Harties Aerial Cableway
Hartbeespoort
The Harties Aerial Cableway transports visitors to a mountaintop viewing platform and activity area and offers panoramic views of the Magaliesberg mountains and Hartebeespoort Dam. Located just 50 miles (80 kilometers) outside of Johannesburg, the gondola offers an experience similar to a trip to Cape Town’s Table Mountain.
A ride up the Harties Aerial Cableway (also known as the Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort) offers not only beautiful views but also ample activities and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy a meal with a view at one of the four mountain-top restaurants, or stop in at the cocktail bar to savor a drink while taking in the scenery. There are also picnic tables and a playground for kids.
If you want to explore more of the mountaintop, walk the half-mile (1 kilometer) Dassie Loop walkway, or bring a mountain bike with you (there are racks designed for this purpose on the gondola) and bike back down the steep slopes. Alternatively, book a paragliding trip that launches from the top of the mountain.
The cableway offers a convenient escape for Johannesburg residents and visitors.
Bring a camera to capture the views and binoculars to take a closer look at the surroundings.
The cableway and mountaintop area are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The mountaintop can be cool and windy, so bring a jacket.
Make sure to check the hours of the last cable car off the mountain, and be aware that the cable car schedule can change in inclement weather.
The easiest way to reach the cableway from Johannesburg is by car; the 50-mile (80-kilometer) drive takes about an hour: Take the M1 to exit 115 for Olifantsfontein Road Drive, and continue onto Summit Road. Turn right onto R511, and follow it to the cableway.
The cableway is open all year round from late morning until mid-afternoon, and the region is known for pleasant weather in all seasons. For the best chance of clear days and nice views, visit in the spring and summer (October–February). If visiting during the holidays, book tickets in advance to secure a spot on the gondola.
Hartbeespoort’s main attraction (apart from the cableway) is the Hartbeespoort Dam and the lake it creates. Visitors can take a speedboat tour around the lake, or relax and enjoy lunch on a cruise. You can also learn about the area’s ecology and wildlife at the Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, off-roading, and horseback riding.
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