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My Ultimate List of Things to do in Hartbeespoortdam in South Africa

 
Jasmyn Farm Stall and Windmill Restaurant.
Visiting the Hartbeespoortdam area is like visiting your favourite candy store with a surprise around every corner - with beautiful scenery.  This is definitely one of my preferred places to visit in the North West Province.  Situated in the Bojanala region, it offers visitors magnificent views of the Hartbeespoortdam, the Magaliesberg  mountain range and  a taste of life in the South African countryside, yet with all amenities nearby.  The dam wall was constructed in 1925 making it an amazing 88 years old.  Its shoreline is about 56 km when it is full and is a sought after destination for weekend getaways and day trips with visitors enjoying para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.  For those who have the courage, other activities include paragliding, hang-gliding, hot air ballooning, scenic drives and hikes through hills and valleys. A nice way to explore the whole area is via the Heritage Route which starts at the dam, goes north to the Pilanesberg National Park up to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the north. Places we love to visit are, amongst others:
 
The Lesedi African Lodge and Cultural village where visitors can enjoy cultures and traditions of the people of Africa with a very authentic experience.

The Harties Cableway, which is under new ownership,  caters for the whole family with picnics, splendid views, an educational walkway (1 km) and a restaurant, the Bugatti Express,  for those who want to treat themselves to a nice meal.  Many grooms proposed to their brides here at the Cableway because it is such  a romantic area.

The Snake and Animal Park, a private park with a great variety of species, including all the big cats, chimpanzees and reptiles. Regular regular snake, seal and animal handling demonstrations are held at the seal pool.  The entry fees are very expensive, but since this is a private park which is well maintained, this is understandable.

Once in the Snake and Animal Park, treat yourself with one of the daily cruises on the dam which depart every 30 to 45 minutes.  Tickets can be bought online or at the ticket office at the far end of the Park.  Follow the directions once inside the park.

Experience true South African hospitality at Tant Malies Winkel where you can treat yourself to a South African braai or some traditional South African dishes.

Visit the Jasmyn Farm stall and Windmill Restaurant. You can buy a wide range fresh of fresh products and frozen prepacked meals at this well visited Farm stall.  The Windmill restaurant next door is also very popular amongst both locals and visitors.

Go for a day trip to the Eagle Waters Wild Life Resort and experience some water sports, arts and crafts and game while enjoying a beautiful view of the dam.

Eat at the popular Squires  on the Dam restaurant with a very extensive menu consisting of grills, sea food and meat dishes.
 
Hartbeespoortdam is within easy reach from both Johannesburg and Pretoria and is the ideal getaway for families, the adventurous and young at heart.  It offers numerous bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation with plenty of restaurants.
 
View of the Harbeespoort dam from Kosmos Village.




View of Kosmos Village from the dam.


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