Hartbeespoort
The locals call it “Harties” because it’s familiar, fun and easily accessible from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
Hartbeespoort soul and centre is not the pretty village climbing up the hills, the ancient mountains encircling the town, or even the leisure developments that mushroom up over night. It’s the dam, Hartbeespoort Dam, where you can find more to do, more places to stay and more fun to have than anywhere else in the vicinity.
It all started in 1923, when the dam was built – take note of the lovely old bridge and gatehouse as you drive over the wall. The dam is fed by the Crocodile and Magalies rivers and stretches over 20km².
Harties, “the Playground of Gauteng”, is a perfect place to take time off after a business
trip, or just to have a day out. There is a wealth of attractions in the area – natural, cultural, sporting, health, water sports (the venerable Transvaal Yacht Club has been here since 1923), hiking, dining, art galleries, flea markets and adventure.
The Elephant Sanctuary (elephantsanctuary@mweb.co.za, booking essential) is a delightful way to meet, greet and begin to understand these mighty pachyderms. Take a morning or afternoon trip or stay overnight.