards, climb into the foothills, and pick the hour that fits your day

A one-hour horseback riding activity on Stanford Hills estate in Western Cape, South Africa, where you ride local South African Crossbreeds through vineyards, foothills and forest with a guide and helmet. Six departure times run throughout the day from 9am to 4:30pm, so you can slot the ride around other plans. Children from age 6 are welcome. The horses are surefooted breeds adapted to the terrain and weather of the region.

The experience

The ride starts at African Horse Company on Stanford Hills estate, near the hamlet of Stanford. You'll mount a South African Crossbreed (a mix of Arab and Boerperd bloodlines, bred for the Cape's terrain and climate), and follow a guide through three distinct landscapes. The trail canters through working vineyards, climbs into the foothills, then meanders through forest. The whole outing takes an hour, and the pace and terrain suit riders from beginner to advanced.

Stanford Hills is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom along the Whale Coast, and the ride moves through untouched landscape that most visitors see only from a car. Because you're on horseback rather than on foot, you cover ground that would take hours to walk. The guide leads the group and sets the pace. Helmets are provided. If you want to extend the day, The Tasting Room at Stanford Hills books wine tastings and lunch, so you can ride in the morning and eat afterward, or reverse the order.

Six departure times run daily: 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm. Pick the slot that leaves room for the rest of your itinerary. An early ride lets you explore Stanford village afterward, or a late one fits after a morning in nearby towns. The activity is public, so you'll ride with other guests. The group size is not specified by the operator.

What’s included

• Horse, helmet and guide.
• six daily departure times to choose from at checkout.

Options for this experience

5 options

1-hour ride at 4:30 pmGuide in English · 09:00 and 16:30Duration: 1 hour

1-hour ride at 3 pmGuide in English · 15:00Duration: 1 hour

1-hour ride at 10:30 amGuide in English · 10:30Duration: 1 hour

See 2 more options

1-hour ride at 12 pmGuide in English · 12:00Duration: 1 hour

1-hour ride at 1:30 pmGuide in English · 13:30Duration: 1 hour

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 85 years) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by African Horse Company

Is this one for you?The one-hour duration and multiple daily slots let you fit the ride around other activities. Book an early departure to explore Stanford afterward, or a late one to follow a morning elsewhere. The fixed guide and group format means you're not navigating alone, which suits riders who want structure and company on the trail.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Under 6: 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.

What kind of horses do you ride on this trail?

South African Crossbreeds with Arab and Boerperd bloodlines. They're surefooted and built for the Cape's terrain, weather and grazing conditions: the true working horses of South Africa.

What does the one-hour ride actually cover?

You canter through vineyards, climb the foothills, and meander through forest. The guide leads and sets the pace based on the group's level, from beginner to advanced.

Can you book lunch or wine tasting on the same day?

Yes. The Tasting Room at Stanford Hills books both lunch and wine tastings separately. You can ride first and eat afterward, or arrange it the other way around.

What time options are available?

Six departures run daily: 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm and 4:30pm. You pick your preferred time at checkout.