Hartbeespoort Day Trip Guide
Hartbeespoort, also known as “Harties,” is a popular weekend destination for those from Joburg and Pretoria. Just about an hour away from both cities, a Hartbeespoort Day Trip is a great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday. There are plenty of activities and nibs options, whether you want to go on a hike or just spend the day on the water.
Did you know Hartbeespoort means “gorge of the hartebeest?” Hartebeest is a species of antelope, in Afrikaans.
You can get this view of the dam right before you cross the dam here. Just park on the side of the road.
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Why take a Hartbeespoort Day Trip?
Hartbeespoort is known for its large dam and views of the surrounding Magaliesberg mountains. You can plan to spend a day doing a combo of hiking, sightseeing, and eating to make the most of your weekend.
The dam was originally built to support irrigation and has since expanded to include domestic and industrial use. The dam’s construction began in 1916. After several delays and flooding, the dam finally was completed in 1923. According to Wikipedia, the dam supports irrigation to tobacco, wheat, lucerne, fruit, and flower crops and fields.
As Joburg and Pretoria are deeply landlocked, dams are a source for water activities in the Gauteng and North West regions. There are yacht clubs, water sports, and plenty of holiday homes in Hartbeespoort. In fact, most of the dam’s shoreline is privately owned and taken up by holiday-makers homes.
What to do in Hartbeespoort
Hiking
Is Magaliesberg synonymous with hiking? To me it is! You can get great views of the Magaliesberg mountains while hiking around Harties. As much of the land around the dam is private, you can’t really take a walk around the water. However, you can get some dam views depending on your hike route during your Hartbeespoort day trip.
Hennops Hiking Trials— 3 trail options (2.5 km, 5 km, 11 km), mountain biking, and off-roading trails. Two pools and braai facilities are included in your ticket. We hiked the 11km trail and enjoyed it! Start at 9 am or earlier. R100/pp, no reservations needed. Check out my trail guide here.
Hiking the Krokodilberg Trail in October!
Mogi Adventures— Head here for the Hennops River Hiking Trail. There are three trail options (6km, 8km, and 10km). Booking is essential via WhatsApp. R60/pp Adults and R30 for kids under 12. The trails open at 7:30 am and close at 3 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and most public holidays.
Africaland— The Phaladingwe Hiking Trail is 7km long. Besides hiking, you can go river rafting, quad biking, mountain climbing, and mountain biking.
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm— Not just a farm, you can mountain bike, trail run, and hike across 30 km of the farm with 2 km, 4 km, 6 km, 8 km & 10 km hiking trails. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Open between 6 am-5 pm. Check the site for specific weekend timings. R40 hiking /R60 MTB. No booking required.
Horseback Ride— Got on a horse safari adventure in Silkaatnek Nature Reserve where you will see wildlife up close. You’ll see animals such as Giraffe, Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Nyala, Impala, Ostrich, Blesbuck, Zebra, Springbok, and more!
Water Adventures
There are plenty of companies for water activities in Harties. I”d suggest going on a 2 hour boat cruise or a cruise with lunch included with Harties Boat Company.
Check out Boaters World Adventures for speedboats and jet ski tours. And, if you’ve always wanted to go on an airboat, now is your chance with Airboat Afrika.
Schoemansville Oewerklub/Oewer Club— If you want to enjoy the water but not get on it, head to this club. It’s basically the only way you can get access to the dam. There are picnic tables and braai spots available. Day entry is R100 for adults and there is also a R50 vehicle charge. (Kids under 12 are free).
Family Fun Adventures
Harties Cableway— Get panoramic views of Hartbeespoort on the cableway! The cableway is generally open between 8:30 am- 4:30 pm. There is a bar and a small restaurant at the top! Check the site for details and book your ticket online for R240pp (closed Monday and Tuesday). You can spend 30 minutes or 4 hours up at the top.
You can wait in line to purchase tickets, but it’s much easier online! Then you can head straight up to the cableway platform.
Ama Zwing Zwing Zipline Tour— Go ziplining! Booking is essential. R420pp Adult / R320pp Child.
The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary— Visit the elephant interaction program to walk with elephants and help feed them. R850pp Adult / R375pp Children aged 4-14.
Chameleon Village— This is a collection of shops, restaurants, and activities (minigolf, go-karts, paintball, and more). Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park is located inside this area. Entrance to the village is free; it’s kinda like a strip mall along the main road. Activities cost vary so check the website. Probably best for kids.
Lion and Safari Park— You can go on a guided, 1-hour ride in the safari park to see lions, wild dogs, and cheetahs. If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can request a pick-up from Joburg on this tour.
Farms
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm— Besides hiking, head to the cheese farm for a tour of traditional Dutch Gouda cheese-making (R138pp Adult). You can also get a meal at the Terrace Restaurant or book a picnic (R480 for 2 people). Make a reservation for all three here.
The Strawberry Farm— Well isn’t this just the cutest thing to do in Hartbeespoort! Strawberry season is between late September and early December and you can visit on the weekend to pick strawberries. Bring your picnic basket and blanket to enjoy the farm between 8 am – 4 pm. For R100pp you can eat and pick as many strawberries as you can while at the farm. Strawberries are charged by weight to take home, or purchase pre-picked strawberries.
You can also book a spa and picnic package (R1850) or a full spa day (R899). The spa is open all week, all year (excluding major holidays). You can also spend the night in the guesthouse.
Unique sites in Hartbeespoort
The Hartbeespoort Dam—Park and walk along the dam to get a view of the mini Arc de Triomphe. You’ll just need 10 minutes or less to see the views. There is a parking lot here with some attendants, but you can also park along the side of the road by the Chameleon Village and walk. I was pleasantly surprised by how nice the dam is!
The Upside Down House—Take a look at this architectural marvel: the Upside Down House. It is exactly what it sounds like. You can enter the house too. The website reports visitors spend around 2 hours taking pictures of the house, though I haven’t done it myself to confirm. (That feels like a long time to me?) There is a small takeaway restaurant nearby if your photographing wears you out. R100pp, no booking required.
Little Paris—You can pretend you’re in Paris (with the right photo angle) and trick all your insta followers at Little Paris. A 12.5m “Eiffel Tower” was built in Hartbeespoort for a movie set (“French Toast”, about a South African girl finding her mother’s French toast recipe—I haven’t seen it). There is also a cafe here that was in the movie as well, also called French Toast.
Food in Harties
Nibs are essential while on a Hartbeespoort day trip!
Almost Orange—The Almost Orange Bistro is a lovely wine and tapas bar located inside an orange orchard. Read my full review here.
Silver Orange—Located right by Almost Orange, the Silver Orange is a beautiful restaurant serving delicious mains.
Kleine Rijke—Upon arrive you’ll think you’re in Cape Town. With its Dutch architecture and Hartbeespoort dam in the distance, the restaurant (and events space) is gorgeous. Check out the site for the opening hours if you’re up for the drive. It’s a great spot to sit outside, get a coffee, and enjoy the view. I loved the quinoa breakfast bowl. Arrive before 11:30am for breakfast or after 12pm for lunch. It’s worth it to call ahead to ask if they are open as it’s also a wedding venue.
Brunch with my friends Amy and Joyce on a Harties Girls Day Outing
Stef’s Table—This restaurant combos Asian, Mediterranean, South African, and French flavors.
Jasmyn Plaasprodukte / Jasmyn’s Windmill—The Windmill restaurant is set inside the Dutch-style windmill. There is seating inside, on deck, and in the garden. Waffles are the specialty here. Get fresh veggies and fruits while you’re here at the Plaasprodukte “farm products.”
There is also a small craft market every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday outside the windmill with clothes, jams, and other products of the like.
French Toast—Head here while you’re in Little Paris for coffee and nibs.
Itinerary suggestions
Full-Day Hiking: Hike or mountain bike early in the morning at Hennops—go to Jasmyn’s Windmill for lunch and grocery shopping—stop at Little Paris for a picture (or have lunch here)—stop at Hartbeespoort dam—end the day with sundowners at Almost Orange or dinner at Silver Bistro. We did this our first time in Harties, but we just drove by Little Paris rather than stop in.
Full-Day Cheese Adventure: Hike at Van Gaalen Cheese Farm and then take a cheese tour—strawberry picking and picnic at the Strawberry Farm—visit the Upside Down house then head home for dinner.
Full Day Chill Day 1: Have brunch at Little Paris—go on a boat ride around the dam—go on the Harties Cable Way— end the day with sundowners at Almost Orange, and dinner at Silver Bistro, or Stef’s Table.
Half-day Cape Town Vibes: You can have a total Cape Town-esque experience in Harties. Dress up, plan to take a lot of pics, and enjoy a sunny day in Harties with this itinerary option that I did for my friend’s birthday. Start off with brunch at Kleine Rijke (before 11:30am), go on an afternoon cable car ride, and then get drinks at Almost Orange. Top it off with dinner at Silver Orange or make it back home by 5pm.
Extend your Hartbeespoort Day Trip
Don’t feel like driving back to Joburg or Pretoria? You can wake up to some beautiful dam views if you stay in an Airbnb for the weekend. With just a quick look at Airbnb, I found some awesome homes that would also make a great romantic getaway or trip with your friends. This home has a pool and you can have your breakfast on the deck over the water. Spend the night on a boat here. Or, have views overlooking the dam at this spot.
What did you think of the Hartbeespoort Day Trip guide? Have you got any suggestions for me? Let me know in the comments!