Hartbeespoort

Hartbeespoort, also known as “Harties”, is a small resort town in the North West Province of South Africa. It is situated on the slopes of the Magaliesberg Mountain and on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam. The resort is filled with quaint brick houses surrounding the large man-made dam. The small town is ideal for family day outings or a long-weekend holiday. There are enough adventure activities, restaurants and markets in the area to keep you entertained for days on end.

Hartbeespoort Dam is the main attraction and it is perfect for water sports activities such as canoeing, para-sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, tubing, and river rafting. The dam is sued for supplying irrigation water to the surrounding farmlands on which tobacco, wheat, lucerne, fruit and flowers are produced. Other exciting activities in the area include paragliding, hang-gliding, and hot air ballooning.

There is a lovely, well-marked 15 km mountain biking trail which crosses over a Jeep track and a cattle farm. The trail runs alongside the Hennops River and there is an entrance fee which allows visitors to enjoy the braai facilities and swimming pools. There is also a two-day hiking trail and an off-road 4x4 trail alongside the river.

The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park has live reptile shows, chimpanzees and a variety of cats, as well as a tea garden offering delicious light snacks. If you want to experience the majestic views of the Magaliesberg mountain range and the Hartbeespoort Dam with your loved ones, then the aerial cableway is sure to give you a thrill.

There are several golf courses in the area, craft markets and Jasmyn Farmstall which sells fresh vegetable produce, cheese, rusks, nuts, and other goodies to spark up your palate. There are also many restaurants to choose from, most of them with lovely views of the dam and mountain.