In the heart of the North West province is the beautiful resort town of Hartbeespoort, also known as ‘Harties’. Hartbeespoort has grown into a well-known tourist destination with its proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it an ideal weekend destination.
In this guide, you will find some of the best things to do in Hartbeespoort.
Hartbeespoort has it all, whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor adventures, the best restaurants, accommodation, or things to do with kids, couples, or alone.
Planning a trip to Hartbeespoort? Check out these pages below:
Here are some of the best things to do in Hartbeespoort:
1. Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort
In Hartbeespoort, this is among the most popular activities to do. Hop on one of the Swiss-engineered cableway cars and enjoy a full day of activities and sightseeing available on the Magaliesberg Mountains. Check out their promo video on their website to get a visual look at what’s on offer.
Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday, 9 am – 4 pm
Cost: R280 (adults), R185 (children 4-14), R170 (Pensioners), Birthday – FREE (Subject to presentation of a valid ID)
Contact: 012 253 9910
Location: Plot 3, Melodie Melodie agricultural holdings, Hartbeespoort, 0260
2. Hartbeespoort Elephant Sanctuary
At this sanctuary, you’ll have the chance to interact with the elephants and learn more about their habits, behaviours, and the history of the grey giants through a genuine hands-on educational experience.
Depending on your plans, you have a variety of options to choose from.
With the Elephant Interaction Programme, you will have the opportunity to assist the elephant caregivers in caring for the elephants. During the one and a half hour experience, you will have the opportunity to feed the elephants, engage with them, brush them down, and walk with them.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Cost: R1 495 (adults), R695 (children 4-14), R995 (Pensioners)
Contact: 012 258 9904
Location: Dam, Zandfontein, Hartbeespoort, 0216
Also Read: The 20 Best Rosebank Restaurants
3. Explore Hartbeesport on Horseback
If you are looking for something to do as a couple while you are in Harties, then we have got the perfect activity for you!
Seven days a week, Horse and Trails Unlimited provides wonderful horseback riding possibilities across this picturesque location. These pathways can be explored by well-mannered, responsive horses that enjoy meandering through the countryside.
You will have a personal guide with you on every excursion, making this an exciting and safe trip with lots to see. This is suitable for first-time riders and experienced riders alike.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 5 pm
Cost: 300 per person
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: 082 926 4911
Location: Farm Deo Duce, Ennis Road, R511, Hartbeespoort Dam, North West
4. Go Quad Bike Riding
Enjoy a unique, one-hour guided quad bike trip. Available to everybody above 10, head on to Harties’s best quad bike ride! Enjoy nature at its best while your heart is pounding!
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 7 am – 5 pm
Cost: 400 per person
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: 082 926 4911
Location: Farm Deo Duce, Ennis Road, R511, Hartbeespoort Dam, North West
Also read: 30 Things To Do In Sun City
5. Hot air ballooning in Hartbeespoort
Nothing beats the serenity you will find when floating above the beautiful landscape of the veld. The experience of being high above the valley and watching the sunrise can be enjoyed alone or with others. Take the opportunity to breathe in the Magaliesberg’s crisp, clean air as you pause to clear your mind off the pressures and strains of daily life.
Contact: 076 778 7676
Location: Oberon Street, Hartebeespoort Dam, 0216
6. Head back in time with a visit to Pretville
In the heart of Hartebeespoort, you can find a town with the aesthetics of the 1950s. It sounds absurd, yet you can locate such a location on the R511. Pretville was created as the set for the South African musical film from the 1950s. Catch a local movie at the Pretville Bioscope, dress up in vintage 50s attire for a picture opportunity in front of vintage cars, or visit the neighbourhood diner for a slice of pie and a few milkshakes!
Times: Saturday & Sunday, 8 am — 4:30 pm
Cost: R100.00 (Adults), R50.00 (Children 2-12), R50.00 (Pensioners), 70 Years and older no entrance fee
Contact: 083 266 8567
Location: R511, Rietfontein, Hartbeespoort, 0216
7. Hartbeespoort Dam
The 20 km long Hartbeespoort Dam was finished in 1925. It provides irrigation for the nearby farms and is fed by the Crocodile and Magalies Rivers. The Magaliesberg mountains also encircle it.
It is also the only damn in South Africa with a wall designed in a Roman triumphal arch style. You can leave your car parked close to the dam wall crossing and take in the lovely scenery at one of the best free activities to do in Hartbeespoort.
Location: Hartbeespoort Damn, Hartbeespoort, 0216
8. The Upside-Down House
You can move about, dance, pose, or even spin around on the ceiling when you’re inside the upside-down house. This experience is out of the ordinary since it was constructed at an angle to create the illusion that you were strolling through the ceiling of a completely furnished house.
When you first enter it, you may feel as though you need some time to collect your thoughts. However, once inside, you can easily strike all kinds of bizarre poses on Instagram.
Times: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 6 pm; Saturday & Sunday, 8 am — 4:30 pm
Cost: R90 (Adults) R60 (Kids)
Contact: 063 100 9858
Location: R3 Hartbeeshoek Road, Hartbeespoort, 0216
9. Cradle of Humankind
The Cradle of Humankind is one of South Africa’s 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and it is 30 minutes away from Hartbeespoort Dam. It has 15 significant fossil sites, the most well-known being the Sterkfontein Caves. For an amazing family experience, head to this unique historic site and learn more about the birthplace of humankind.
Contact: +27 (0)14 577 9000
Location: Kromdraai Rd, Johannesburg
10. Welwitschia Country Market
The eco-village country market, Welwitschia Country Market, is located across from Chameleon Village. Forty stores, three restaurants, and a playground for children are all present. Clothing, African arts & crafts, books, leather goods, and jewellery are just a few of the products available at the stalls. On weekends, there is live entertainment.
Location: Damdoryn Crossing Old Rustenburg Road, Hartbeespoort, 0216
11. Learn how to make your own cheese at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm
Established in 1994, Van Gaalen is largely a family-run cheese farm. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, tours are available, allowing visitors to partake in cheese tastings and see the cheese being manufactured.
Opening times: Wednesday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Cost: R148 (Adults) R100 (Kids)
Duration: 1 hour
Contact: 0832267834
Address: 4048 R560, Hartbeespoort
12. Jasmyn Crafters Flea Market
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Contact: 012 259 1183
Address: 1 Jan Smuts Meerhof, Ifafi, Hartbeespoort, 0260
Places to eat at in Hartbeespoort
13. French Toast Coffee Cafe
In 2015, the French Toast Coffee Cafe was constructed as a component of a production set. A 12.5-meter Eiffel Tower, a lock bridge where you can declare your love, and other Parisian features can be found here. The café serves food as a restaurant and has a bakery with Parisian influences, and yes, they do provide French toast. But be forewarned—weekends are extremely busy.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm
Their service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.1
Contact: 0785926953
Address: 97, R511 Hartbeespoort Hartbeespoort Dam, 0216
14. Upper Deck Restaurant
After a day of hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, or jet skiing, grab a cold drink and settle in with a delicious plate of food while listening to live music and chatting with friends, family, or friendly strangers who are always eager to meet new people. This is undoubtedly the place for all adventure lovers and thrill seekers.
Opening times: Monday – Sunday, 8:30 am – 10 pm
Their service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.2
Contact: 066 476 6673
Address: Old Rustenburg Road Damdoryn, Hartbeespoort, 0216
15. Siesta Tapas Bar and Bistro
You should give Siesta a try if you want a wonderful environment and superb food that ideally fits between the quaint Parisian style of Little Paris and the vibey atmosphere of the Upper Deck.
Tapas are considered bite-sized snacks. However, with a wider variety of how tapas are made and eaten, at Siesta, you’ll find sharing platters for individual meals.
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 10 pm
Their service options: Dine-in · Takeaway
Rating (Google reviews): 4.0
Contact: 082 824 0983
Address: 78 Scott St, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort, 0216
Frequently Asked Questions about Hartbeespoort
Is Hartbeespoort in Gauteng or North West?
