Franschhoek offers visitors numerous walks and biking trails in the surrounding mountains and many farms in the valley offer trout fishing spots in various streams and dams.
For a wine tour with a difference hop onto a horse or a bicycle and visit a few of the Vignerons de Franschhoek. Below are some outdoor activities and experiences on offer in Franschhoek.
Golf at Pearl Valley
The Golf course at Pearl Valley Golf Estate was shaped by the vision of golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his unique touch is evident throughout the course. For bookings, please contact tel: +27 21 867 8000 or golf@pearlvalley.co.za.
Biodiversity Walk with Haut Espoir
During this walk you will meander up the mountain as far as permitted depending on the time and fitness restraints. This walk has some of the best views of the valley and goes deep into Haut Espoir’s restored Fynbos section, there are some wildlife elements to this walk, tracks and spoor are identified and this can take up to three or four hours depending.
Shorter walks can also be arranged as needed and an overall explanation of the biodiversity aspect is given. The guide will touch on the medicinal properties of the fynbos and how it is encompassed in a wine farm within the fynbos environment.
To book a walk contact Rob at 021 876 4000 and try and give 24 hours notice so a guide can be arranged timeously.
Franschhoek Fishing
La Verdure Cottages
La Verdure is a working fruit farm in the heart of the valley, offering four pretty and comfortable self catering cottages. There is a large dam for swimming, stocked with trout, bass and tilapia for fishing.
Hiking in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
This nature reserve offers 3 hiking trails which all of them are day walks. The reserve is in the Franschhoek Mountains with breathtaking views.
Walk to Du Toitskop (1418m):
Time: 5 hours
Distance: 7km return
Medium to high level
Walk to View Point (Wemmershoek look out, 1456m)
Time: 3 hours
Distance: 8km
Gentle and moderate
Walk to Perdekop (1575m)
Time: 8 hours
Distance 15km return
High level of fitness
Permits are required to access the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve which can be obtained from the Franschhoek Wine Valley office @ R20 per person.
You can also do a guided walk with Koringberg Toere. Please contact Izak Rust for bookings and more information: Tel 021 876 2659.
Hire a bicycle from Manic Cycles
Manic Cycles offers a Guided Bicycle Tour in Franschhoek. A qualified and knowledgeable guide will join guests on this tour. The tour includes wine tasting at a Wine Estate in Franschhoek, a picnic and a complementary bottle of wine. To book, contact 021 876 4956.
You can also hire a bike and explore Franschhoek on your own.
Wine tasting on horseback with Paradise Stables
An exhilarating experience in the Franschhoek valley is to go wine tasting on horseback. This tour includes a tasting at Rickety Bridge winery and Mont Rochelle Mountain Vineyards. To book a tour, please contact Paradise Stables at 021 876 2160.
