10 best things to do in Hartbeespoort

Hartebeespoort, affectionately known as ‘Harties’, nestled in the North West province of South Africa, beckons holiday-goers with its abundance of activities, leisure pursuits, and breathtaking landscapes. These are Top 6 things to do in Hartbeespoort.

1. Pilanesberg Nature Reserve Full-Day Tour

Go in search of the ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) and other animal species on a guided closed vehicle game drive in the malaria-free Pilanesberg Game Reserve.

This will be followed by a guided orientation tour of the famous Sun City complex, nestled deep in the rugged Bushveld, in the heart of an ancient volcano. The Sun City resort complex captivates visitors with its combination of golf, game and gambling. Enjoy this glamorous oasis with its world-class bars and restaurants and have time to explore and enjoy the many attractions this resort has to offer.

Bordering this entertainment complex in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, you will find one of the world’s outstanding geological phenomena, a crater of a long extinct volcano and the result of eruptions some 1,200 million years ago.

2. Lesedi Cultural village tour

The activities includes the cultural village walk for about an hour with the local guide, guests will get to learn about the different South African cultures and traditions. After the village walk, guests would have an opportunity to watch the traditional South African dance which will be performed by local people from different South African tribes. At the end of the activities, guests would have lunch at the cultural village where typical South African food are served. After the tour, the guests would be transferred back to the different place of choice around Johannesburg and Pretoria.

3. Lion and Safari Park Tour

Hop into a game truck and ride around the park to observe the animals. Drive by the antelope area to watch these animals walking around. Go to the lion enclosures and see the cheetahs, hyenas, and leopards. Hear facts about the animals from your guide. Buy lunch and souvenirs when you finish.

Come directly to the safari park to start your tour. Meet your guide and hop into the game truck to explore the different areas of the park. Visit the antelope safari area, and then check out the lion enclosures. Pass by the cheetah and wild dog enclosures too. Listen to commentary from your guide.

Take some photos during the drive. Feel free to buy lunch in the restaurant after your safari ride. Have a drink at the bar as well. Also, buy some souvenirs of your safari to take home with you.

4. Aerial Cable Car Ride

Ride the only aerial cable car in all of North West and enjoy amazing views along the way. This Swiss-designed and installed gondola seats a maximum of 6 guests. Ascend to the top of the mountain in 6 minutes. As you travel upwards, you’ll pass above a nature reserve. Spot giraffe, zebra, and small antelope from your bird’s eye view.

Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to choose from a number of restaurants. Have a drink at the Lookout Bar and sip as a cocktail as you marvel at the spectacular view of the eastern side of the region.

Walk “The Dassie Walk,” a 1,200-meter walkway which circles the circumference of the mountain top. Stop at the informative waypoint along the way and learn about the surrounding area. Take the cable car back and return to the starting point.

5. Elephant Sanctuary Tour

Embark on an unforgettable adventure at the Elephant Sanctuary near Hartebeespoortdam! Get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in a safe and ethical environment. Main unique activities include feeding, and walking these gentle giants, while learning about their conservation efforts.

6. Boat Cruise with Food

Enjoy a luxurious, 2-hour boat cruise on the placid waters of the Hartbeepoort Dam. With 3 tours departing daily, at 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:00 PM, pick the time that fits your schedule and hit the water. Located within the Kommando Nek Nature Preserve, gaze at the protected nature that surrounds you, showcasing the abundance of South Africa’s flora and fauna.

Upon boarding the boat, you’ll be treated to a welcome drink as you depart to survey the stunning dam’s waters. With all daily cruises, enjoy a luxurious spread of traditional South African hot and cold finger foods. After your cruise is over and you return to the dock, your entrance pass to the nature preserve will still be valid, so get out there and explore the beauty of the South African countryside.

7. Hartebeespoort Dam: The Alba Boat Cruise with Food

Embark on a cruise on Hartbeespoort Dam near Johannesburg and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes as you savor a buffet of hot and cold gourmet finger foods served at your table.
Your cruise aboard the Alba begins as you arrive at the meeting point. Before boarding the boat, enjoy canapes and a glass of sparkling wine served on the lawn overlooking the water. Then, step aboard the luxurious vessel and take a seat at one of the tables. Sit back and relax as the Alba gently navigates out of the harbor and be welcomed aboard by your captain and crew.

Admire the view through the boat’s wrap-around glass walls as you cruise to De Rust. Pass by impressive waterfront homes with private jetties and other luxury features and enjoy the first course of your meal, a selection of finger foods.

The culinary service continues with dish after dish of tasty fare as you cruise past the old Meerhof Railway Bridge before hitting open water. Continue past the Transvaal Yacht Club and the Zoo before heading towards Hartbeespoort’s own Arc De Triumph Archway located on the dam wall.
Round out your meal with a decadent dessert before heading back to the port where your tour comes to an end.

8. The Cradle of Humankind

Begin your private tour with a convenient pickup from your accommodation and set out to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site located near Johannesburg. Stop at the Maropeng Visitor Centre to discover a world-class exhibition showcasing the evolution of humankind over millions of years. See fossils, learn about the birth of humanity, view ancient stone tools, and more.

Next, make your way to the Sterkfontein Caves, a series of limestone caves known to have produced many of the most famous hominid fossils in the world, including “Mrs. Ples” and “Little Foot.” Spend some time exploring the Cradle of Humankind Origin Farm and take part in some of the experiences offered here as you learn more about the history of humankind.

Your tour comes to an end with a comfortable return transfer to your accommodation, leaving you time to reflect on your newfound knowledge and giving you a deeper appreciation of our place in the story of life on Earth. NB:The Wonder Caves are closed on Mondays.

9. Sun City Resort Day Tour

The infamous Casino/Hotel Complex about 50km from Rustenburg has officially opened its doors on December 1979. It features the Lost City, a huge swimming pool and man-made Lake, as well as Hotels and self-catering Chalets. Home to the Valley of Waves and sprawled along the border of the Pilanesberg National Park. Sun City Resort enjoys the fine distinction of being the only Surf-and-Safari Destination within a two-hour drive from Johannesburg.

The Palace of The Lost City
A legendary Destination designed by dreamers for luxury-seekers. Since its inception in 1992, The Palace of the Lost City has enthralled visitors from all over the globe. Its unique setting in South Africa, on an extinct Volcanic Site among the Pilanesberg Mountains, is matched by the inspired Architecture and passionate attention to Detail for which ‘The Palace of the Lost City’, is renowned.

This luxury five-star Hotel in Sun City has integrated the Natural beauty of its Surroundings into its Design, taking Architectural and Interior Themes from the Legend of a Lost African Tribe, to capture the essence of ‘The Palace’. Think richly-woven Colors, faux Elephant Tusks, Sculptured Bronze and Crystal, and Jungle Cascades. The magnificence of the wild Landscape is depicted through Lions, Kudus, Birds and Beasts of all kinds; these are immortalized in statues, Stone Carvings, Mosaic Illustrations, vaulted ceilings, dazzling flame-topped towers and in artist; Danie de Jagers bronze Wildlife Sculptures. With fresco ceilings above and ancient tiles below, you are left to stand in awe at the sheer scale and grandeur of the masterpiece that is The Palace of the Lost City.

From the swimming pool to safari, we invite you to experience distinctive African activities at The Palace of the Lost City. Set in the world-renowned Sun City resort and bordering the Pilanesberg National Park, the wide variety of things to do at The Palace of the Lost City runs the gamut between classic luxury and thrilling adventure.

10. Sun City: Quad Biking Nature Trail

Ride a quad bike through the African bush and encounter fun natural obstacles on an off-road tour from Sun City. This tour gives travelers access to the private Letsatsing Game Park with supervision from attentive guides. Meet your guides at the Sun City Welcome Centre and take a short 10-minute ride to the Letsatsing Game Reserve.

On arrival, you will be given guided through safety procedures and instructions on how to ride the quad bikes. Afterward, go on the practice course for approximately 5 minutes so that you can get comfortable with your quad bike. Next, head out into the bush in search of wildlife. Encounter exciting obstacles such as sand mounds, hills, and water puddles. As you ride encounter possible sightings of zebras, giraffes, or warthogs.