Fun things to do in Hartbeespoort: 21 fun attractions and activities

Bustling place. You'll find anything from art, trinkets, traditional african clothing to food and drinks. Especially nice if you are looking to buy some souvenirs - there are loads of options to chose from. Be careful though as they love a haggle, and so be ready to negotiate and reject hustlers.

Nice spot to drive out to with the family. The local market had lots to see but I wasn't keen on the people constantly trying to sell me stuff when I really just wanted to browse. They are open to haggling so don't be scared to try knock a few rands off the price. I would HIGHLY recommend stopping by at Oma and Opa's place by the water park. They have the BEST rusks and their sauces are also really tasty. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The reptile and conservation centre was nice. They have a great variety of reptiles and they have an interactive element too in their shows. I got to hold a bullfrog and my husband held a boa constricter which made my day!

This is a fun place for a family outing. It has a lot of activities to do; pools, animals, putt putts, bungee trampoline and various restaurants and bars on site with good music

Chameleon Village offered me various activities and dining options. There is an African Market where I bought arts and crafts at very reasonable prices. Great experience with delicious food and drinks. The Chameleon Village Website explains: "No entrance fee. There are charges to specific entertainment activities such as Lion Park, Go Karts, bungee, Putt Putt, Water play park etc.".

The prices are far more than what I would pay in the US for any of that stuff. They’re willing to negotiate, but they start very high and it’s almost impossible to talk them down to anything reasonable. In addition at every stall, there is Very very pushy sales people. It was actually overwhelming and I left. But right across the street there was another Sales village, and that one was not pushy at all. And I very much enjoyed it!

Great place for family day out, however it was too full on this day, lots of noise and literally no parking.

Beautiful place, went during the week, it was a bit quieter, some of the stalls were closed, but overall the experience was great.

I really enjoyed the ride. Would definitely recommend the open 2 sitter one. As someone who tried both. No obstructed view and it’s not as scary as it looks. There’s a restaurant at the top. You can also do zip lining there at the top.

A must do when in Harties, carts looks clean and well looked after, seamless from parking, ticketing and ride. There are multiple shaded sitting areas that are all non-smoking, with bean bags for those that wants the sun. The are waiters that serves the areas and the area and it's bathrooms are clean too. Really nice overall experience!! There are name boards with information of close by towns, Botswana, mines etc. the walkway (dasie path) is paved and a walk around easy. Skypwark is interesting too. So much to do and taste up there!!!!

The staff that handle getting passengers onto the cable cars are negligent. Not giving proper instructions, for example, notice that the cable car doors close automatically mid way up. The restaurants on the mountain, zero customer service, upon arrival no attendance when we are literally standing in front of the staff, I had to get my own menu on the front desk, follow a waiter around to merely place an order thus in the end giving up and calling it a day. So unprofessional. The 3 stars are for the wonderful welcome from the security, cashier who handled our ticket purchase and the views.

The cable car was fun. The views from the top are amazing. We ate at 360° and the food was good but be warned, there is a long wait for it. We waited an hour for our orders. Leaving took a while as there was a thirty minute queue for the cable car down. I'd recommend arriving and leaving earlier to avoid this.

I loved the experience, the queues are fast. There's a birthday special when you come within 14 days. The restaurant is lovely, the food was nice and portions were lovely. I loved their meat platters. Just make sure you are not in a hurry or hungry, otherwise seat and relax and enjoy the drinks with a lovely view. The waiters are quite efficient, friendly and fast..

With beautiful panoramic views, it is the perfect adventure place for a group of friends and/or family. Unfortunately, the entertainment for smaller children (<5) is limited. While restaurant service may be slow on busy days, the atmosphere and fresh air is enivigorating. It is well worth visiting at least once.

This is a must-visit when you visit Harties. When you're somewhere between earth and meeting your maker, you kind of forget that you're in Gauteng! As soon as you get over the height, you start to enjoy the sights and it is beautiful indeed. The cable cars are clean and well-kept, we had elderly people with us and they did not struggle to get in and out of the car, a disabled person would though. They are pricey but the place is very clean and beautiful so the price is justified. You get to visit for free if it's your birthday and it can be redeemed within your birthday month (please just double-check this). At the top, there's a restaurant, nice bean bags to chill, some history, and stunning views! Overall it's a lovely place!

I had a wonderful time there. Discarding the long drive (which depends of where you're coming from), the experience was totally worth it and I 💯 recommend. Lots of spots to take pictures, diversity of foods to eat as well as drinks.

The Upside Down House is an interesting concept. However, it is a bit of an underwhelming experience. You enter into a cafe space where you can order simple meals at an additional cost. It is basic tuckshop food. There are also little stores outside that sell ice cream and crushers and the like. There is ample seating here. You then need to walk a little bit away to get to the upside down house. It is a nice pathway but you have no relief on a hot summer's day as you are in the open. There are big fields on either side of the pathway, but neither offer seating or solace from the sun/elements. The house itself is a little house built upside down and with a slight tilt. So everything inside is basically upside down and at a slight angle. Some of the rooms were restricted. It is a cute idea but the novelty wears off fast. Little kids might find it more entertaining perhaps... It's quaint to get a few quirky photos here and there, the views are pretty as well, but overall it's not worth the entrance fee of R120.

It’s quite interesting actually, it’s art in my opinion and I love that there’s a braai area and a play area for kids so it could be a nice spot for family gatherings etc .

It was nice, went with my kids and they had a blast.. when you enter the house.. best balance coz you'll land on the "roof"😂😂

Our second Road Trip stop on the 3rd of August 2025, My husband nd I visited The Upside Down House which was very fascinating...The disorienting furniture made me feel a bit light-headed so The "enter at your own risk" warning is worth noting though it's all part of the fun...😀 There's Beautiful Mountain Views and a play area for the kids which makes it a family friendly stop.

The Upside Down House is quite pricey considering the poor maintenance. While the kids enjoyed the novelty, the experience was over in about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, all the small bikes were broken, which was a big letdown for the children. There’s not much else to do unless you choose to order food and let the kids play on the jungle gym afterwards. Overall, it could use some improvement to make it worth the visit.

I recently visited the Upside Down House and, unfortunately, found the experience a bit underwhelming. While the concept is fun and visually interesting, the actual tour lasted less than 10 minutes. Several rooms were restricted or inaccessible and aside from walking through the house and taking a few photos, there really wasn’t much else to do on the property. Given the limited experience, the R170 ticket price feels steep and not quite justifiable.

What an incredible experience at the Elephant Sanctuary for my partner’s 48th birthday! The majestic, gentle elephants were awe-inspiring—their Jurassic Park-like sounds and agile trunks left us speechless. Temba, our guide, was phenomenal, making the day extra special with his knowledge and care. Everything was impeccably organized, from start to finish. Highly recommend bringing cash to tip the amazing guides! A bucket-list moment we’ll never forget!

This is just such an amazing experience. Richard and james were our elephant guides, you can see they are extremely passionate about elephants and love telling us all about them. We were able to feed, brush, touch and walk with the elephants, plenty of pics for social media.

We had the best time with the best tour guides — they were friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience unforgettable! 🐘✨ This was a big bucket-list tick for us, and it exceeded all expectations. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for an incredible adventure!

An Unforgettable and Educational Experience! Our visit to the elephant and monkey sanctuary was nothing short of extraordinary and truly deserving of a five-star rating! From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of respect, care, and genuine love for these magnificent creatures.What truly made this experience stand out were the incredible guides. Their passion and dedication were evident in every word they spoke. They were not just guides; they were true educators, sharing a wealth of knowledge about elephant behavior, conservation efforts, and the individual stories of the elephants residing at the sanctuary. Their insights were profound, and they answered every question with patience and expertise, making the entire experience deeply enriching and informative. The elephants themselves were clearly well-cared for and thriving in their environment. It was heartwarming to witness their interactions and see them in such a natural and respectful setting. The sanctuary's commitment to ethical practices and the well-being of the elephants was evident throughout our visit.This isn't just a place to see elephants; it's a place to understand them, to connect with them, and to feel inspired by the dedication of those who protect them. We left with full hearts and a renewed appreciation for these gentle giants. Highly, highly recommend this sanctuary for anyone looking for an authentic, educational, and truly moving encounters. Thank you to the entire team, especially our amazing guides, for an unforgettable day!

What an amazing time here! Up close experience with massive African Bull elephants ! I went for the afternoon 2pm tour and only had one other person with me . James was our guide and was so knowledgeable and friendly ! I was able to walk with them in the bush, feed and hug them. Amazing pictures for memories! Definitely recommend this place if you want an up close personal experience!

Came with family for elephant/Monkey sanctuary... Was absolutely brilliant, what a fantastic experience it was . Are tour guides Sam and sunny were fantastic. Really professional an friendly. Highly recommend to others , if your looking for a day you'll never forget then please visit this sanctuary. 10 out of 10 from us 😁👍🙉🐘.

What an amazing experience we had at the Elephant Sanctuary 🐘 🙏👍👌 The staff were very professional and answered all our questions. We were able to feed the elephants, walk with them though the bush, touch them and take photos/ videos with them. My Mom even received a big kiss from the one elephant for her birthday 🎂 There's also a small shop where you can buy some souvenirs and some nice coffee before the excursion takes place☕️ I would definitely recommend anyone that's a big animal lover to visit the place and support such an awesome sanctuary 💜🙏

Animals were all in excellent condition, and the area is well maintained. Yes, I am one of those who would like to see the cats in larger areas! Heard the lion roar, which was beautiful. The restaurant and kiosk are average. At 12, there was a snake show, nothing else. The dam at the zoo's side is currently covered in hiacintes, which makes farm and boat rides impossible. All the staff members I dealt with were friendly and knowledgeable. Was it worth the entrance fee I paid? Yes. It was a nice relaxed outing for approximately 90 minutes of your day.

The place was truly breathtaking. It offered stunning views that felt like a painting come to life, and the presence of animals added a peaceful, natural charm. It was the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the beauty of the world.

A great experience. The kids loved it so much and we also enjoyed seeing all those animals.

The zoo is clean, the animals well cared for and we easily spent more than 2hours here. Both us and the kids loved it.

Our Azaadville Nursery school trip. The kids enjoyed their visit although they did miss a jungle gym during their break. overall they had an exciting and memorable experience!

Wow! Well looked after animals and cages. What a pleasure to visit here. We loved the snake show.

Go after 11am as that's when all animals are out on display. Place hasn't changed in about 3 years. I think that's it needs to be refreshed to be more appealing.

An Unforgettable Self-Drive Safari Experience! 🦁 We absolutely loved our visit to the Lion & Safari Park! The self-drive safari was an incredible experience — the park is beautifully maintained and offers a perfect balance of adventure and safety. Seeing lions and lionesses up close in their enclosures was both thrilling and awe-inspiring. The animals looked well cared for, and the enclosures were secure, allowing us to fully enjoy the moment without any worries. The whole experience was smooth, scenic, and truly memorable. Highly recommend this park to anyone looking to get a real taste of African wildlife up close — it’s well worth it!

Absolutely loved my visit to the safari park! It was a truly lovely experience to be so close to nature and see such a wide variety of animals. The lions were magnificent, the giraffes were so elegant, and the herds of zebras and antelopes were a joy to watch. We also spotted hyenas and beautiful peacocks. It felt like a real safari adventure The park is well-maintained and all the animals look healthy. I highly recommend visiting for an exciting and memorable outing.

Always have had a good experience at this park every time I've come. The self drive is amazing. Your definitely going to see the animals up close and in your own time. The location and place is well set out. They have a huge gift shop which is quiet cool and separated over 5 domes. They also have a giraffe you are able to feed there. They also have restaurants onsite. The website states they are "halaal friendly" but haven't elaborated anymore. The one restaurant I asked said they weren't halal.

We were very lucky to do the tour with Alex and have him all to ourselves! I told him on the day that it was one of the best afternoons of my life (he replied I must have had a very boring life!) and I still feel the same. The opportunity to see these amazing, beautiful big cats so close up (very very close up!) was something I never imagined I’d have. And to hear Alex talk about his life with them and see first hand his relationship with them made it even more special. If you have the chance to do Alex’s tour - do it!

Such a memorable day. It was my birthday so it was a great way of celebrating it here with all the animals. Lions are so beautiful and we were lucky enough to see the leopards. There are some places you can walk around and take photos. Also dont miss the other lions across the main road.

Incredible experience! The variety of animals was amazing, and the quad biking was unforgettable, we got so close to the wildlife. Our guide was excellent and really made the tour special. Highly recommend visiting!

This was truly an unforgettable experience. The majestic presence of the animals was quite uplifting. The tour guide, Princess, was both knowledgeable and helpful. I participated in the two-hour tour on a Sunday, which was ideal, as I had the opportunity to witness the lions being fed. I would certainly recommend this park.

Good looking place but you'll be done in two minutes if you're not locking anything or taking a million pictures. R50 entrance fee per person if you're not dining in one of their restaurants. There's enough parking too.

I expected more to be honest. I’d recommend going here for breakfast or lunch And booking a table. Not just for the little Paris tower because the tickets R50 pp or alternatively you can buy the locks

Great vibe. Decent pricing and total fun times. Little Paris , Little Venice and An Aquarium are all located at the same spot. Must try on your next visit to Hartbeesport.

It's a great place to have tea or coffee. Aesthetically pleasing but wouldn't recommend the food. Aesthetics - I love how there's a commitment to make everything Paris themed- even the music. There are a lot of places to take good "Instagramable"" pics. Loved the umbrellas on the ceiling but a lot of them had cob webs. I enjoyed watching the beautiful peacocks running around. Food - For a place named French Toast Cafe, the French toast isn't that great. It's not bad but it's not good either. I expect a great French toast for a place that specialises in them. My wife had a croissant dessert, and the croissant was just okay. Price - I paid R145 for a Cheeseburger French toast with chips. It was a very filling portion, but it didn't taste like a burger worth R145. Service - Good. No complaints.

Went Friday morning and it was Amazing. Not too busy, had plenty of time to enjoy the experience. The owner even let us use their engraving machine. The Chocolate Croissant was Amazing

Nice for a photo opportunity in "little Paris" great pity you have to pay to go in to enjoy some restaurants. Including replica Eiffel Tower??? Thought it was a restaurant and market place not a theme park - pity really we left to go else where to have our celebratory meal. The owner has responded and explained that we should not have been asked a fee to go and eat, pity he/she wasn't there to sort the person at the entrance out to clear that up. Sir / Madam may l suggest a flea market or something in that line? To make up the R50 fee? That way you are ensured your extra income. Just a suggestion let the Eiffel tower bring in the foot traffic ESPECIALLY on holidays and weekends. Good luck with future endeavors.

It is a little love nest with all the locks and the dam. There's a restaurants where you can grab something to eat after taking the photos and exploring the place. It is nice and you can take your family too

We booked online for our boutique cruise. A wonderful and hassle free process. When we got there we waited a few minutes then we were called on board. It was beautiful. The staff on-board were friendly. They played nice vibes music. A gain , it was amazing. Thank to the Boat Company.

I went on an hourly boat cruise. They use anyone of the three different boats dependent on the numbers booked. There is a beverage cash bar on the boat. Except for the music, very loud and not my personal taste, it was a great relaxing cruise. There are several package options available and several different kinds of cruises. Lots of parking available, there is a beach bar and restaurant on site and all staff seemed friendly. Apparently weekends are very busy but weekdays are much more quieter. The dam still has some of the hyacinth that covered the dam but it tends to love with the winds. Would recommend as a relaxing activity in the afternoon.

A beautiful boat cruise and very refreshing. We took the 1 hour cruise and it was very satisfying and the DJ played good music making it more fun. The views are incredible.

Absolutely outstanding! From start to finish, the experience was seamless, with incredible attention to detail and client service that went above and beyond. The staff were warm, approachable, and always willing to assist in any way possible. We booked this excursion for a large group, and it truly became the highlight of their trip!

Captain Andrew moonlighting as our DJ and Local Tour Guide. Pontoon boat was great, William sorting out the drinks for the boat ride was a great touch. Would highly recommend

We had a good time on the one hour cruise. The staff were accommodating and friendly and the drinks were reasonable. I think we'll try one of the bigger boats, next time. This was fun but pretty minimal.

Our team had the most amazing time on The Alba Lunch Cruise, celebrating our company's 18th birthday (BlueMagnet). The staff took such good care of us, the food was plenty and excellent. Such a fun experience. Thank you Harties Boat Company 💕👌

I don’t know where to start with how grateful I am to Annie. They gave us an unforgettable horse riding experience for my partners birthday. 1. Communicating with her on WhatsApp was so effective as she gave us clear directions to get to the place. 2. The horse are well trained and it was really fun riding on them, would highly recommend for a first time rider. 3. As I advised that it is my partners birthday, they had a happy birthday banner for my partner for the picnic, which was not only a surprise to my partner but myself too and even had a small cake. 4. Blessing was also the best photographer. It was the best birthday celebration with the beautiful views when we had our picnic. Thank you so much Annie

AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE! Our guide on the 15th June was brilliant. He was very supportive and kept a great look out for my husband and I. We had an exciting experience! Our guide also was very kind. The host also came to us to ask us how we found the quad bike ride and we expressed our wonderful experience. I highly recommend this place for Quad biking and I'm sure the other activities are just as lovely!

What a wonderful experience! (We did the horse riding and picnic) The staff were friendly and helpful and the picnic was delicious and filling. The horses are well mannered and the ride was pleasant. Special note to Galant though, the absolute sweetheart who provided 90% of our picnic entertainment <3

Great first experience... Wonderful instructor for the quad bikes and a wonderful host for the place. We took quad bike and picnic package... 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾🙃 Beautiful

It was a good experience for us including our kids who were riding a horse for the first time. Going through the big trail with these trained and calm horses was amazing. We went there when the spring started so it was not that green around. We took an hour ride but the sun was too harsh. Recommended to go either in early hours or late. Call and confirm the timings. We were there around 12 in the afternoon. They do have washrooms which are quite clean but with emergency lights. Do carry a mask if you are allergic to dust even when riding the horse. The car ride towards the trail is extremely bumpy and dusty. Keep water bottles but in case you forgot you can buy it there. They have cowboy hats for sale too 100 rands each. They help in taking your photographs from their phone (not professional ones btw) and then you can buy it from them 10 rands each. They will whatsapp them to your phone. They have rescued horses who can barely walk, I was feeling bad for them. But they were nicely trained and extremely calm. We don't do horse riding so this walk was super enough for us 🤠

As first-timer horse riders, the experience we had was amazing and unforgettable. I was riding the horse by the name of Trigger, and he was chilled. The picnic was set up nicely and with a romantic lunch atmosphere surrounded by nature and time flew by so fast. The adrenaline rush we also had with quad bikes it was so exellerating and amazing, we enjoyed our time there and even saw a few animals along the way as the routes used are near the reserve. Overall experience with the place is a 5 🌟 as the staff was so friendly, helpful and guided us through everything patiently. I would definitely visit the place again when I am in the North West.

This was such a awesome experience, we came here for our 12th wedding anniversary. Thank you to Annie, her staff and of course the horses that took us on a beautiful stroll to our picnic site and then afterwards we went for such a wonderful message under a tree in nature. You can't get anything better than that ❤️

On the morning of the scheduled shoot, at 08:44 AM, I was informed by a member of your staff that there was an issue with plants obstructing the waterway, and that the shoot might need to be delayed. Given that this was a high-profile shoot for a major brand, rescheduling was extremely difficult. However, despite the inconvenience, we adjusted our plans and returned later in the day, which required an additional one-hour trip. Unfortunately, we were still unable to proceed with the shoot as planned. When I requested a refund, I was informed that only vouchers were available. However, the invoice provided makes no mention of a non-refundable policy or any voucher-only refund terms. This policy was never communicated to me before making the booking. I have since not received a refund or a voucher.

We booked this location for a high-profile shoot with a major brand, but unfortunately had a very disappointing experience. On the morning of the scheduled shoot, we were informed—just before 9AM—that there was an issue with plants blocking the waterway, which might delay or prevent us from filming. At no point before the shoot was it confirmed that there might be an issue with the plants. Had we known, we could have made alternative arrangements. Despite the inconvenience, we adjusted our plans and returned later in the day, adding an extra hour of travel. Unfortunately, we were still unable to proceed with the shoot due to the same unresolved issue. When I requested a refund for the R6 000 booking fee, I was told that only vouchers were available—even though the invoice included no mention of a non-refundable or voucher-only policy, and this was never communicated during booking.

I’m really pleased with the overall communication and experience with the company. All expectations were met, Davidson & Jake went out if their way to contribute to a lovely birthday celebration. Thank you and well done, Deidré

The cruise was absolutely stunning. The boat we chartered was clean and the music was also a nice touch. Davis, our captain, was great and shared some info about the dam and the boat itself. Tryphina was also very pleasant when we met her to embark the boat. Overall, a great experience and we’ll definitely be back with friends and family as well. Keep it up!

The place is so refreshing Keep it up junior the Skipper

The boat cruise was really enjoyable, we were a small group of 10 and they allowed us access to the boat just by ourselves. They have a great selection of music and really great speakers. We did the 2 hour cruise that included a platter meal with juice and it was perfect to start off our day. I would definitely recommend and go back again!

Amazing place just 1 hours drive from Jhb. Such a relaxing environment. Good for kiddies.

A bucket list item in the most amazing setting. The team were amazing and friendly, answered emails efficiently. Couldn’t have wanted a better crew to have a safe and enjoyable ride. We saw so many animals from a different perspective. Just amazing. Thank you so much!!

You are probably here because you are considering this amazing adventure. Please hear me out, BOOK IT! Do it now and fast!😊 I honestly had the best morning of my life. My flight was at 06:15 and it was very cold in Magalies. I was welcomed by an amazing gentlemen by the gate who helped me park my car and directed me where I should go. At reception I was received by two beautiful ladies with a warm cup of coffee and muffins (I chose these amongst other options). They have giant gas heaters and a fire place to keep you warm while you wait for your flight! I highly recommend coming in early to watch the whole set up and the balloon being inflated. Very beautiful to witness. All the staff members will go around checking if we are okay while waiting for our flight. The Captain was super awesome and hilarious. The flight was smooth and absolutely STUNNING! We celebrated with some bubbles and drinks when we landed. Had a delicious breakfast and got our certificates for being brave peeps! See? BOOK THAT FLIGHT ALREADY. It was worth every penny.

Fantastic experience, every moment from arrival to flight to the amazing breakfast was outstanding. Staff are super helpful. Warm yourself around the open fire before takeoff - it's an early start but worth it!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely unforgettable! Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris is an experience that words can barely do justice. From the warm welcome at dawn to the breathtaking views over the Magaliesberg, every moment felt magical. The crew was professional, friendly, and made everyone feel completely safe, even those a bit nervous at first. Watching the sunrise from the sky, floating silently over the landscape, was pure peace. The post-flight champagne & breakfast was the perfect touch to end an extraordinary morning. If you’re looking for something truly special, whether for celebration or simply to remind yourself how beautiful life can be, this is it. ✨ A special thank you to Daleen Terblanche who gifted us with this incredible experience. Your generosity and kindness will never be forgotten 💙 Brescia ;

It's one of those experiences that keeps on giving. We came here in winter so when we got here it was still dark. They had little lights hanging on trees that made the place look like a fairyland. So magical. The gentleman who welcomed us at the gate was amazing. He was friendly and helpful. The ladies who served us the morning coffee were so friendly as well. Remarkably trained. I'm so impressed. We got our arrival warm drinks and enjoyed the view. We also got to see them set up the balloons. Once the balloons were set up, to say the sight was magical would be an understatement. I felt like I was dreaming. The flight was the best. A couple got engaged in the air and honestly, I agree. That was a good place to ask for her hand in marriage. The duration of the flight is perfect. We saw the sunrise. The views below were amazing. When we landed we were helped out. And enjoyed a bush-style toast. I thought that was it but we still had a delicious breakfast waiting for us. We set to enjoy a buffet breakfast, got our "bravery certificates" and enjoyed conversations with bees, birds, and the wind adding to the ambiance. 5 stars are rare but this is deserving. I highly recommend, at least once.

What an experience!!! So glad we decided to book this bucket list adventure with Bill Harrops! Everything so well organised, friendly staff, amazing breakfast, after a spectacular balloon ride!!! Loved every minute!!! Couldnt recommend this team more!

Had a amazing day for the birthday of my wife from the booking assisted by a friendly lady ELIZE who was able to assist with even the accommodation on near places,security guy what a friendly gentleman JOHANNES and the ground staff are so amazing,our PILOT Mr Deon with an experience of over 41 year he answered all 3 billion questions we asked and very informative what a flight and obviously the toast of mimosas after the flight it was amazing Thank Bill Harrop's

Atmosphere and music was calm. The staff was very courteous, professional and helpful. The food was fresh and portions quite generous, however it took long to arrive. Overall, a great experience.

Great setting. The french toast options are plentiful. Breakfast and coffee was perfect. Lovely bakery as well. Not your normal run of the mill (😉) cafe. Wish it was open for dinner as well for a bit of French cuisine… Will definitely see you soon.

French Toast has inside and outside dining. Sits on the main road in Hartebeestpoort Dam. Is wheelchair friendly. Being a week day it was not full. There are plenty photo opportunities. The waiters/waitresses were very friendly and attentive

A perfectly little getaway to get out of the city for the day. French Toast Cafe transcends you to a make shift Paris in Hartbeespoort. Sitting outside under umbrellas looking at the mini Eiffel Tower while pleasantly enjoying a meal and lovely mocktails. The food was large portions and quite filling. We had the couscous salad with roasted butternut, basil tomato mozzarella sandwich, fries, french toast with maple syrup and washed down with a cappuccino, mango daiquiri and cranberry cooler. The food was tasty and quite filling. It’s quite a lovely way to spend the day and be immersed in the surroundings

Such a gem. Have been many times and would definitely recommend taking visitors. Also has a deli and very cute shops in the same complex.

The food was delicious and the portion was more than enough. Only drawback was that we had to ask on 3 occasions for sauces and it only arrived when we nearly finished our meal.

French Toast is such a charming spot! The Eiffel Tower adds a unique touch, and the venue is colourful and vibrant. Breakfast was delicious, and despite being busy on a Sunday, the atmosphere was lovely. Definitely worth a visit!

Just don’t take anything with you into the monkey area. Even if it ties or zips closed etc they will get in and you won’t get your stuff back. Sadly, No bush babies but fun none the less. Very cool experience!

Our guide, Daniel, was amazing. Great sense of humor and so knowledgeable. We really enjoyed the entire experience, it was just fabulous. Breathtaking scenery and the sweetest interaction with the different monkeys 🐒

What a wonderful experience! This place really surprised me in the best way. You get proper hands-on interaction with Asian monkeys, which is amazing if you love being up close with animals. But I’ll be honest—if the thought of monkeys jumping on you or sitting on your shoulder makes you nervous, then this might not be for you. Most of the monkeys here are rescues, many of them used to be pets, so they are very comfortable around people. A lot of them will come right up to you. They are not aggressive, but they are curious and quick—so my biggest advice: put all your belongings in the lockers at the entrance. Don’t risk carrying a bag, backpack, or even loose things in your pockets. These little guys will happily grab whatever they can—your sunglasses, purse, or even car keys—and run off. Our guide, Sam, was fantastic. He was very informative and gave us the chance to feed the monkeys, which was definitely a highlight. The walk through the sanctuary itself is also beautiful. You wander along paths, cross a few rope bridges, and climb over some rocky spots—so wear comfortable shoes. What I loved most was how well the monkeys are looked after. The sanctuary is huge, with plenty of space for them to climb, play, and explore. It doesn’t feel cramped or staged—it feels like a proper safe haven. Overall, it’s an unforgettable experience. Thumbs up to our guide Sam for making it extra special. I’ll definitely be back—next time, without a backpack!

Visited this attraction. The website does not distinguish on pricing between feeding the monkeys and not feeding the monkeys. It appears at12pm, the walking tour includes feeding and that is an extra R50 to the price. I am not sure of the other times but it appears you have to pay this for the 12pm walking tour. Roughly 150 monkeys in a 7 hectare enclosure and some of the monkeys hang around the entrance because the kitchen is there and a central feeding point when they know they are going to be fed. Monkeys are friendly and interact , especially as we took feeding bowls to feed them and get them to come close to us as we walked. There are a couple of suspension bridges you walk over, unfortunately we did not get to see a lot of the monkeys maybe around 25 throughout the whole tour, and I expected the enclosure to have more than 150 monkeys. It is a novelty experience as one cannot get close to these animals any other way but I do believe that it is not value for money. More than 70% of the walk, we did not see any monkeys or interact with them. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly.

I had a fantastic time at the Monkey Sanctuary! It's a truly unique and fun experience where you get up close with over 150 monkeys of different species—all in a natural forest environment. The monkeys are active, curious, and absolutely fascinating to watch. The sanctuary is beautifully spread out, allowing for a pleasant walk through the trees on suspended walkways and forest trails. What really made the experience even better were the friendly, knowledgeable guides—they clearly love what they do and it shows in how they engage with the group and care for the animals. It's not only entertaining but also very educational—we learned a lot about the various primates, their stories, and the sanctuary's conservation efforts. Whether you're a family, couple, or solo traveler, this is a top activity in Hartbeespoort. Highly recommended!

We loved the experience, a simply must. Although I must say it is quite expensive. The place is well taken care of with very friendly staff. Monkeys is very comfortable with people and have no problem to come up close. One even climbed on me. The only reason for giving only 4 stars is because everybody going in for feeding time pays the same price however not every person gets their own feeding bucked we were 2 and only got 1 and there was a family of 6 and they only got 4 even though all of us paid full price. There is drinks available to buy onnsite at affordable prices. Bathrooms also very clean. And safe parking with a very friendly car guard also there. Update 7 July 2025. We went there again today. We were 8 people, and all of us got a bucket of food. The monakeys interacted a lot more than the last time. The place is still kept with awesome staff and animals very well taken are of. Now, definitely 10/5

Incredible experience with a guide Sam! You have the opportunity to explore these animals (when they literally jump on you!) by feeding them, as well as the sanctuary itself by having a nice stroll. We came closer to the end of the working day and there were almost no one, so we had a private tour around the place. People there are the sweetest ones because we had a problem with the taxi and one of the guards stayed with us till it came, to make sure we are safe. Overall, if you want to explore wildlife and have a great time, this is a place to go!

Was passing by and decided to take a quick look. What a little gem, such a peaceful place, it felt like I took a trip back in time. Old pastor house turned into a restaurant, with seating inside with lovely antique chairs and fixtures, or outside in the shady garden, artwork on display all around. I can imagine having a romantic daytime wedding here, and there is a church right nextdoor. Will try the food next time, but overall impression was lovely and nostalgic.

Adele and team catered for my Dad’s 90th which he celebrated in frailcare. The effort and detail they put in was amazing and they did it all with minimum comms and exactly as requested-AND so much MORE. The food looked exquisite and tasted absolutely YUMMY. They thought of every aspect and they blew me away with what they did for us and how everything was immaculate and incredibly tasty and unique 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

What a lovely party we had for a friend. Sitting outside under the trees on wooden dining chairs made it special. The food was very delicious. Just a pity it is situated so far out of Pretoria. But definitely worth the drive!

Amazing atmosphere, food delicious, perfect location to sit and relax under the trees and enjoy good food

Had Sunday lunch, was fantastic, sat in the garden, service was relaxed, no pressure to order and constantly at your table, allowing you to chill, fantastic food, lots of other dishes on the menu that I will be going back for. Keep it up👍🏻

Die Ou Pastorie has a wonderful garden sitting. I took my mother for lunch and we were happy to find that the Health Spa was open. She was very happy with her massage. I was able to find a space to work while waiting: goed coffee and relaxing under the canopy of trees. Dewald was a wondeful host, our food was fresh and service was timely. Felt at home. We had a limited lunch menu, being midweek, but still managed to have an enjoyable lunch: The Springbok Carpaccio and Valley salad were perfect.

Went for lunch on a Thursday. The venue is beautiful but the food was a little underwhelming and the service quite slow for a relatively quiet day.

We did the 5km Zebra trail. Its advertised as easy - Moderate... the first 2km is uphill and hard! The last 3km is downhill and easy. Roads are clearly marked and trails are well looked after. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Cross the river via bridge or cable car! Very cool! Take loads of fluid!

(Krokodilberg 10km) A real gem close to Harties. Great for trail running. Plenty of places to rest and take in the views of the gorges and hills and beautiful lush valleys. Well maintained and marked.

Did the 10km trail. Feels like a 20km - lots of climbing and steep downhills. There are 2 escape routes along the trail because it can get treacherous. You have to be very fit for this trail and have the proper hiking gear etc. Some nice suspension bridges along the river. Take lots of water and snacks.

It was fairly difficult for me because I'm honestly unfit, however its a great hiking trail. No animals to see. You get to see the Hennops river and other beautiful sceneries. There is a cable car that requires man power which I unfortunately didn't get to go on but it looked fun. Overall I would definitely recommend this trail.

I enjoy this trail a lot. I find it challenging, and i love how they have multiple warning signs and escape routes along the way 😅 I generally walk the 10km, and it's not easy by any stretch of the imagination. My favourite spot is the cave. If you choose to go down there, the view of the river is spectacular from there (the video attached). It's a really good workout, would highly recommend for a nice challenge. They have different trail lengths, and you can either use the cable car or bridge to cross the river on the way back (I'd suggest the cable car - but you have to pull it yourslef to get to the other side). The place does get very busy, they also have picnic and braai areas where people can chill when done (i haven't been)

Easy to locate, beautiful views. Staff is friendly and helpful. The hiking trail is well maintained and marked.

The place is beautiful and the water sounds makes I even better. We did a 5km trail and it was awesome, wished we did the 10km instead. We then hung out at the picnic area and all in all it was an awesome experience.

What a breathtakingly beautiful, scenic and breeze of a hiking spot. Did the 10kms and it felt like a 2km walk. The Host Max is an absolute delight. Informative and funny as hell. I would highly recommend this hike. Even if you haven't hiked before, this one is beginner friendly.

A beautiful and rewarding experience! I recently did this picturesque 8km hike and absolutely loved it. It was both a joy and a challenge to complete! On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by Max, who gave us a clear and friendly rundown of what to expect. Entry is just R60, and water and snacks are available for purchase before you start. Parking is secure. The trail offers a steady ascent, and the views become more breathtaking the higher you go. The paths are well-marked, making it easy to follow and enjoy the natural surroundings without worry. After the hike, we made our way to the Rusty Feather — the perfect spot to unwind. We had lunch while relaxing beside the beautiful Crocodile River, which was a lovely way to end the adventure. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys nature, light physical challenge, and scenic beauty!

Absolutely stunning hike! We did the 10km trail which was a nice mixture of being technical but incredibly rewarding. Highlight is definitely the magnificent views at the top. There are three trails. A 6km out-and-back route, and then longer 8km and 10km loops. The longer routes go all the way up the mountain where you get a panoramic view of Harties. In terms of difficulty, the initial climb can be a little steep which is tiring, but once you’re at the top it’s mostly flat and downhill. The trails are all really well marked. They also have a Google Map you can follow on the trail to check if you’re still on the route. Definitely highly recommend. And afterwards be sure to stop by the Rusty Feather for a rewarding lunch.

If you’re a newbie to the world of trails and hikes then this one is for you to begin your journey. We did a 10KM trail here, this place has options of 6, 8 and 10 Kms trail, kids friendly and amazing views on the trail. We enjoyed this one and pretty sure you would also.

Great hiking trail close to JHB. Bookings must be made in advance. The 10km trail is of moderate difficulty that anybody with a reasonable level of fitness should accomplish easily. Great views of the river and of harties dam. This would be a great route to run. Will definitely be back. The trail is NOT dog friendly due to other wildlife and private farm crossings.

Distance by car from Benoni to Harties Hike was about 1:05mins. There's some road works so when you get to the place be careful to listen to Google and turn right at the shops. Lots if secure parking . We were greeted by Max and Louise. wow their friendliness is overwhelming and very a informative pre hike briefing coupled with Max's jokes. You can scan your map on your phone or follow the markers on the trial which is really well marked out. the 8 km was for us a intermediate hike,not difficult.,unless you struggle to climb some Huge rocks.The trail isn't daunting at all for those who struggle with highs..In other words it not at the edge of any mountains. Some climbing after the 3 km mark ,unless you want to return back to base you would have covered 6 km. continue on to 8 km where eventually at a point in the downhill was two sign boards showing 10km or 8km .We hadn't seen any animals but we're hoping to see some Baboons ,Warthogs or Antelope as per Max briefing. After the we went on to have a sandwich at the Restaurant close by. we waited awhile for our sandwich as it was very busy. the sandwich wasn't too bad and the home made chips were very tasty and nicely done. There seems to be a beer fest and a small market with odds and ends as well as food stalls. It was interesting to see what others were up too that side of Northwest . The only thing we didn't like was two dogs walked freely in and out the restaurant.Im not sure if they were with their owners ,but they didn't sit down or stay so that was good. If you eating food and have animals walking around that isn't good as dogs give off a revolting smells.. otherwise we wil be back for another hike and a burger and chips.

This hiking trail is in between the Crocodile River and Hartebeestpoort Dam. It has a large hill that the 8km and 10km trails go up, with beautiful views from the top. It can be windy and very sunny and hot on top, so take enough water with you. The place is only open on weekends and you have to book in advance, and attend a compulsory briefing before you start if you've never done the hike before. Cars aren't allowed in after 9am (so arrive early), but you have until 3 thirty pm to enjoy the trails.

Incredible Abseiling Experience! I had an absolutely amazing time on this abseiling adventure! The team was professional, friendly, and made sure we felt safe every step of the way. The thrill of descending while taking in the breathtaking views was an unforgettable experience. Everything was well-organized, from the safety briefing to the actual abseil, and the guides were incredibly supportive and encouraging. Whether you're a beginner or an adrenaline junkie, this is an experience not to be missed! Highly recommended for anyone looking for an exciting and well-run adventure. I'll definitely be back for more!

We did the river rafting when water levels were down but the experience was beautiful, Atmosphere of the place was quiet and calming and the water was Adrenalin pumping. Our safety was prioritised with water guides along with us and help to offer support whenever needed and provided exceptional guidance along the way. The price for the river rafting was worth more than the value provided. However challenge is finding the place as a 1st timer and once having arrived, you are taken by the truck to the river which is about 10min it’s Of travel, the sun was quite hot so the travelling experience to the river wasn’t much fun.

A fun filled activity along the river, Bless was an amazing guide and full of character and gave us a highly enjoyable experience, would recommend to all visiting the Hartbeespoort area and during winter it is advisable to bring extra clothes and enjoy a lovely coffee at the onsite shop. Thank you to Jess and her Team for making it all possible Will do it again :)

What an action packed afternoon! The team was amazing and we really enjoyed the experience. It was nerve wrecking and definitely took us out of our comfort zone which is what we wanted. Thank you guys !!!

AMAZING! I would recommend to anyone. We did the White River rafting and it was an AMAZING experience. Please do visit them. The food at the restaurant afterwards was so so nice. I would definitely recommend. We came here for my husbands birthday!

It. Was a thrilling experience,the guides made sure we were well taken care of and enjoyed every moment of ot

The experience was amazing and our tour guide that came along in the river rafting directed our perfectlu👌 the trip the views of the mountains were beautiful. The experience was so good that my husband and I have decided to take river rafting has a future hobby. You have to try Paddle Power adventures, so worth it!

Beautiful animals that are well taken care of. I would just suggest some maintenance for the fish tanks, as a few of them have leaks. Also, I believe some of the animals, like the alligator and crocodiles, would benefit from larger enclosures.

Nice outing with small kids, enough to be entertaining and not too much to be a difficult outing with tired kids. I would like the seal to have a playmate or something, it seemed sad. The aquarium and fish are well looked after. The crocs and birds are also well looked after with clean pens and pools. Overall good experience. Ps. Photos were taken by a child, haha.

Great outting for the kids to some different animals and fish. They are apparently rescues which makes it better. They all look well taken care of but could obviously do with a cash injection to update some things. The chap doing the shows was fantastic and well worth the entrance fee.

This place has really picked up over the years. I'm so proud of them. I went through the week and I was lucky enough to have a private crocodile, seal and pelican show! Buying a ticket here also gives you access to the Makalani bird park down the road.

It's a nice park. You have to understand the animals there live in swamps so their habitat is ideal for where they are staying. It seem very clean and nice on our visit. The seal, pelican and croc feeding was awesome! You can also hold a baby croc. Also in the same money you get entrance to Makalani bird park which is really nice. Has a variety of birds and monkeys. Even a play place for kids. I give them a thumbs up! 👍

Had excellent experience, really love the seal and crocodile and pelican tour. When you buy a ticket you get a free ticket for the bird park down the road. I loved to walked trow the aquarium especially the big ones where you can get the real effect of what the ecosystem look like in the dam. Animal very well looked after. Very clean enclosures and water. Very friendly staff as well. Will definitely visit again. Also went to the bird park, have beautiful birds and n walk in cage where you can see the cape vultures up an close. Bird park need some improvement but animals looks nice and healthy. They also have some monkeys and meerkate and raccoon to look at.

Not wheelchair friendly. The wheels of the chair get stuck on the brick paving and large areas with grass. The animals are well kept, but the variety is small. Some fish seem to have tumors. The personel at the akwarium and bird park are friendly

We did a quad bike adventure today and it was absolutely amazing! The guides were fantastic — they made us feel completely safe while still giving us an unforgettable, exciting experience. We saw zebras along the way and the views were absolutely to die for! They even took photos for us, which was such a nice touch. We loved every second of it and highly recommend this adventure to anyone looking for fun and breathtaking scenery!

Value for money. Great staff. Best day of my life. This is the review you were looking for. I can barely drive a normal car so I was nervous that I wouldn't enjoy the experience or hold back the group. The guides are the best, most patient teachers and you will quickly get comfortable on the quad bike. They refer to the bikes as machines because that's what it is and it will carry you over any terrain just trust the bike. It's not guaranteed you'll see animals but we were lucky to see a family of giraffes and different bucks. I'm telling everyone I know about this amazing experience and I'll be back!

Celebrated my birthday at Segwati Range and boy oh boy was it not amazing! First time experience and it was a blast, enjoyed every moment of the adrenaline. The staff is so wonderful, friendly and very patient, fun too. I was so humbled to have also been gifted by your team. Definitely coming back. What a ride! Thank you and stay blessed

This place is awesome and real quad bike adventure with a great trail. Prepare to get dirty though, so don’t doll up, come ready to have fun.

I loved every bit of my quad experience. The instructors were patient and very helpful.

This was an unmarked hike, and that definitely added to the adventure. There were tracks to follow, but without proper signs, navigation became a challenge

We enjoyed the quad ride very much. Everyone can do it. Instructor and guide were awesome.

Great location for a summer day

Great place to visit with family and friends

Had epic adventurous day loved the speed boat

If you need a pleasant experience,, don’t go there ,, the African lady selling tickets over the counter inside is sooooooo rude

The outmosphere, I entered from queuing in the sun to a freshing surrounding, just entry point, the dam fresh spring breeze welcomes you to a beautiful walk way, greeted by the zoo displayed it just a walk in a underground gem, stairs pulling you more mistries, check point to the cruises, Boats, all kind of fun, water junkies this is place for yall..All kind of water sports, just fun fun

The dam is heavily polluted, bottles ,plastics cover the surface which is covered by some kind of weed. The kids I was with didn't realize there was water, they thought it was a solid surface. There is a distinct stench emanating from the brackish water.you only get to see the water as the boat separates the weeds that cover the dam surface

Lovely staff and crew. Beautiful views. Value for your money. I would definitely recommend and will be visiting again.

My family and I did a kayak rental with Harties Kayak Adventures(Keith and Stephanie), a while ago.What a relaxing time that was!Loved it so much we as a family decided to acquire our own kayaks.Through Stephanie, we purchased our VanHunks kayaks.A more professional, friendly and swift service you will struggle to find anywhere else! Within hours of payment we received our waybill information and a few days later our kayaks were delivered at our door! This is amazing service from Harties Kayak Adventures!Thank you so much Stephanie!

Stephanie and Keith are amazing. My wife was afraid to try Kayak, Stephenie and Keith calmed her down and did regular checks during the kayak tour, she felt safe in the dam, and they are also awesome guides 11/10. We are definitely coming back.

Lovely outing on Hartbeespoort Dam, interesting opportunity to see bird life on the water. Kayak instructors provided a safe and enjoyable experience. Thank you

Lovely morning kayak session with Harties Kayak adventures. Informative and friendly guides, who ensured we were comfortable and felt safe. An amazing experience. Highly recommend.

Harties kayak adventures was super super amazing WOW! what a lovely experience, I would definitely recommend this place to people visiting harties 👌🛶

The kayak tour was the best experience during our one-week stay in Kosmos! Stephanie and her husband are really kind and flexible and very accomodating. The tour was perfectly tailored to our needs, offered great views of the dam and the Magaliesberg mountain range and we felt very safe and well-guided at all times. Highly recommended and thank you for this wonderful experience!

Fun kayak trip, good arm exercise, beautiful view of the dam and mountains from the water. High quality kayak, vest and paddle. Highly recommend experience.