Hartbeespoort Dam activities: fun for your whole family
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Hartbeespoort town is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and its popular dam is a big part of the appeal. Covering close to 20 square kilometres, the scenic water feature is literally cradled in the lap of the mountains. For residents and holiday-makers alike, the amenity offers hours of fun in the sun. From cableway rides, water sports, trails, to animal sightings, you will find plenty to put a smile on every member of your tribe. Here are our picks for things to do in and around Hartbeespoort Dam.
1. Ride the Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort: This takes you up the slopes of the majestic Magaliesberg mountain range while you enjoy scenic views of the town and dam area. But the fun doesn't end there! At the top, you'll find restaurants, adventure activities, a spa, walking trails, and venues for events.
2. Visit Hartbeespoort Dam Snake & Animal Park: Lying on the eastern shore of the dam, this private park is home to a wide variety of creatures. You will see lions, tigers, chimpanzees, hyenas, wild dogs, otters, birds, and one of the finest collections of reptiles in Southern Africa.
3. Hop aboard a boat cruise: There are several operators in the area who will help you explore the dam and see the surrounding mountains from a whole new perspective. A cruise with the Harties Boat Company, for example, lets you sip on champagne, eat gourmet finger and fork snacks, and take in the gorgeous views.
4. Race your boat or yacht: Hartbeespoort Boating Club has two on-site tractors to launch your boat, a nearby petrol pump station to refuel, and jetties to moor your vessel. As a member of TYC Yacht Club, you'll have all the amenities you need to cruise, race, or go dinghy sailing.
5. Jet ski over the surface: There's a pure thrill in zooming around on a jet ski and the dam provides the perfect venue to create ripples. You can hire jet skis at Harties Watersports Centre or enjoy private jetty access if you live in The Coves residential development.
6. Kayak to your heart's content: You can leave all your troubles on the bank and destress during a peaceful paddling foray on the dam. Harties Kayak Adventures can take you on a guided tour where you will experience the sights, sounds, and feel of the water.
7. Spot some feathered friends: With a local bird sanctuary in the area, you can bet the area has some true beauties to see. The dam boasts over 340 identified bird species including cisticola, African pipit, common buttonquail, and vultures. Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort and Horse and Trails Unlimited are prime locations to catch sight of these majestic creatures.
8. Camp under the stars: What could beat camping near the dam with its views, fresh breezes, stunning sunsets and sunrises, and water sports activities? There are plenty of great camping sites to choose from including Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, Hartbeespoort Boating Club, Legacy on the Dam, and TYC Yacht Club (a limited number of day visitors are allowed).
9. Play a round of golf: Near the dam, you can tee off at Sandy Lane Golf Club. This nine-hole course has well-manicured greens and fairways. Golfers praise it for its tricky layout and friendly pro shop staff and marshalls.
10. Take a hot balloon ride: There's something magical about drifting gently in a hot air balloon as the sun's rays catch the clouds. At the Skeerpoort Balloon Field near Hartbeespoort Dam, you can take a ride with Bill Harrop's "Original" Balloon Safaris.
11. Gallop on a horse: Release your inner equestrian! With Horse and Trails Unlimited, you can ride on a safe, well-trained horse with your own personal guide. The two-hour Lookout Mountain Ridge Trail gives you breathtaking sights of Hartbeespoort Dam, Farm Deo Duce, and the mighty Magaliesberg range.
12. Get out your hiking boots: The area is known for its incredible hiking for both beginners and the more advanced. You can take a stroll on the Dassie Loop atop the Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort or hike up the mountain. There's also the Harties River Hiking Trail off Crocodile Road which has 6 km, 8 km, and 10 km trails.
13. Cast your fishing line: Known as a wonderful carp-fishing destination, the area attracts thousands of anglers looking to land the big one. Popular fishing areas and resorts include Meerhof, Ifafi, Schoemansville, Eagle Waters Wildlife Resort, Kommandonek Resort, and Roos Se Oord Resort.
14. Feast on foodie delights: With such a strong tourist appeal, you can bet the culinary scene has risen up to meet expectations. Popular restaurants close to the dam include Dockside Café & Lounge, Kosmos Café, and The Beach Bar & Grill Harties.
15. Set up a picnic or braai: If you'd like to eat alfresco, the cool breeze from the dam is sure to perk your appetite. Head to these places to roll out your picnic blanket or start sizzling away: Hartbeespoort Boat Club, Meerhof Oewer, Schoemansville Oewerklub, and Kommandonek Resort.
16. Stay the night: With so much to do, it's really worth it to stay for a few days to enjoy everything on offer. Hartbeespoort boasts several hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. Many offer easy access to the dam and surrounding attractions, so you'll never be too far from the fun.
Tick off your bucket list
There's something for everyone at Hartbeespoort. The dam and its nearby attractions ensure the area remains an appealing choice for residents. Looking to find your Harties home? Century 21's local property professionals have you covered with beautiful properties for sale. Reach out today for our expert help.
Author: Century 21 South Africa
