Harties as it is affectionally referred to, is known as the adventure capital of the North West. An area oozing with history , beautiful Magaliesberg mountains that form the perfect back drop, sparkling blue waters of the dam and pristine African bush veld.
Encompassing all good things that make Africa great this is the ideal getaway for families from Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Accommodation – Harties is Africa
Be immersed in a truly unique African glamping experience only an hour away from any major city. This resort is hidden among the bush veld and offers 5 self – catering luxury tents with ensuite bathrooms as well as 3 fully equipped caravans. The property consists of dense bush, open grassland and riverfront views. An abundance of game includes springbok, a giraffe , wildebeest and so much more. You can relax here , whether it be splashing in the pool, sitting on the deck over looking the river listening to the chatter of the birds , going for a leisurely stroll through the pecan forests or learning more about the history at the Sappersrus blue plaque memorial up on the hill. After a busy day out exploring there is no better way to enjoy the African sunset, while braaing on your private porch looking out onto the mountains. The presence of roaming game combined with the sounds and smell of nature makes this a nature lovers paradise.
Bill Harrops Balloon Safari
Hovering gently above the tree tops at sunrise, while soaking up the views of the Magalies River Valley.Drifting above the world famous Cradle of HumanKind World Heritage Site, is indescribable. If this is what dreams are made of then floating among the clouds is sheer bliss for me. Bill and Mary Harrop have been running their daily, licensed service with professional pilots since 1981 – the oldest hot air balloon operator in Southern Africa. After the adventurous flight a delectable champagne breakfast is served where you can mingle with other guests. For the discerning traveller this is a trip of a life time, a choice that will be etched in your memory forever. This experience is for adults as well as children however children must be 7 years or older to fly and children under the age of 12 are 50% off the ticket price.
Elephant Sanctuary
Walk and interact with elephants, this unforgettable experience is perfect for the whole family. It brings elephant and man together in a unique and special way. There is a variety of different interactive programs that include learning about their anatomy, feeding the elephants, walking with them and giving the elephants a brush down and for those wanting a special kiss you might be lucky to get one. The monkey sanctuary is also on the property, so while you are there why not visit them also and feed the lemurs.
Harties Boat Company
No better way to experience Hartbeespoort dam than to enjoy a 2 hour sunset cruise. Gently cruising the waters that are over shadowed by the Magaliesberg Mountain Range, enjoying a delicious spread of gourmet snacks while travelling past the luxury housing on the banks of the dam. The boat is a fun outing for friends and family looking to enjoy a fun outing , birthday or celebration. The scenic dam with a magnificent sunset as a back drop is picturesque and the perfect way to end a day in Harties. Sitting on the upper deck gave us a birds eye view of our surroundings and we could breathe in the fresh air while listening to the water lapping on the side of the boat.
Lion & Safari Park
Only 13km from Lanseria airport this 600 hectare wildness reserve offers guests an incredible opportunity to get up close to many of South Africa’s most iconic animals. Children under the age of 12 are free, this is a fabulous way to educate children and encourage them to learn more about the these magnificent animals. All the lions are micro – chipped and recored on the national studbook and none of the lions are ever sold. There are various attractions at the park which include self drives , predator tours, mini safari tours, night feeding tours, walking with lions, feeding the animals and photo opportunities with lions and their cubs. On site there are restaurants , a kiddies play area and a shopping area. With so much to do this is a full day event that is sure to keep the entire family happy.
French Toast Coffee Cafe
Filmed in the cafe and in Paris, the movie was released on the 24 April 2015. This restaurant was built as the official “ bar “ in the film . Pieces of the set remain like the Eiffel Tower used and the “ I love you “ wall and the “ lock Bridge “ where you can place a lock of love and throw the key into the water of the fountain. The bridge fence is already full of locks and now visitors have become creative locking them on the tower, bicycles, flower pots etc. The Cafe does not have wifi, service is a bit slow but if its the photo experience you are going for its well worth it.
With so much to do in the area I recommend staying over for at least one night. It makes for a great family or romantic getaway. Glamping was the perfect choice for my boys, they were in their element , forgetting about city life and breathing fresh air while listening to the sounds of nature. It also made the day trips a lot easier to manage.
Contact Details
www.frenchtoastharties.co.za
www.lionandsafaripark.com
www.hartiesboatco.co.za
www.hartiesisafrica.co.za
www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
www.balloon.co.za
