Hemel and Aarde Valley · Hermanus

Scenic and exhilarating horse trails near Hermanus in the Overberg

Ride through fynbos, wild flowers, orchards, vineyards and mountain scenery with experienced guides – whether it’s your first time in the saddle or you’ve been riding for years.

Welcome to the valley

Horses for every rider, trails for every mood

Whether you have never been on a horse before or are toughened by the saddle, our experienced horse riding instructors will guide you on trails that take you through fynbos, wild flowers, orchards, vineyards or beautiful mountain scenery. We cater for beginners and advanced riders alike – we have horses for young riders and strong horses that can carry up to 100kg.

Bookings: Look through the different trails and time slots below, then send us an enquiry or call us to secure your booking.

7–65

Permitted rider ages

100kg

Max rider weight

Mon–Sat

Open six days a week

No

Beach rides offered

Fynbos ✦ Wild flowers ✦ Apple orchards ✦ Vineyards ✦ Mountain views ✦ Pine forests ✦ Farm dams ✦

Choose your ride

Our trails

Three signature routes through the Hemel and Aarde Valley, all led by our own guides on our own horses.

Guide leading an exclusive horse trail

01

Private & personal

Exclusive Trail

We offer private and exclusive trails at 8:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00 daily – Mondays to Saturdays. Ideal for taking that special person or the whole family on a splendid adventure.

During these time slots we only book one group, and our guides give riders special attention and instruction during the ride. Any experience level can be accommodated – walk, trot and canter as per your needs.

  • Duration 2 hours – 30 min pre-ride instruction, 90 min outride
  • Times 8:00 · 11:00 · 14:00 · 17:00 (17:00 is the Sunset Cruise)
  • Days Monday to Saturday
  • Level All levels – walk, trot and canter

R650 per person · R750 solo rider

02

Perfect for families

Orchard Trail

Our Orchard Trail is ideal for beginners or families with young children who would like to experience an adventure on horseback in beautiful surroundings. We keep this trail to 60 minutes so riders have a good first-time experience.

We focus on handling the horse correctly and maybe introducing you to your first trot. We can accommodate 1 to 10 riders at a time. Please note: occasionally we might join different groups together if there are numerous enquiries.

  • Duration 1.5 hours – 30 min pre-ride instruction, 60 min outride
  • Times 8:00 · 11:00 · 14:00 · 17:00
  • Days Monday to Saturday
  • Group 1 to 10 riders

R550 per person · R650 solo rider

See Facebook photos of this trail →

Riders on the Orchard Trail
Young rider on the Orchard Trail
Horses resting between the orchards
The white Bosman Frame House among the vines
Riders arriving at the Bosman Frame House

03

Ride & wine tasting

The Bosman Frame House Trail

The Bosman Frame House is complemented by the aromatic smell of indigenous fynbos, majestic mountains and fertile soil. Innocently draped in pure white, this frame house is the perfect destination for guests who would appreciate a stroll on horseback as beginners – or an exhilarating ride with lots of trotting and cantering for experienced riders.

Whether it is wine tasting on the deck overlooking the vines, or a light meal for two, this experience promises to be delightful, dreamy and memorable.

  • Duration Approx. 2¼ hours – 15 min pre-ride instruction, 2 hr trail and wine tasting
  • Days Tuesday to Saturday
  • Group 2 to 8 riders, beginners to experienced
  • Minimum 2 riders

R750 per person · excl. wine tasting, coffee or lunch

Bosman Hermanus – The Frame House

Visit bosmanhermanus.com for more about the Frame House.

See Facebook photos of this trail →

Young cowboy on horseback
Picnic spot in the mountains

Looking for something different?

Other options

How about tailoring our standard trail into a special event? We can customise the trail into a picnic, kiddie party, engagement photoshoot or just sundowners in the mountain with magnificent views. Maybe a team-building cattle drive – or, as the Aussies call it, a “Muster!”

  • Picnic rides
  • Kiddie parties
  • Engagement shoots
  • Mountain sundowners
  • Cattle drive “Muster”
  • Private lessons

Or that young daughter of yours who adores horses and would like to take her friends to our picnic spot on horseback for her birthday. How about private lessons for yourself or your child? We have two lunge rings and an arena on the farm. The options are countless… speak to us.

Please note: during peak season (Dec–Jan) these options might not be available.

See it for yourself

On the trail

A few films from rides through the valley.

What riders say

Rated excellent

Based on 331 Google reviews.

★★★★★

  • One of our best memories in South Africa!! Horse riding was fun, the view was amazing and our guide, Best, did his best to make sure everyone enjoyed it, even my 65 years old parents!
    Sarah Sun
    Google review
  • Fantastic experience. Best is aptly named! The route was lovely and the horses so sweet. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!
    Wendy McFall Leach
    Google review

Saddle up

Ready to ride the valley?

Pick your trail and time slot, then send us an enquiry – or give us a call and we’ll help you choose.