There’s more to Boschendal than wining and dining…
While Boschendal is well known for its gastronomic pursuits, there is no shortage of opportunities to work up an appetite on the 1 800-hectare property. In addition to offering modern farm cuisine at The Werf, pleasurable picnics and wine-tasting opportunities aplenty, the historic estate is home to a network of mountain-biking, running and horse-riding trails suitable for all levels. Here’s our guide to the outdoor experiences at Boschendal.
Mountain-biking
There are five marked routes that begin just before the Rhodes Avenue security gate: Yellow (4km), Green (9km), Blue (11km), Red (15km) and Black (23km) – all of which snake their way through a well-maintained single trail, Jeep track and section of farm road. It’s advisable to check availability of rental bikes with the activity team before you arrive, as numbers are limited.
Times Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Saturday – Sunday, 7am – 4pm
Cost R60 day permit
Annual permit: R590 for 1
R945 for two adults
R1 180 for a family of 4; R250 per additional family member
Contact 021 001 9401, trailcentre@bmtsa.co.za
Running + hiking trails
Runners will be in their element with the scenic trails on offer: there’s a 5km flat route, and a 10km path with gradual inclines to keep you on your toes (pun intended).
Those who’d prefer to hike should sign up for the guided walks into the Simonsberg or Drakenstein Mountains that take place between 7am and 9am daily. The valley views from up there are magnificent.
Bookings with the reservations team at least 24 hours in advance (a minimum of two people per walk is required).
Times Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm
Saturday – Sunday, 7am – 4pm
Cost R60 day permit
Annual permit: R590 for 1
R945 for two adults
R1 180 for a family of 4; R250 per additional family member
Good to know
- An annual permit takes one week to process, but riders can ride for free on the day they apply and pay for their annual permit.
- Bike rental bookings via the Trail Centre are recommended for weekends and public holidays.
- Permits are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Please bring an ID photo when applying for an annual permit.
- Trails are constantly changing and riders should use these trails with caution.
- All riders should wear a helmet.
- Trails are closed on rainy days as a safety precaution.
Horse-riding at Boschendal
If you’re looking for a more sedate way to explore the estate, the variety of trails and mounts caters to all experience levels. Riders should arrive at the Trail Centre 20 minutes before your booked time, where you’ll be required to sign an indemnity form. Booking in advance is recommended, and riders need to be at least seven years of age.
Children between the ages of four and seven will love the pony rides that take place in the Werf Picnic area on weekends (on a first-come-first-served basis).
Times Novice riders: Monday – Sunday, 10am – 11am; 2pm – 3pm
Experienced riders: Monday – Sunday, 12pm – 1pm; 4pm – 5pm
Pony rides at Werf Picnic area: Saturday + Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Cost R450 (one hour)
R50 (pony rides, children 4 – 7 years)
Contact 021 870 4211, reservations1@boschendal.co.za
The Outdoor Experience + Tree House
When it comes to kids’ clubs, The Outdoor Experience at The Tree House is one of the best around! Not only does it provide grown-ups the opportunity to enjoy Boschendal’s culinary and viticultural pursuits, it’s a wonderfully immersive setup where children (aged five to 14 years) can enjoy a range of farm experiences.
Like the rest of the estate, the sustainability motif underpins the entire offering, from the activities and snacks to the furnishings. Children will enjoy foraging for fruit and learning the art of fire-making (then braaiing marshmallows afterwards) as well as a host of other games and activities.
Good to know The Outdoor Experience is available to in-house guests and visitors but should be pre-booked as there are 10 only spaces per slot. The Experience boasts two-hour morning, midday and afternoon sessions. Children need to bring a backpack with their own water bottle, snacks and a change of clothes.
View the programme for the Outdoor Experience
Day visitors to the farm can make use of the outdoor Tree House play area, which includes an oversized acorn-shaped treehouse hideout, slides, walkways, platforms, mushroom pods and pyramids as well as a pump track. The Tree House, however, is not supervised by minders, so parents need to keep an eye on their children.
Times Monday – Sunday, 10.15am – 4.15pm
Cost Free (The Tree House play area)
R550 (Kids Outdoor Experience, full day, day visitors)
R175 per child for the lunch slot (Kids Outdoor Experience, in-house guests)
Contact 021 870 4210, reservations1@boschendal.co.za
Book Now
Where to find it Helshoogte Road (R310), Pniel, Franschhoek
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