A short distance from both Pretoria and Johannesburg, Hartebeesport makes for an ideal escape from the city, with all sorts of activities to entertain you and your family.
1. Visit 50’s-style Pretville
Have some retro-style fun on the set of the Afrikaans movie Pretville. You’ll find brightly-coloured flags and buildings, 1950s cars and a retro-style diner that serves milkshakes and burgers. Watch the movie here at no additional cost, get dressed up in 50’s garb and take pictures in the photo booth or book a two-hour professional photoshoot for R750 (includes entry for four people).
Regular entrance fees are R70 for adults and R40 for kids (2-12 years); R30 for pensioners (65 to 69); those over 70 and under 2 years old get in free.
Contact: 083 266 8567 [email protected] pretville.co.za
2. Trot along a horse trail
Harties Horse and Trails. Image: supplied
Harties Horse and Trails Unlimited is situated along Hartbeespoortdam on the Deo Duce farm and offers outrides and picnics for all levels of rider. They pride themselves in specialising in outrides with first-time riders and make it clear that no prior horse riding experience is needed. There are scenic and mountain trails, romantic horse trails and picnics. The farm venue also offers quad biking experiences and for those who’d prefer to unwind a little more sedately, there are outdoor Swedish back massages.
Contact: 082 926 4911 [email protected] horseandtrails.co.za
3. Visit the Jasmyn Crafters Market
This market is great for a food-filled morning out. You’ll find fresh vegetables and fruit, baked goods, handmade treats like toffee, and cheese, biltong, nuts, dried fruit and honey.
The market is located next to a Dutch-style windmill that houses The Windmill restaurant.
4. Hike at Hennops Trails
Hennops Hiking Trail. Image credit: Melanie van Zyl
Hennops Trails offer three trails: two main hikes and a shorter trail suitable for kids. Of the two longer main trails, the Zebra Trail is the shorter at 5km and takes about two hours to hike. The Krokodilberg Trail is 11.5km and takes about five hours, or, if you’re with younger kids, start along the Krokodilberg route and take the Dassie route for an easier loop that returns to the starting point after just 2.5km.
Contact: 082 825 9205 [email protected] hennopstrails.co.za
5. Take in the sights from the Aerial Cableway
One of the most popular attractions in Hartbeespoort is the aerial cableway, which offers visitors panoramic views over the Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam and surroundings. The cableway was revamped a couple of years ago and in addition to the cableway ride, there’s a lot to do at the base station and at the top. Kids can wander along the Dassie Loop walkway, where educational placards describe points of interest seen from the top, or play in the KidZone while parents enjoy some much-needed rest. Restaurants, express food stalls and a bar are all onsite, as are picturesque seating areas and bomas.
Contact: hartiescableway.co.za
