Hartbeespoort is situated just North of Johannesburg in the North West Province. This is the perfect weekend getaway for ‘Gautengers’, as this is only about an hour’s drive. Hartbeespoort is also known as Harties and it is surrounded by the beautiful Magaliesberg mountain. There are so many activities to do in and around Hartbeespoort, but just enjoying the beautiful views are more than enough.
Things to do
1.Visit Jasmyn Windmill
GPS Coordinates: -25.754016, 27.910309
When you enter Hartbeespoort, you cannot miss the giant windmill. At Jasmyn Windmill, you can enjoy a lovely breakfast at one of the restaurants. You will also find the cutest bookshop and the gardens there are just breath-taking. When you are done with your breakfast and enjoying all the little shops, go visit the ‘Jasmyn Plaasprodukte’ (Jasmine Farm Products) where you can get some fresh produce and other delicious delights.
2.Harties Cable Way
Cost: See rates here.
The Harties Cable Way ascends up the slopes of the beautiful Magaliesberg mountain range and is the longest mono-cable aerial way in Africa. Once at the top, you will have a spectacular view overlooking Hartbeespoort dam.
At the top, you will also find a restaurant to have a quick bite to eat or just have something to drink before or after you have explored.
3.Visit the Hartbeespoort Dam Wall
Cost: FREE
The Hartbeespoort Dam wall is 149.5 meters long and 59.4 meters high. The water for the reservoir comes from the Crocodile River and the Magalies River. There is only a single-lane road that crosses the dam wall.
It is important to know that there is only parking on one side of the bridge (see GPS coordinates), so do keep that in mind when you want to visit the dam wall. Park your car here and take a stroll across the bridge and admire the beauty that surrounds you. Just watch out for the cars!
4.Have drinks at Almost Orange
Almost Orange is a tapas style eatery with a wide variety of craft gin and craft beer. Almost Orange is nestled in a beautiful and peaceful citrus orchard and it makes you feel like you are in a different country.
Make sure to visit Almost Orange during winter time, as this is when the trees will be full of fruit, which would make for gorgeous Instagram photo’s.
5.Have a bite at the Silver Orange Bistro
If you are looking for delicious gourmet food, the Silver Orange Bistro is the place to be. It has a nice, ambient atmosphere with an outstanding wine list. Definitely worth visiting if you are a foodie fanatic.
6.Visit the Upside Down House
Cost: See their rates here.
If you want your world turned upside down, then the Upside Down House is the place to be. Just know that the inside of the house will definitely play tricks on your mind and cause a dizzying effect.
7.Other activities
- There are many water activities to enjoy at Hartbeespoort Dam; from tubing, water-skiing, sailing, swimming, etc.
- Visit the Elephant Sanctuary and Bush Baby Monkey Sanctuary if you have a love for animals.
- Go and hike the Hennops Hiking trails, which is situated just outside of Harties.
- Go shopping at one of the shopping malls.
You can also go and check out our Hartbeespoort Travel vlog:
Travel with Mariska 