Tucked away between the picturesque mountain of the Hemel and Aarde Valley near Hermanus is Heaven and Earth Horse Trail Rides on Karweyderskraal Farm. Whether you would like to enjoy a slow gaited walk or an adventurous outride on horseback, we offer a variety of trails with scenic mountain views or wine tasting on spectacular wine estates.
In November 2012 Danie van Zyl and his brother-in-law Karl Gotze founded Heaven and Earth Trails that has since become one of the most reliable and best run horse trail businesses in the Western Cape.
Standard Trails
Whether you have never been on a horse before or toughened by the saddle, our experienced horse riding instructors will guide you on our standard trail which takes you through fynbos, wild flowers and beautiful mountain scenery.
Our standard outride times are 9:00; 12:00 and 15:30 daily, but minor adjustments can be made to the timeslots. We can accommodate 1 to 8 riders at a time on the standard trail.
Duration : 2 Hours (30min Pre-ride instruction and 90min outride)
Cost: R400 / person (Customized trails will be quoted on) Solo rider: R550 (or we can team you up with another group)
Sumaridge Scenic Trail
If you are an intermediate or experienced rider that longs for a relaxing, scenic ride with lots of walking and trotting; and the odd canter here and there; we highly recommend this trail. Starting off through apple orchards, vineyards, pine forests and a Thoroughbred stud farm, you finally reach Sumaridge Wine Cellar. From here there is spectacular views over the Valley. On your way back you will either meander along the banks of the De Bos dam or trek through Volmoed up the winding Fynbos track towards the stables.
Duration: 2.5 hours (15-30min Pre-Ride instruction and 2 hour Trailride)
Cost: R550 / person (minimum 1, maximum 8 riders), Solo Rider: R700
Two Valleys Wine Tasting Trail
Sample some of the best wines in the valley while on horseback.
Novice or Beginner riders will embark 09:30 from Sumaridge Wine estate in the Upper Valley, meandering on a circular trail through surrounding vineyards, feasting all your senses on the breathtaking views and smells of Fynbos as you pass the De Bos dam. Navigating through the rugged landscape brings you into the Lower Valley and here you will find La Vierge Wine Cellar & Restaurant in a class of its own. After spending some time winetasting or having coffee, riders will trek back to Sumaridge for a second winetasting, or even one of their delicious platters. Both winetasting are included in the price – winetasting at La Vierge can be substituted for coffee/tea.
Intermediate/Experienced riders will embark 9:00 from the Heaven and Earth Trails stables on Karweyderskraal and end their journey there as well. This trial is not available from May to August.
Duration: +/-3.5 hours (Depending on how long the winetasting last)
Cost: R800 / person (minimum 2, maximum 5 riders)
Rotary Way Trail
The Crème de la crème and our top rated trail for Experienced riders – this trail has it all. Walking among pristine Fynbos, trotting through grandeur vineyards, cantering across open fields and galloping home bound, you will whisk over this 23km trail. Reaching the summit of the Rotary Way above Hermanus is the main attraction, with breathtaking views over the whole of Walkerbay. On your way back you will pass “Die Plaaskombuis”(The Farm Kitchen) restaurant and can quickly make a pitstop if necessary.
Duration: +/- 4 hours (Pre-ride instruction 15-30min and trail 3.5 hours)
Cost: R800 / person (minimum 2, maximum 8 riders)
Fisherhaven Trail
If longer, more strenuous trails excite you, then this 30km hack to Botriver lagoon and back is for you. On a good day riders might encounter the Wild horses wading in the lagoon or grazing in the swamps surrounding Fisherhaven. A lot of trotting and cantering is on the menu, so fill your craving on this delightful beaten track. Ride starts 8:00. Bring along snacks. Water will be provided. There are two pitstops – one at the Fisherhaven dam and another at the Fisherhaven boat launching site (Public toilets available). Experienced riders only!
Duration: +/- 4.5 hours (Pre-ride instruction 30min and trail 4 hours)
Cost: R1000 / person (minimum 2, maximum 6 riders)
Other options…..
Looking for something different….? How about tailoring our Standard Trail into a Special event? We can customize the trail into a picnic, kiddie party, engagement photoshoot or just sundowners in the mountain with magnificent views. Maybe a teambuilding Cattle Drive or as the Aussies call it: “Muster!”
Or that young daughter of yours that adores horses and would like to take her friends for her birthday to our picnicspot on horseback.
Please note: during peak season(Des-Jan) these options might not be available.
How about some private lessons for yourself or your child? We have 2 lunge rings and arena on the farm, and soon our 3,9km Crosscountry track will be completed. The options are countless…speak to us!