ACTIVE STELLENBOSCH - COME JOIN THE ADVENTURE

Mountain Bike Trails

Stellenbosch is fast becoming one of the top MTB destinations of South Africa with more than 500km of trail to explore. Gear up and test yourself on these trails:

• Coetzenburg MTB Trails Trailhead: for the beginner to pro, including XCM course, and access to other trail networks. This trail and only 2km from the guest house.
• G-spot MTB Trail: G-spot is home to some of the area’s most hotly contested strava segments. People from all over the world come to train in this remarkable environment that the Western Cape has to offer, it is only a two kilometre long gradually descending singletrack trail with jumps and berms; and more jumps and berms.
• Jonkershoek Trails offers trails from 10-45km. The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, which form part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for mountain biking enthusiasts. Have a look at the map or download the Stellenbosch Cycling Map, which includes all the routes, ratings, and operators in the area.

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Lourensford Wine Estate situated on Lourensford Road is a lovely new exclusive location in the rising slopes of the Helderberg mountains. With wine tasting and The Millhouse, Coffee roastery and the Lourensford market there is so much to do after a great day out in the sun shooting. You can check availability and book directly on their website.

Horse Trails

Join Horse Riding Cape Town on a scenic Stellenbosch outride and enjoy country air combined with local hospitality and warmth of a family-owned estate.

Bordering a Wildlife Sanctuary, riders might spot Springbuck, Kudu, Giraffe, Bontebok, Eland, Gemsbok, Black Wildebeest, Bush Pig, Burchell’s Zebra, Common Duiker, Steenbuck, and Grysbok.

The Country Restaurant on the farm offers healthy salads, wood-fired pizza, gourmet burgers, traditional South African dishes and mouth-watering desserts. The farm also boasts with a microbrewery where riders can sample authentic, handcrafted beer after your outride.

The farm offers easy outrides from 30 min pony rides for the little ones with a childhood dream to ride a horse to a 1.5 hour trail rides for the novice to intermediate riders.

If you are looking for a fun activity or simply to enjoy the South African beauty on horse-back, this is a must!

Enquire and book directly on their website.

Quad Biking

This quad biking venue is near Stellenbosch in the Paarl area. Based on the beautiful Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, the quad bikes complement the horse trails, by allowing guests to enjoy the same views and nature experience, as the horse riders do. Like the horse trails, the quad bikes are led by an experienced guide.

Trails: There are half hour to 2 hour trails. There is also a fun obstacle course through the forest, which gives novice riders the opportunity to practice their new skills. The trails operate 7 days a week, but booking is essential.

ONE HOUR NATURE TRAIL:  – A trail through the vineyards and into the surrounding nature reserve.
More info and online booking, click here

HOUR AND A HALF NATURE TRAIL: – Extension of the One Hour Trail, including a view point stop.
More info and online booking, click here

TWO HOUR NATURE TRAIL: – Beautiful route going into the Paarl nature reserve
More info and online booking, click here

Guided Hikes

The Adventure Shop offers various guided hikes but our favourite is the The Waterfall Guided Hike:

This is a short (6.5km) but adventurous hiking trail involving some climbing and scrambling, however, don’t be deterred if you have limited climbing experience – the tricky sections are optional and there is plenty to see without doing those. The trail first meanders along the Eerste River and the first waterfall is easily reached. This makes for a great rest stop where you can admire the dripping moss banks and old indigenous trees. Soon after this, the trail takes a sudden up-turn as it curves towards a steep sided gorge. Where the path meets this gorge is where the really fun part starts. The river itself is now your path, and at times you will be hopping from rock to rock while vertical cliffs hem you in on either side. A few minutes of wandering between lush ferns, moss and trees takes you to the trickiest section of the hike. Here, those who feel they would rather not try this section can enjoy the scenery around them while the rest of the group does the last short section up to the second waterfall.

For those who make it all the way, the second waterfall is quite a sight to behold as its flow feeds the water plants clothing the cliff face that it runs down. Please note that in high summer the flow of the waterfalls may be drastically reduced, however, in late January or February this is one of the few places to witness the flowering of the very rare and endangered Cape Red Disa.

. The cost is R 750 per person and will include:

• Guided hike
• Permit for Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
• Snack pack
• Transport to and from nature reserve

MURATIE SUNSET to FULL MOON HIKES

The warm hospitality of the historic Muratie wine estate welcomes you and family & friends will  enjoy a picnic together while the sun sets with views of Table Mountain in the distance. The moon will rise above Simonsberg and the adventure continues when hikers walk back through the forest with headlamps. 

This new hiking trail with over 200 hand-built steps; has been constructed by Dirtopia a few months ago and runs from the Trail Centre at Muratie wine farm to a look-out point at the foot of Simonsberg with spectacular views of the Winelands. 

There are signs along the route that is approximately 3.5km total, and it can take you 30 min; up to 45 minutes to reach the top, so do not arrive later than 18h30 (depending on the month) to ensure that you have the full experience. Only 20-30 minutes to walk back to the Trail Centre at Muratie.

Bring a blanket to sit on while you wait for the sunset / moon rise under the watchful eye of the Simonsberg mountain.  The look-out point is called Gilloolys where you can enjoy your own packed picnic and wine from Muratie per glass or per bottle. Snacks & drinks for sale at the Trail Centre where you collect you permit on arrival. Coffee station will be open here.

Time:  Arrival from 6pm (depending on the month), no later than 7pm (depending on the month) to start hike.

Online bookings essential: www.dirtpass.co.za/product/tickets