Hartbeespoort Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: April - September Read More

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"Dam Resort and Adventure Sports"

Hartbeespoort Tourism

Located in South Africa's North West Province, Hartbeespoort is a scenic holiday spot renowned for its natural beauty and diverse attractions. Just 45 kilometres from bustling Pretoria and Johannesburg, it offers a mix of small-town charm and various activities. The town's appeal lies in its magnificent views of the Magaliesberg Mountains and Hartbeespoort Dam.

Activities range from hiking and mountain biking to shopping for local crafts, enjoying cuisine, and exploring nature reserves. Adrenaline enthusiasts can opt for helicopter rides, abseiling, and bungee jumping, while serene seekers can indulge in scenic trails, game drives, and a crocodile farm visit. Cultural experiences abound, including bustling markets, art galleries, and museums.

Must Know Before You Travel to Hartbeespoort

  • Local Transport: Hartbeespoort can be easily explored on foot or consider renting a car for more flexibility. Taxis and rideshare services are also available for convenient local travel.
  • Quick Getaway: Hartbeespoort offers a convenient escape for those seeking a respite from Pretoria or Johannesburg.
  • Advance Booking: If the trip is scheduled during the busy season (summer), make sure to book accommodations in advance.
  • Harties Cableway: Harties Cableway is open between 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM. It is recommended to book tickets online to avoid waiting in long queues.
  • Hartbeespoort Dam Traffic: For a better view of the dam wall, avoid peak hours, especially on weekends. Westbound traffic is busy from 10:00 AM to 02:00 PM, and eastbound traffic peaks from 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM.
  • Tap Water: Tap water is generally safe to drink.

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Shopping in Hartbeespoort

Hartbeespoort's shopping scene is vibrant, with standout spots like Chameleon Village offering a diverse range of African crafts, artworks, souvenirs, and clothing. The Hartbeespoort Flea Market is another attraction, featuring antiques, vintage items, and locally crafted products.

Nightlife in Hartbeespoort

Hartbeespoort offers a unique nightlife blending relaxation and entertainment. While quieter than city scenes, spots like Silver Orange Bistro, Damview Restaurant and Bar, and Jasmyn Farm Stall provide cosy evenings by the dam with drinks, meals, and occasional live music, making for a distinctive local experience.

History of Hartbeespoort

Hartbeespoort's history began in the late 1800s when it was established as an important farming area during a war. Its name comes from a Tswana word meaning "pass of the hartebeest" (a kind of antelope), and a dam was built in 1923 to provide water to nearby Pretoria. The region was also used for trade in colonial times. From farming to a beloved weekend escape for people from Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartbeespoort's journey highlights its natural beauty, water fun, and leisure activities, making it an attractive destination with a fascinating past.

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How to Reach Hartbeespoort

How to Reach Overview

To reach Hartbeespoort from nearby cities, travellers can fly into Lanseria International Airport (35 kilometres) or Johannesburg Airport (75 kilometres) and then drive for around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours. Another option is to drive from Pretoria, which is approximately 45 kilometres and takes around 45 minutes, or from Johannesburg, which is about 80 kilometres and takes around 1 hour. Buses to Pretoria are an option, followed by a taxi to Hartbeespoort.

How to reach Hartbeespoort by flight

The closest major airport is Lanseria International Airport, situated about 35 kilometres away from Hartbeespoort. From the airport, you can travel to Hartbeespoort by car or local transport and it takes around half an hour to reach. Visitors can also fly to Johannesburg which is around 75 kilometres away from Hartbeespoort and takes around 1 to 1.5 hours by road.

If travelling internationally, flights can be booked through Skyscanner. For domestic travel, visitors can opt for AirLink, CemAir, and FlySafair.

How to reach Hartbeespoort by road

Hartbeespoort is conveniently accessible by road. From Pretoria, it's approximately a 45-minute drive, covering a distance of around 45 kilometres. From Johannesburg, the drive takes about an hour, covering approximately 80 kilometres. Self-driving or hiring a car is a common choice for travellers.

How to reach Hartbeespoort by bus

There's no direct route from Johannesburg to Hartbeespoort. You can take a bus to Pretoria and then a taxi to reach Hartbeespoort. Popular bus companies like Greyhound, TransLux Express, and Eldo Coaches operate on this route.

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Hartbeespoort Photos

Hartbeespoort
Hartbeespoort Dam seen from the top of the Harties Cableway
Composite panorama of Schoemansville (lower right) and Hartbeespoort Dam looking South
elephants, hartbeespoort

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