We’ve been aching to get out and explore after months in lockdown. Right on the border between Gauteng and the North West province, Harties offers visitors a number of fun activities and experiences. Here are our top places to explore in Harties over a single day. Travel safe!
A Harties Day Trip
Hartbeespoort is a small resort town located in the North West province of South Africa. Joburgers flock here over weekends and holidays to escape from the chaos of the city. The town offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, making it a go-to day trip choice.
From homely restaurants to adventure sports and nature reserves, Harties is an ideal family-friendly getaway destination as it only takes a couple of hours to reach from Johannesburg.
Here is our list of top places to visit in Harties on your next day trip.
Chameleon Village
Looking for a Harties destination that’s not only family-friendly, but also offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family? Then pay a visit to Chameleon Village! This is the perfect place to make a pit stop to explore. There’s foodie spots, a market, thrills for the kids and much more to enjoy here. Haven’t been to this unique spot? Well, then here are 5 reasons why you need to spend a day at Chameleon Village with your family and friends. Click here for all the details.
The Windmill Restaurant
Unless you leave Joburg at the crack of dawn, you will probably arrive in Hartbeespoort by mid-morning. Celebrate your arrival with a delectable brunch spread at the Windmill Restaurant. Take your pick from a variety of gourmet toasties, eggs Benedict or a sweet waffle. It’s the perfect way to kick off your Harties daytime adventure.
Address: Facebook | 079 890 6420 | wikus@the-windmill.co.za | Jasmyn Farm Stall, 1 Jan Smuts Road, Hartbeespoort.
The Upside Down House
Now that you’ve had your first fuel up of the day, take a meander to the Upside Down House. This quirky marvel of architecture is sure to entertain the kids with its topsy turvy look. The entrance is a bit pricey, but it’s well worth it for the experience. Make sure to bring your camera (or phone) along for lots of pictures.
Address: R3 Hartbeeshoek Road, Hartbeespoort.
French Toast Koffie Kafee & Little Paris
If it’s just you and your sweetheart on this trip, treat them to a spot of romance at Little Paris. Modeled after the famous love bridge in Paris, this must-visit Harties venue is home to a miniature Eiffel Tower and the famous French Toast Koffie Kafee. Pick out a lock at the cafe and have you and your partner’s engraved on it. Then lock it to the bridge and your love is set to last forever. It’s a super cheesy but sweet gesture to remember as part of your day trip to Harties.
Address: French Toast Koffie Kafee, R511, Hartbeespoort.
The Strawberry Farm
By now you might be feeling peckish. Pull into The Strawberry Farm for a farm style picnic. You can pre-order a picnic basket prepared by the farm’s onsite restaurant or bring along your own selection of nibbles. During the summer months you can also go foraging through the farm’s strawberry fields. The Strawberry Farm is one of Hartbeespoort’s most tranquil venues. Set up your picnic along the banks of the dam and enjoy your day out in the fresh air. But be warned, the ducks may try to steal your lunch!
Address: S46 on R560 Skeerpoort (Near Hartbeespoort Dam).
Van Gaalen Cheese Farm
A trip to Hartbeespoort wouldn’t be complete without a couple of souvenirs. And what better keepsake than a tasty treat to take home with you? Visit Van Gaalen Cheese Farm to sample a variety of aged cheeses. You can also learn about the cheese making process here. Our favourite is the stinging nettle cheddar cheese, but don’t take our word for it. Visit the farm on your way through Harties and experience what ‘real’ cheese tastes like.
Address: Plot 260 Skeerpoort, Hartbeespoort.
The Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary
The Hartbeespoort Elephant and Monkey Sanctuary is one of the town’s most popular destinations to visit over day trips. Their elephant interaction programme takes place seven days a week, three times a day, allowing visitors to touch and interact with the majestic African elephant. Walk trunk and hand through the sanctaury and experience the absolute beauty of these treasure animals. The elephant interaction programme takes approximately 90 minutes, so make sure to plan accordingly.
Address: R512 Old RTB rd, Zandfontein, Hartbeespoort.
Harties Aerial Cableway
Close off an epic day of adventure at the Harties Aerial Cableway. Take the cable car to see the best possible views of the Dam and surrounding Magaliesberg escarpment. The cable car closes at 16:00, so don’t miss it! If heights aren’t your idea of a good time, go on a brisk hike or fast-paced mountain biking excursion. The cableway also has a fun kids zone to keep the little ones entertained, a number of restaurants and retail outlets. We can’t think of a better way to end off your day exploring Harties and all it has to offer.
Address: Plot 3, Melodie, Agricultural Holdings, Hartbeespoort.
Pretville
Pretville is the only film town of its calibre open to the public in South Africa. Come and marvel at the realistic 1950s style sets and props, including a variety of funky vintage cars. This is the ideal spot to take a few candid photographs or simply make some great memories. There are a ton of fun activities to enjoy in the town as well. Slurp up a delicious milkshake at the Pretville Diner or take a tour of the town and see where all the movie magic happens.
