7 South Africa Horse Riding Tours Worth the Saddle Time

1.Beach Horse Ride with Hotel Pickup & Drop-off

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 42 reviews · 4 hours · from $180Our pick

You’ll ride for one hour beside the Atlantic on former racehorses, with a guide walking nearby and taking photos on your phone. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with helmets and riding gear. If beach conditions or availability change, you’ll use a scenic mountain-view farm trail instead.

“Entspannter begleiteter Strand-Ausritt auf ehemaligen Rennpferden am traumhaften 8 km langen Noordhoek Beach. Die Begleiter sind zu Fuss unterwegs und machen Fotos mit den Handys der Gäste. Die Pferde sind in sehr gutem Zustand und einfach zu reiten. Laut Begleiter gibt es auch die Möglichkeit am Strand zu galoppieren aber nicht direkt am Wasser. Hat Spass gemacht.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Beach Horse Ride in Yzerfontein, Western Cape

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 38 reviews · from $37Best value

Ride with West Coast Horse Trails along Yzerfontein’s 16-mile beach, with guides such as Dominique, Aneel, Denzel, and Emeal helping beginners feel safe. The route may include nearby wildlife areas, where giraffes, zebras, goats, and water buffalo have been seen. Rides start according to the low tide.

“such kind people, they followed us all the way and helped us with a lot of patient, we loved the views and the pictures they took of us. Thank you”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.2 Hour Vineyard Trail Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $113

Ride for about two hours through Vredenheim’s vineyards and farm trails near Stellenbosch. A short lesson helps beginners get comfortable, while guides such as Roedie and Louise match horses and pace to the group. Expect views toward Table Mountain, local commentary, and possible deer and bird sightings.

“Totally recommend. Had a 2hs ride with Louise, and well trained horses Tequila & Orion 🫶🏽 lovely chat with this remarkable woman. Thank you 🙏🏻✨”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Vrede en Lust Wine Estate:1-Hour Horseback Riding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 28 reviews · 1 hour · from $75

Ride for one hour through Vrede en Lust Wine Estate in Franschhoek, with a qualified English-speaking guide, a carefully matched horse, and views toward the Simonsberg. Beginners are welcome, helmets are supplied, and guides such as Bloom and Mirandi help riders feel at ease.

“This was such a special experience and one of the highlights of our time in Franschhoek. I had never ridden a horse before, and the rest of our group were beginners too, but from the very start the guides made us feel completely at ease. The briefing was thorough and reassuring, and it was immediately clear how experienced they were and how well they knew their horses. The horses themselves were absolutely lovely; calm, gentle, and clearly very well cared for which made such a difference for first-time riders. Riding through the vineyards was breathtakingly beautiful, and the pace was perfectly suited to our confidence levels, allowing us to relax…”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Stellenbosch: Horse Riding Wildlife Safari

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 14 reviews · 1h 30m · from $98

Ride at walking pace through a 240-hectare reserve near Stellenbosch with a small group of up to six. Gentle horses suit beginners, and guides such as Deidre and Monica share wildlife facts while you look for giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and birdlife. The strict 75kg limit is non-negotiable.

“I've never came so close to wildlife ever. A very special experience with beautiful horses and a very experience guide.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.1h30m – Horse Trail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $112

Ride for 90 minutes through Vrede en Lust Wine Estate near Franschhoek, with a guide leading beginners and experienced riders beneath oak trees, beside vineyards and the river, and onto mountain and tractor paths. Michelle and Flower are praised for patient, caring guidance.

“Flower was excellent, really patient with us. The horses were very well looked after. A must do experience!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.1h – Horse Trail

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $60

You’ll ride for one hour through the Franschhoek wine country from Vrede en Lust Wine Estate. Guides group riders by ability, provide helmets and horses, and lead you along tractor trails, open ground, and gentle mountain routes. Kevin is one guide praised for sharing vineyard stories along the way.

“Absolutely incredible experience. Kevin was an amazing guide and shared so many stories and lots of knowledge about the vineyards as we went on the horse trail. A really friendly business and a great way to experience South Africa!”

Check availability →Read our full review