The resort town of Hartbeespoor, which in previous times was referred to as Harties, is known for all manners of fun and thrilling adventures, making it a preferred pick for visitors and tourists alike in their desire and need for a vibrant and engaging holiday destination.
Present just along the North West province, there is no better place in the region to consider an ultimate holiday destination that is always accompanied and filled with incredible outdoor experiences, attractions, and beauty than this resort town of Hartbeespoort.
Talking of such experiences and attractions, below have been outlined some of those things to do and places to visit to offer you the gateway to having an amazing holiday experience, and we’ll spice up your holiday experience.
Fun Things To Do In Hartbeespoort
1. Go up in the sky with Harties Aerial Cableway
The aerial Hartbeespoort cableway is one which holds the bragging rights of being one of hartbeespoort most popular attractions, housing as well top notch performing food stalls and restaurant houses of which guests can come enjoy an amazing dining experience in its stunning seating areas and bomas.
It serves as the ultimate option for tourists in search of something worthy to try out for a family excursion, most especially in its Dassie Loop walkway or KidZone, where kids can come enjoy their moments of fun even though they might be in the company of their parents.
What do they offer?
Being one of the top base stations in Hartbeespoort at large, they offer a wide variety of activities that have to do with providing amazing views of Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam, and its surroundings.
Address: Plot 3, Melodie, Agricultural Holdings, Hartbeespoort, North West.
2. Get in close touch with monkeys at Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary
The Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary, which is just a stone’s throw away from the top tourist attraction of the elephant sanctuary, is, just as its name implies, a destination to get in close touch with monkeys and some other primitive creatures.
Popular and made famous for being one of only eight free-release primate sanctuaries found globally, this is one of the a few destinations in South Africa at large where you get to come across creatures such as squirrels, spiders, and capuchin monkeys.
What should I expect?
Visitors showing up here get to be part of its Sanctuary tours, which are highly informative and should provide them with a better understanding as to why monkeys are best suited to natural, free environments rather than lives as household pets.
Address: R104, Hartbeespoort, North West.
3. Pay a visit to the Jasmyn Farm Products
Situated and located just a short distance away from the famous Windfall Restaurant, the Jasmyn Farm Stall is yet another notable tourist attraction in Hartbeespoort you might as well want to consider visiting.
This particular destination being mentioned here is one offering a selection of organic goods, farm produce, cheeses (from Jasmyn’s factory), fresh bread, dairy products, baked goods, meats, and imported treats for visitors’ daily consumption during their stay in the area.
What other things do they offer?
The Jasmyn Farm products also does offer flowers, curios and gifts all for sale, though there is also the option for its guest’s to come enjoy a cup of coffee or a sweet treat to spice up the experience.
Address: Die Windmeul Kompleks, corner of R511 and Jan Smuts Avenue, Meerhof, Hartbeespoort, North West.
4. Interact with elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary
Just as it has been mentioned that it is just a stone’s throw away from the Bushbaby and Monkey Sanctuary, the Elephant Sanctuary along Hartbeespoort Dam also makes its way into our list of fun things to do in the area upon visiting.
One which caters to the experience of offering tourists an interactive session on African elephants, specifically as it concerns educational interactions alongside elephant back riding adventures.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here gets gets to enjoy a relaxed and safe interaction with African elephants, am experience you might never get to be part of anywhere else.
Address: R104, Hartbeespoort, North West.
5. Get sporty at Hartbeespoort Dam
The Hartbeespoort Dam is one that came into existence in 1925 and has been existing ever since then for close to a century now, one that, in recent times, has been perceived by plenty of tourists as a favorite destination among water to come hang out at, especially those who are sports enthusiasts.
Showing up here at this beautiful natural attraction enclosed by the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains is solely to enjoy all manners of water-related activities it is well suited for, ranging from parasailing and windsurfing down to jet skiing.
What other things happen here?
The Hartbeespoort dam also accommodates the various adventures of paragliding, hot air ballooning, and hang-gliding as well
Address: Hartbeespoort Dam, Hartbeespoort, North West.
6: Explore Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park
Serving the same purpose as Hartbeespoort Dam aforementioned already and nestled against the Magaliesberg, the Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park is a zoo-like service where guests are allowed to come across all manner of creatures it is filled with.
Talking about its all manners of creatures, this is an ideal location to come set your sight on a wide range of species which includes lions, tigers, chimpanzees, hyenas, wild dogs, otters, birds and one of SA’s finest reptile collections.
What other things happen here?
Guests showing up here are also at liberty to choose to be part of its Snake and Seal Show, which is mostly held on public holidays, weekends and during school breaks.
Address: 1 Scott Street, Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort, North West.
7. Go shopping at the Harties Country Market
The Harties country market has its doors flung wide open every Saturday, ushering and welcoming guests, of which a large portion are tourists, to come to be part of its amazing shopping experience for their daily needs and wants.
Occupying the landscape at the foot of the Magaliesberg Mountain, it has also proven to be an ideal location in recent times to come to hang out and spend your leisure hours with family, close relatives, and friends, enjoying its outdoor space, green lawns, and shady trees.
What do they offer?
The Harties Country Market offers for sale hand-picked creative arts and crafts, mostly from the hands of its local vendors, as well as delicious food and drink.
Address: Old Ennis Nursery, 260 R511, Hartbeespoort, North West.
8. Enjoy horseback riding with Horse and Trails Unlimited
The Horse and Trails Unlimited Tour Agency is offering a wild adventure to tourists other than just hanging out in the company of family and friends, one in which you get to enjoy an amazing horseback riding experience like never before.
Talking about its amazing horse riding experience, it sees its guests opting to sign up for any of its available packages to bank on before proceeding further to hop on any of its well-trained horses and enjoy this beautiful and unforgettable experience to the fullest.
What should I expect?
Guests signing up to be part of this adventure gets to enjoy stunning horse riding along itw scenic mountain trails, or perhaps stop by to enjoy picnics as well which are also perfect for dates.
Address: Farm Deo Duce, Hartbeespoort, North West.
9. Keep fit and enjoy the marathon of Hennops MTB Trails
Just a little distance away from the Hadeda Camp while also being situated along the Hennops River, the tourist destination of Hennops MTB Trails is naturally endowed with some of the most stunning routes in the country at large, catering for all levels of fitness and expertise.
Holding the bragging rights of owning one of the most stunning routes in the country at large, made up of its main circular 13km route (green) and 5km River loop ideal for beginners, visitors and tourists alike are at liberty to try out its routes of an average difficulty that is to be completed within 1-2 hours.
What should I expect?
Guests showing up here get to journey through Skeleton Hill, Kayalami, Pelindaba, and Watergate, an experience that is going to see them cover up to 26km of distance.
Address: R511, Hartbeespoort, North West.
10. Behold the underwater wonder at Hartbeespoort Dam Aquarium and Bird Garden
The Hartbeespoort Dam Aquarium and Bird Garden, just as its name points out, offers both its residents and visitors alike the opportunity to maintain close contact with a variety of tropical and freshwater fish and crocodiles, which are mostly nile, slender-snout, dwarf, and all indigenous to Africa.
Just like every other top attractions in the region, it is mostly opened as well during weekends and public holidays, and offers to its guests the opportunity of getting to set their sights on its different creatures of pelicans, penguins, seals and other aquatic animals.
What other things happen here?
Right over at the Hartbeespoort Dam Aquarium and Bird Garden, there is also the presence of a nearby pet shop to come shop for pet related commodities, as well as a charming tea garden to come hangout at.
Address: Plot 97, Melodi, R511, Hartbeespoort, North West.
11. Go hiking at the Hennops Hiking Trail
The Hennops Hiking Trail is one well designed and suited to fit in the taste and desires of nature lovers and hikers specifically, as it is only one of few tourist attraction in the region that can afford them the opportunity of enjoying and experiencing unspoiled nature at its finest.
Blessed with three different trails all arising from the Hadeda Camp, hikers showing up here are expected to get themselves well prepared and guided with a water pack and comfy sturdy hiking shoes, as they hike into the woods.
What should I expect?
The hiking experience of Hennops hiking trails is one offering glorious views, unique river crossings, journeying into an underground cave, checking out traces of old settlements and dolomite mines while also enjoying sightseeing of its amazing bird- and animal-wildlife too.
Address: R511, Hartbeespoort, North West.
12. Get adventurous with Paddle Power Adventures
Paddle Power Adventures is yet another tour agency in the area, catering to the service of offering a fun river rafting experience down the Crocodile River while also checking out its fascinating wildlife and natural wonders.
Offering an excursion like experience as well, guests showing up here can as well choose to hike, abseil or paddle down the river, not forgetting some of its other side attraction and exciting activities it has got to offer.
What should I expect?
Showing up here is to be part of its adrenaline river rafting trip that covers a length of over 5km of the Crocodile River, which is not permissible for children under the age of 8.
Address: T-Junction R512 and R104 Broederstroom, R104, Hartbeespoort.
13. Enjoy the cinematic experience of Pretville
The Pretville tourist attraction takes on the shape of a cinema house when it comes down to hosting exclusive SA film productions and some other documentaries by Hartiwood Films, as it connects to telling the story of a young protagonist, Lise le Roux, who discovers family truths in her travels to Paris in French Toast.
This particular documentary is just one out of many other, as guests showing up here also gets to secure a seat for themselves to be part of the cinematic experience of watching South African most inspiring stories on the big screen.
What should I expect?
Guests paying a visit to this tourist destination get to enjoy watching movies on a big screen showcasing local talent and film production, though there are also opportunities provided for them to enjoy photo sessions that are available between 8 am and 5 pm.
Address: R511, Rietfontein, Hartbeespoort
14. Hangout at the African island beach resort
The African island beach resort is one serving as an alternative for tourists looking forward of relieving the experience of standing near and being closer to the ocean, but unfortunately do not have the time and means to travel all the way.
The African Island Beach Resort is just like an artificial representation of what an ideal beach, designed perfectly well to meet tourist’s desire and need for sun, sand and surf; with its sandy white beaches inviting to come enjoy a summertime beach day.
Why should I visit?
Here, visitors get to enjoy its wide 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 laps.
Address: 60 Beethoven Rd., Hartbeespoort.
Also, Read 15 Fun things to do in George, South Africa
15. Enjoy an exhilarating ride with Harties scooters
The Harties Scootours is yet another tour agency in the regional area of hartbeespoort, offering one of the top exhilarating activities in Magaliesburg that has got to do with enjoying a downhill ride on a scooter touring its local area.
This experience is mostly suited for experienced bikers, who are going to see them balance properly on a bike as they go about enjoying an eventful ride on its adventurous off-road track in the most scenic vicinity of the Cradle of Humanity.
What to expect?
Kids and young teenagers who are not considered experienced bikers ride as passengers with an adult as the main rider.
Address: Leeuwenkloof, Plot L3 R3 Hartbeeshoek Road Broederstroom, Hartbeespoort
16. Explore the Vergenoeg hiking trails
The Vergenoeg hiking trail is one that runs down through the slopes of the Magaliesberg, along the Skeerpoort Valley, and the Hartbeespoortda and is designed primarily for tourists to come and enjoy hiking.
That aside, it is also a favorite spot for tourists who are open to exploring the vicinities of Hartbeespoort other than enjoying hiking, most especially when it comes to sightseeing because of its marvelous views and diverse surroundings.
What to expect?
Tourists showing up in HRTR get to explore its surroundings, vicinities, and routes that house over 200 bird species amidst plenty of indigenous trees as well. However, there is also the opportunity for them to enjoy the privileged views of the endangered Cape Vultures launching themselves into flight from the cliffs.
Address: 155-156 Vergenoeg Farm, R560, Skeerpoort AH, Hartbeespoort.
17. Spend your leisure hours at the Hollybrook Adventure farm
The calm and serene environment of the Hollybrook adventure farm is another destination worth visiting in Hartbeespoort, one that is just a 45-minute drive from Pretoria and Johannesburg’s Northern Suburbs and accommodates all manner of fun-packed activities.
Some of these activities Based adventures include riding through its unforgettable and adrenaline-fueled quadbike trail, zooming through the air on its famous Orango-Tango Zipline, or perhaps taking a riverside ride.
What to expect?
Here, you get to ride on anyone of its Farm’s beautiful horses, or simply just relax in the farm Coffee Shoppe with a cup of coffee in hand.
Address: Plot 10, Remhoogte Road, Skeerpoort, Hartebeespoort.
18. Dine over at the Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij
Should you be in search of a nice location to Get cheesy during your stay in hartbeespoort, well you don’t have to look any further with the presence of Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij, one which is open six days a week and and carries out each and every single one in house restaurant operations you might have come to know about.
This is an ideal location to come and be part of an amazing dining experience, one that also offers a wide range of quality cheeses as well as wine, preserves, souvenirs, Dutch favorites, sweets, and other goodies.
What other things does happens here?
Apart from enjoying an unforgettable dining experience and going shopping, guest showing up here can also get to enjoy a relaxing picnic on its river banks. Though on the flip side, it also does hosts functions such as weddings, family outings, corporate events and other festive occasions.
Address: R560, Skeerpoort, Hartbeespoort, North West.
19. Go golfing at the Magalies Park golf course
The Magalies park golf course is another tourist destination you might want to consider prioritizing visiting, a favorite spot for tourists who are lovers of the game of Hit a hole-in-one and golfers generally.
With its grounds present on the tranquil edge of the Hartbeespoort Dam, amidst surroundings hills and water body, there is no better template for tourists to come enjoy golfing in than that of Magalies Park golf course.
What to expect?
Guests showing up here gets to enjoy golfing with anyone of its three tee options that best suits their golfing abilities and surroundings made perfect and suited for the game.
Address: Magalies Park, Hartbeespoort, North West.
20. Visit the Pretville Film Set, retro-style
Paying a visit to the set of the Afrikaans flick, the Pretville film set, comes in finally on our list of fun things to do in Hartbeespoort, one of which you get to experience 1950s cars and a retro-style diner (serving milkshakes and burgers), amidst some other fun and thrills it has to offer as well.
Made popular and famous for its retro-style setting, it has also proven to be a perfect spot to flash your camera lens and take some pictures in its already-provided photo booth, though there is also the opportunity to take a stroll or leisurely walk around its quaint surroundings
Why you should visit?
Since it is yet another tourist attraction offering a cinematic experience to its guests, guests showing up here get to watch movies as well during their stay there.
Address: R511, Hartbeespoort, North West
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, from the extreme activities that will get the blood flowing down to the calm and serene environment open for you to come to relax, this town of Hartebeespoort gives a perfect example of what an ideal holiday experience should be, with plenty of activities that will keep you entertained as an adventure seeker.
