Hartbeespoort Dam, situated in the North West Province of South Africa near the town of Hartbeespoort, is approximately 35 kilometres west of Pretoria. The dam is located in the scenic Magaliesberg mountain range and offers boating, fishing, and watersports facilities. Because it is the ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and is less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Additionally, it lies about 28 kilometres from Lanseria Airport, an area of upmarket economic activity between Johannesburg and Sun City. So, if you are planning to visit Hartbeespoort Dam, you are at the right place.
We have compiled a list of 10 popular things to do in Hartbeespoort Dam. Whether they are looking for aerial action, water action, historical adventures or simply looking for places to satisfy their taste buds.
10 Popular Things To Do In Hartbeespoort Dam: Your Free Guide
1. Lesedi Cultural Village: Enthralling Cultural Adventure to do in Hartbeespoort
Named after King Moshoeshoe’s words, “Our culture is the light of our nation,” Lesedi Cultural Village offers guests an enlightening and captivating cultural journey. Nestled within the Magaliesburg hills, it is surrounded by numerous leisure and recreational attractions, catering to both thrill-seekers and those seeking a relaxed holiday.
Visitors to Lesedi Cultural Village are immersed in a powerful cultural experience that connects the past with the present, highlighting our shared humanity. The guest experience is enhanced by beautifully designed African architecture and decor, making the visit both educational and visually stunning.
2. Harties River Hiking Trail: Connecting With Nature For A More Relaxed You
Mogi Adventures at Avalon River Estate in Harties offers three hiking trails: a 6km easy trail, an 8km intermediate trail, and a new 10km intermediate route along the Crocodile River, all with breathtaking views of Harties. These moderately trafficked loop trails are near Hartbeespoort and are perfect for hiking, walking, and running. Conveniently located at the end of the R512, it’s just a 45-minute drive from Sandton.
The 10km route starts with a riverside walk along the Crocodile River before turning up and around the mountain. Trails are open every weekend (Saturday and Sunday) and most South African public holidays.
Bookings are recommended (phone or text to +27 63 177 4735) as there are limits on the number of people allowed at certain times. The cost is ZAR 60 for adults and half price for kids under 12.
Hartbeespoort Dam Snake & Animal Park: A Snake & Seal Show Not To Be Missed
Hartbeespoort Dam Snake & Animal Park is the place to be if you love animals and creepy stuff. The Snake and Seal show takes place on Public Holidays, School Holidays and weekends at 12:00 and 15:00. And for its location, it is snuggled against the foot of the Magaliesberg on the eastern shore of Hartbeespoort Dam.
The park is a grown institute determined to contribute to the understanding and preservation of our wildlife. You will be able to see lions, tigers, and other big cats here.
Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris: The Hartbeespoort Sky’s The Limit
Next on our list of things to do in Hartbeespoort Dam is hot air balloon rides at Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. If you want to view the Magaliesberg Valley and the neighbouring areas, then this is for you. With this adventure, you will be hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg range in the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage site. Besides, the Hartbeespoort dam area is considered to have some of the best weather for hot air ballooning.
Shopping In the Hartebeespoort: A Haven of Arts & Crafts
If you are looking for unique pieces to complete your home decor or a special project, this is the place for you. You’ll be spoiled for choice. At the end of the road from Lanseria Airport (R512), you’ll find a market with unique pieces for your garden. As you drive into Hartbeespoort Dam, you’ll see countless roadside arts and crafts.
Don’t miss the Welwitchia Country Market in Hartbeespoort, a treasure trove of arts, crafts, and special gifts. This eco-village country market at the Damdoryn crossroads is filled with a variety of market stores offering unique finds.
The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary
The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary is a 7-hectare-in-size facility that provides a sanctuary and a halfway house for domesticated African Elephants that are safe for interaction with visitors. The elephant’s experience includes fully guided interactive elephant educational programs covering behaviour, habits, anatomy, and dynamics.
You will be allowed to touch, feed and get to know these majestic animals. The highlight of the experience is being able to walk in the trunk with the African elephants.
Additionally, visitors can view once-captured monkeys or primates in a non-interactive way at the sanctuary. The experience involves a leisurely, winding walk through a tranquil forest setting. Along with monkeys, you can also see a variety of native birds and wildlife, such as green pigeons, barbets, shrikes, duikers, and bush babies.
Hartbeespoort Boat Rides and Cruises
Boat rides offer fantastic content for social media influencers and digital content creators, with beautiful pictures on boats and yachts being especially popular. In Harties, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to boat rides and cruises. There are several companies offering these services at Hartbeespoort Dam, including Harties Boat Company, Wildcat Catamaran Cruises, Sunshine Cruises, Airboat Afrika, and Boaters World Adventures.
Many of these experiences feature a floating restaurant, allowing you to enjoy meals while cruising on the dam. It’s a perfect way to combine dining with fun and stunning scenery.
Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway: A Ride to the Mountain Top
The Magaliesberg mountain top is a tourist attraction because it offers unparalleled views of the Hartbeespoort Dam. Additionally, it is popular with sight-seers and paragliders. Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway is a family-friendly place where you can enjoy rides to the Magaliesberg mountain range top.
The cableway is considered the longest mono-cableway in the African continent. Whilst there, you will realize that there is plenty for the family to do, including a zipline, feasting at their restaurant, and a spa. The establishment has a bar, where adults can sip cocktails whilst the kids play in the designated play areas. For the location of this excursion, click here.
Pecanwood Golf and Country Club Course: A Different Dimension of Rest
Pecanwood Estate Golf and Country Club is a five-star facility situated on the banks of Hartbeespoort Dam in the Magaliesberg Mountains. It is an experience that adds a new dimension to the concept of rest and relaxation for golf players. The Peacanwood Golf Course is the first Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. It offers a unique combination of superb climate, outdoor activities and residential excellence that result in a lifestyle experience which many aspire to.
The fairways are wide and welcoming, and the Crenshaw bentgrass greens are perfect all year round. Although the course is flat, it features high mounds, carefully crafted water features, and strategically placed bunkers. These elements, set among scenic mountains and vast water expanses, create a challenging and interesting golf experience. The signature hole is the stunning par 3, 13th hole, which plays alongside the dam to a green flanked by bunkers on both sides.
Hartbeespoort Aquarium: An Underwater Adventure
Hartbeespoort Aquarium offers a fascinating underwater adventure for visitors of all ages. It features a variety of aquatic species, both local and exotic. Visitors can explore different marine habitats, learn about aquatic life, and even enjoy interactive exhibits. The aquarium is a great place for families, providing educational and entertaining experiences that highlight the importance of marine conservation. You can call at +27 82 469 2979 for any information.
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Final Words
So, what are you still waiting for? Pack your sunglasses and head right to Hartbeespoort where we have the best things for you to do. Shop your favorite read from BookBay to keep you busy while traveling. Whether it’s a novel, poetry book, or self-development book, escape the boredom during your journey with BookBay. From aerial activities for the adventurous to water activities perfect for creating excellent social media content, there’s something for everyone at Hartbeespoort Dam.
