From extreme activities in Hartbeespoort that will get the blood flowing for adrenaline junkies or relaxing and enticing sightseeings that are ideal for families, the region has an abundance of activities that will entertain its visitors and tucker out its adventure seekers.
Have we missed any of your favourite spots? Please let us know in the comments below or email [email protected]
Boat tours at Harties Harbour
Located in the Kommandonek Wildlife Resort, Harties Harbour takes visitors out onto the ever-popular Hartebeespoort Dam whilst offering an unforgettable experience. The cruises set out at midday and around afternoon sunsets, where guests take in the beautiful views and learn about the history and the local fauna and flora of Hartebeespoort.
The lunchtime cruises offer a two-hour trip with a buffet of gourmet snacks, music, and a cash bar. The sunset cruises offer the same services but are accompanied by champagne welcome drinks and of course awe-inspiring sunsets.
It is worth noting that due to safety precautions, children under the age of six are not allowed on these cruises. If families wish to partake in any of the other activities in Hartbeespoort, the resort also offers tube rides, game drives, lion interactions, fishing, and picnics.
See here for more information regarding the cruises, or here for more information on the game drives.
Where: Kommando Nek Resort, Simon Bekker Ave, Kosmos, Hartbeespoortdam
When: Daily: 8am – 6pm
Website: hartiesharbour.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 253 5045
Facebook: @HartiesBoatCo | Instagram: @hartiesharbour
Aerial Cableway in Hartbeespoort
Aerial Cableway is a Swiss-engineered and installed cableway that elevates guests to the top of the beautiful Magaliesberg Mountains in Hartbeespoort. This view is the pinnacle of sightseeing and grants an unrivalled view throughout the entire Hartebeespoort Dam.
With a fully-enclosed four-seater cable car that’s ideal for families or friend groups, guests can enjoy the views of the surrounding areas in comfort and safety as they make their way to the very top of the mountain for the final jaw-dropping view over Harties and Magaliesberg.
Aerial Cableway also has a romantic two-seater chair lift that frees guests from the restrictions of the usual cable car. This activity is the nearest experience to levitating up the mountain. Popular amongst couples, this ride is ideal for the perfect romantic photo. Just make sure you hold on fervently to your phone.
There is also an array of world-class recreational activities such as the Lookout Bar, Dassie Walk, cycling trail, Boost Bounce, and a Kids Zone play area.
Where: Plot 3, Melodie, Agricultural Holdings, Hartbeespoort
When: Wed – Fri: 9am – 4pm | Sat: 8:30am – 4:30pm | Sun: 8:30 – 4pm
Website: hartiescableway.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 253 9910
Facebook: @HartiesCableway | Instagram: @harties_cableway
Explore the cute and charming restaurants
There’s a great variety of restaurants and cafes to try on your Harties trip. Try seafood fare cooked outdoors at de Vette Mossel, fine dining at Silver Orange Bistro, waffles at The Windmill, and you cannot go wrong with easygoing brunch favourites at Little Paris Cafe.
See our full guide to restaurants in Hartbeespoort here
Paddle Power Adventures
Paddle Power offers a fun and entertaining river rafting experience down the Crocodile River. The venue comprises a collection of fascinating wildlife and natural wonders that can be explored through the activities on offer. Whether guests would like to hike, abseil or paddle down the river, the sights are something to behold, making this venue an easy pick when choosing exciting activities in Hartebeespoort.
The river rafting trip covers 5km of the Crocodile River and gives adrenaline-seeking visitors a chance to face several rapids. These rapids range from class 1 to 3. However, there are seldom occasions when the rapids reach class 4. These are generally on days after a decent amount of rain.
Due to safety and precautions, guests should be aware that children under the age of 8 may not partake in the river rafting experiences.
Where:T-Junction R512 and R104 Broederstroom, R104, Hartbeespoort
When: Daily: 8am – 5pm
Website: paddlepower.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 071 559 3081
Facebook: @PaddlePowerAdventures | Instagram: @paddlepowerrsa
Pretville
Pretville hosts exclusive SA film productions and attractions for visitors in Hartbeespoort. The Afrikaans musical, Pretville, highlights the town set in the 1950s, produced by Hartiwood Films and showcases a young protagonist, Lise le Roux, who discovers family truths in her travels to Paris in French Toast.
Audiences can secure their seats to watch South African stories on the big screen. The movies showcase local talent and film production. The attractions on offer also include full access to the film set and classic cars. Photo sessions are available between 8am and 5pm.
See here for more information.
Where: R511, Rietfontein, Hartbeespoort
When: Sat – Sun: 8am – 4:30pm
Website: pretville.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 266 8567
Facebook: @PretvilleHartebeespoort | Instagram: @pretville_town_harties
See animals up close and personal
There is a host of vibrant venues where you can encounter animals in Hartbeespoort. So many wildlife animals are in danger from the structures and systems humans put into place. We, as a society, must learn how to better ourselves and our environment for the safety and survival of these animals. Luckily, several parks and sanctuaries in Hartbeespoort are helping these wildlife animals and allowing people to learn, rather than yearn to have these animals as pets. These unique animal encounters will give you an amazing experience and educate you in the process.
See our full guide to animal encounters in Hartbeespoort
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm Tour and Tastings
A family-run farm using slow production methods to make authentic Dutch Gouda, Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij offers cheese tours and tastings for all to try.
Fresh milk is collected from local suppliers ensuring that high-quality ingredients go into the Van Gaalen range of artisanal cheese. Their cheese is matured on the farm and a wide variety of ages and herb cheeses are available to buy at their farm shop.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, there are tours through the production and cooler rooms. A 60 minute talk on how cheese is made from milk to the final product is followed by an opportunity to taste some of the cheese. It ends off with beverages and Dutch apple cake served on the restaurant’s terrace.
Read more about Van Gaalen Cheese Farm here
African Island Beach Resort
There are times that we wish to be near the ocean but unfortunately do not have the time and means to travel all the way. African Island Beach Resort was devised and constructed with this in mind. Aiming to satisfy people’s need for sun, sand and surf but with a shorter distance, this venue is the place to be for all beach lovers.
The sandy white beaches are an invitation to everyone wanting to catch a tan or experience an iconic summertime beach day. Guests can expect to find a selection of activities and facilities such as waterslides, swimming pools, a beach volleyball court, Kiddie Rides, a children’s play area and splash zone, a Spaza Shop, a braai area, and seating space in lapas.
A kind reminder that this is still the African sun we find ourselves soaking in. So, it would be best if guests remember to bring their own source of shade to enjoy their picnic foods and drinks they brought from home.
Where: 60 Beethoven Rd, Hartbeespoort
When: Daily: 9am – 6pm
Website: africanisland.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 259 3884
Facebook: @AfricanIslandBeachResort
Bill Harrops Balloon Safaris
Ever wondered what your house looks like from a bird’s-eye view? Take a trip on a hot air balloon to see most of Magaliesberg and the West Rand from high above the horizon.
Operating since the early years of 1981, Bill Harrop, his wife Mary, and daughter, Sarah, have been making a name for this family-run business. With an average of 5000 passengers a year flown by qualified and experienced professional pilots, there surely is something to be said about their hospitality and services.
The Balloons can carry up to eighteen passengers maximum, and with a fleet of six, you can rest assured everyone gets a turn. Float up on a magical journey and enjoy the spectacular views with Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safari.
Where: R560, Skeerpoort
When: Mon – Fri: 7am – 6pm | Sat – Sun: 8am – 4pm
Website: balloon.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 443 2661
Facebook: @billharropsballoonsafaris | Instagram: @harrops_balloon
Vergenoeg Hiking Trail
Situated on the slopes of the Magaliesberg, Vergenoeg Farm overlooks the Skeerpoort valley and the Hartbeespoortdam. Because of this prime location, the venue has been a local favourite for years when exploring and hiking the grounds of Harties. Its marvellous views and diverse surroundings attract hikers of all levels but remain the favourite hiking spot for advanced hikers.
Bring your binoculars along and explore the routes that boast over 200 bird species all situated amongst the indigenous trees. With their trails ranging from a variety of levels, guests can choose whether they want to challenge themselves or simply explore the land.
See below levels:
Yellow: Easy Trail- 3km (80m Elevation)
Red: Moderate – 5km (360m Elevation)
Black: Advanced – 10km (680m Elevation)
Upon arriving at the top of the hike, guests can expect to find privileged views of the endangered Cape Vultures launching themselves into flight from the cliffs.
Where: 155-156 Vergenoeg Farm, R560, Skeerpoort AH, Hartbeespoort
When: Mon – Fri: 7am – 3pm | Sat – Sun: 7am – 3pm
Website: vergenoegreserve.com | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 560 3318
Facebook: @Vergenoegtrails | Instagram: @vergenoegnaturereserve
Hollybrooke Adventure Farm
The Hollybrooke Adventure Farm is a venue that offers activities packed with adventure. No more than a 45-minute drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg’s Northern Suburbs, this space hosts an array of activities that makes the venue ideal for events, functions and family outings.
Take an unforgettable and adrenaline-fueled quadbike trail, zoom through the air on their famous Orango-Tango Zipline, take a riverside ride on the Hollybrooke Adventure Farm’s beautiful horses, or simply relax in the farm Coffee Shoppe. After a long day of extreme activities, the venue also boasts river cottage chalets where guests can rest their heads.
Activities offered at the Hollybrooke Adventure Farm include quad-biking, horse riding, ziplines, hiking, clay pigeon shooting, airsoft and a day spa.
Where:Plot 10, Remhoogte Road, Skeerpoort, Hartebeespoort
When: Daily: 7:30am – 5pm
Website: hollybrooke.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 552 1285
Facebook: @HollyBrookeAdventureFarm | Instagram: @hollybrookeadventurefarm
Jasmyn Crafters Market and Village
Jasmyn Crafters Market and Village is situated near the Hartbeespoort Dam and offers a wide selection of fresh farm produce, antiques and goods made by hand.
Open 7 days a week, the Village consists of the Jasmyn Plaasprodukte Store, Jasmyn Book and Gift Shop, a Crafters Market, and three restaurants sharing a Dutch theme.
The Jasmyn Plaasprodukte offers organically grown fruit and veg at prices set in yesteryear, and the bookstore is a great find for any book lover. The Gift Shop and Home Decor store are filled with artefacts, antiques and handmade fine linen. The Crafters Market is open on the weekends and offers a variety of stalls with goods, items and foodstuffs.
Where: 1 Jan Smuts Meerhof, Ifafi, Hartbeespoort
When: Mon – Sun: 8am – 5pm
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 012 259-1183
Facebook: @Jasmynmarket | Instagram: @jasmyncraftersmarket
The Ale House
Situated in Broederstroom, this is a venue that manifests a quintessential experience of what it says on the tin. It’s a quaint Irish-themed beer garden that provides a friendly atmosphere as guests enjoy a variety of woodfired pizzas and craft beers.
The Ale House also offers live music and entertainment to complement the ambience of easy-going life in the hearty and sunny open plains of Hartebeespoort Dam.
Where: Bart Pretorius Rd, Hartbeespoort
When: Sat – Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Email: [email protected] | Tel: 083 272 3120
Facebook: @TheAleHouse | Instagram: @alehouseharties
De Wildt Cheetah Lodge and Adventure Trails
The De Wildt Cheetah Lodge and Adventure Trails is 45 minutes outside of Johannesburg and offers hiking and overnight stays.
De Wildt has eight trails available including those that can be completed with overnight stays in the Cheetah Lodge tented accommodation. Visitors can also have a picnic at Que Sera Sera with available braai facilities or order ready-made food and drink from the Bush Kitchen.
Where: R513 Yellowboard no 78E, Schietfontein, Madibeng
When: Daily: 8am – 5pm
Website: dewildttrails.co.za | Email: [email protected] | Tel: 082 777 9326
Facebook: @DeWildtTrails | Instagram: @dewildt_adventure_trails
