Short answer: Noordhoek Beach is an 8km stretch of white sand on the Cape Peninsula, and riding it is widely considered one of the best beach rides anywhere. Rides go out from horse farms in the Noordhoek valley. Book ahead, ride early or late to avoid the wind, wear long trousers, and stay in Noordhoek itself so you are not driving Chapman’s Peak twice in one morning.
What makes this ride different
Most beach rides are short stretches hemmed in by development, where you walk a few hundred metres and turn around. Noordhoek gives you 8km of open sand with mountains behind it and almost nothing built on the beach itself.
Scale is what people remember. You can canter a long way without turning, and for a lot of riders it is the first time they have had that much open ground. The backdrop does the rest: the beach runs between Noordhoek and Kommetjie with the peninsula mountains rising behind it.
When to go
- Early morning is usually calmest. Cape wind builds through the day, and sand at speed is genuinely unpleasant into a headwind.
- Late afternoon gives the best light, with the sun dropping over the water. This is the ride people photograph.
- Winter is underrated. Between fronts the beach is empty, the air is clear and the mountains look their best. Dress for it and you get the place largely to yourself.
- Avoid the middle of a windy summer day. It is the one combination that reliably disappoints.
A note on tides
Firm, damp sand near the low water mark is easier going than the soft dry sand higher up the beach. Operators plan around this, but it is worth asking when you book if you have a strong preference for a faster ride.
What to wear
- Long trousers. Jeans or riding tights. Not shorts, unless you enjoy chafing.
- Closed shoes with a small heel if you have them. Trainers are usually acceptable, sandals are not.
- A windproof layer, even in summer. The beach is consistently colder than the car park.
- Sunscreen. Light reflecting off wet sand catches people out badly.
- Nothing loose. Leave valuables behind, and use a strap for anything you plan to take photographs with.
Booking notes
Rides are run by the horse farms in the Noordhoek valley rather than from the beach itself, and they are worth booking ahead in summer and over school holidays.
When you book, ask about weight limits and minimum ages, and be honest about your experience. Beach rides are far better when you are matched to the right horse, and outrides usually offer both walking and cantering options depending on the group. A group of mixed ability is normal and easily handled, but only if the operator knows in advance.
Making a weekend of it
The ride pairs naturally with the rest of the valley, and most people underestimate how much sits within a few minutes:
- Noordhoek Farm Village for restaurants and craft shops, walking distance from the lodge
- Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most dramatic coastal drives anywhere, starting minutes away
- Silvermine Nature Reserve for hiking
- Cape Point Vineyards nearby, with the Constantia wine route a short drive back towards town
- Ou Kaapse Weg for the mountain pass route over to the other side of the peninsula
A simple two-day shape
Ride early on day one while the air is still, breakfast afterwards, then Chapman’s Peak and lunch at the Farm Village. Day two, hike Silvermine in the morning and finish at a wine estate on the way back. It is an unhurried weekend that does not involve driving into the city once.
Where to stay
Staying in Noordhoek rather than the city is the difference between a relaxed morning ride and a pre-dawn drive over a mountain pass.
Sacred Mountain Lodge sits in the Noordhoek valley, bordered by Table Mountain National Park on three sides, roughly 35 minutes from Cape Town city centre and 500m from Noordhoek Farm Village. Accommodation is 6 garden cottages plus 2 rooms in the main building, available bed and breakfast or self-catering, all with forested garden views. The lodge runs on solar power and recycles over 80 percent of its waste.
Frequently asked questions
How long is Noordhoek Beach?
Roughly 8km of white sand, running between Noordhoek and Kommetjie on the Cape Peninsula.
Do I need riding experience?
No. Operators generally cater for beginners as well as experienced riders. Say which you are when booking so they can match you to a suitable horse and ride.
What is the best time of day to ride?
Early morning for the calmest conditions, late afternoon for the best light. Both are better than the middle of a windy summer day.
Can children ride on the beach?
Most operators have a minimum age and a weight limit, so check directly when booking.
Where should I stay for an early ride?
Stay in the Noordhoek valley itself. Sacred Mountain Lodge is minutes from the horse farms and the beach.
More in the area: things to do in Noordhoek. Or book a stay.