Horse Riding in Cape Town

Horse Riding in Cape Town

New Zealand has taken over the mantle as the adventure capital of the world. From bungy jumping to rafting, from mountain biking to hiking. What people sometimes forget is that you can do all these activities and more, right here in Cape Town. We just don't shout about it as much.

A 30-minute drive from the centre of town past the elysian Constantia valley and over the mountain pass will take you to the sleepy community of Noordhoek. This rural outpost is perhaps most famous for its beach. The white sand stretches for over eight kilometres and is bordered by wetlands of the national park and the natural boundary of Chapmans Peak on one side and the man-made Kommetjie lighthouse on the other. The clarity of light is hypnotic. With the sun shining and views over the breaking Atlantic waves to Hout Bay, there is perhaps no more beautiful vista in the world.

The great director David Lean shot the beach scenes of the classic film "Ryan's Daughter" on this beach. It was supposed to be the west coast of Ireland, but as happens so often in that country, rain and no clear light was too much of an interruption, and so South Africa became Ireland.

With nature making its beauty so abundant and large, it is natural that so many locals ride and keep horses on their properties. There are several riding schools in the area, but Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding stands out. For over a decade, they have been pioneers in South Africa in hippotherapy and riding for the disabled. For the abled but not so competent riders like myself, they organise outrides on the beach on a daily basis.

Under the watchful Germanic eye of my instructor Nadine, I mounted their largest Frisian horse, Black Velvet, and after a short walk past several residential properties, we meandered through the dunes to the vast expanse of white beach. The winter rains provide large pools of water to trot through and arrive on an endless tract of sand. We headed to the skeletal remains of the SS Kakapo, a steamship that has been wrecked on this beach since 1900. The wreck provided the furthest point we travelled down the beach, and we turned around, cantering back westwards. I try to bluster over my lack of skill with enthusiasm on the saddle but the ever watching Nadine helped to correct my posture.

I must admit I was distracted by the view: the sea giving out to a beach, then to wetlands and finally, magnificent mountain slopes, densely overgrown with green coastal fynbos. Your mind does wander over the ride; sitting high on your horse looking at such vast and pristine nature. We dismounted back at the yard and for myself, with a certain tightness in my thighs. The yard has a certain harmony and tranquillity; dogs were lazing on the grass with horses grazing overlooked by the mountain range. I could not think of a better way to spend four hours.

My thanks once again to the team at Sleepy Hollow.

Horse Riding In Cape Town by Uyaphi.com

Horse Riding in Cape Town
Horse Riding in Cape Town
Horse Riding in Cape Town
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Map Of Hotels In Cape Town
Popular Accommodation Options In Cape Town

  • POD Boutique Hotel

    Rates from R3 255.00 per person

    Escape to POD Boutique Hotel, the perfect spot for a luxurious getaway in Camps Bay. Just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and Camps Bay's stunning beach, POD offers 15 stylish suites that blend elegance with modern simplicity. Here, luxury is a way of life.

    POD's prime location is just minutes from Camps Bay Beach, with lively restaurants and bars only a three-minute walk away. Whether you want a peaceful retreat or the buzz of Camps Bay's social scene, POD offers the best of both worlds.

  • The Dock House

    Rates from R4 500.00 per person

    The Dock House is a luxurious boutique hotel overlooking the famed V&A Waterfront area in Cape Town.

    The hotel offers a unique and exclusive experience, with only six luxurious rooms surrounded by manicured lawns and a private bar and pool.

    The perfect choice for those seeking to escape from crowds, The Dock House Hotel provides guests with unparalleled comfort and relaxation while enjoying all this vibrant location has to offer.

  • Plumwood Inn

    Rates from R1 250.00 per person

    The seven beautifully tranquil and elegantly designed rooms at Plumwood Inn exude a serene sophistication and timeless charm, making it a standout retreat. This is a place where every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure guests are unobtrusively pampered.

    From the moment you wake, you're greeted by glorious views, the gentle melody of birdsong, and the crisp, clean air—a truly rejuvenating experience. Plumwood Inn offers an unparalleled combination of luxury and peacefulness, creating the perfect escape for those seeking refined comfort and natural beauty.

  • Queen Victoria Hotel

    Rates from R3 650.00 per person

    A stay in the illustrious Queen Victoria Hotel guarantees guests a memorable and regal experience, as it stands proudly overlooking the harbour and Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town.

    Step into the regal experience of Queen Victoria and stay in one of the 35 contemporary yet opulent suites or rooms.

    Immerse yourself in luxury and experience the ultimate pampering at this magnificent property, where attention to detail and superior service await you for a truly unforgettable stay in the V&A Waterfront.

  • Mosaic Farm Lagoon Lodge

    Rates from R4 370.00 per person

    Discover the Mosaic Farm Lagoon Lodge for a unique South African getaway. Enjoy luxury safari lodging on the Hermanus Lagoon, with stunning views of the Overberg Mountains and Walker Bay Beach. Just a 30-minute drive from Hermanus.

    Relax in peaceful surroundings with a stunning lagoon setting, and enjoy exquisite cuisine that features traditional recipes from local ingredients paired with an exceptional Overberg wine selection.

  • Cape Grace Hotel

    Rates from R5 700.00 per person

    Indulge in the majestic beauty of Cape Town and its waterfront with a stay at The Cape Grace Hotel.

    Nestled on the serene waterfront of bustling V&A Waterfront, this luxurious hotel offers guests an experience that is incomparable in terms of luxury, comfort and service.

    Relishing in opulence and unparalleled amenities, it's no surprise that The Cape Grace is the epitome of luxury and one of South Africa's most coveted hotels.

    From romantic escapes to family-friendly adventures, The Cape Grace offers something for everyone seeking the perfect getaway.

  • Grand Daddy Hotel

    Rates from R2 200.00 per person

    Grand Daddy Hotel is a unique and exciting hotel located in the heart of the lively Cape Town CBD.

    A luxury hotel with a difference offers guests an unforgettable experience with its stunning views of Table Mountain and its "penthouse" trailer park filled with classic Airstream caravans.

    If you are searching for a romantic getaway or desire to explore the wonders Cape Town has to offer, the Grand Daddy Hotel promises an exquisite stay.

    From luxuriously outfitted rooms and suites with contemporary features to scrumptious breakfasts lovingly crafted by master chefs - the Grand Daddy will surely leave you with memories for years ahead!

  • Waterfront Village

    Rates from R5 150.00 per night

    Experience unparalleled luxury with a stay at the Waterfront Village, an exquisite retreat nestled in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront precinct. With a stunning collection of 80 private residences, each meticulously designed with exceptional attention to detail, these accommodations offer a perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.

    From the thoughtfully curated amenities to the serene atmosphere, every element of your stay promises to pamper and delight. Without a doubt, this is the ultimate setting to immerse yourself in Cape Town's charm while enjoying the pinnacle of elegance and relaxation.