Hartbeespoort is one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria. It offers many exciting things to do, and the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cable Car is one of the top visitor attractions for an ideal family day trip! Here, you can learn more about the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, how to get there, and the cable car ride experience.
Where Is the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway?
The easiest way to get to the Hartbeespoort Cableway is by car. For the best car rental deals, click here.
You can quickly drive to Hartbeespoort Dam from either Johannesburg or Pretoria. It is approximately an hour by car from Johannesburg and 45 minutes from Pretoria, as you can see on the Hartbeespoort Dam map below.
You can find the Hartbeespoort aerial cableway one kilometre north of the town of Hartbeespoort, which is in the North-West province of South Africa.
Address: Plot 3, Melodie, Agricultural Holdings, Hartbeespoort. GPS coordinates: S 25°43’11.6″ EO 27°53’04.8″ Telephone: +27 (0)12 253 9910/1/2/3 or +27 (0)79 023 3012 Email: info@hartiescableway.co.za. Instagram: Harties Cableway
If you don’t want to drive, another option for visiting the Cableway is to take a tour. Here’s one: Harties cableway Tour
History of The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
The first Harties aerial cableway opened in 1973. People loved the panoramic views of the Magaliesberg. Both local and overseas visitors loved visiting the original cableway, and it became a popular paragliding and hang gliding spot. In 2005, the cableway closed because it was in a state of disrepair.
In 2010, Zargodox (Pty) Ltd became the new owners when they purchased the old cableway and started working with a Swiss company, Rowema AG, to renovate it for over two years. They purchased 14 hi-tech cable cars and installed touch-screen technology, newly galvanised cabling, auto cabin spacing, and conveyor programming technology. They tested the cableway for over 500 hours to ensure compliance with the Canadian Standards Association specifications.
On 14 August 2010, the then Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk re-opened the cableway as a world-class facility. The long cableway is 1,2 km long, and each cable car carries up to six passengers.
In 2012, the Harties Aerial Cableway won the best conference venue award at the North West Provincial Tourism Awards.
Reasons to Take the Hartbeespoort Cableway
The Magalies Mountains is one of the oldest mountains on earth. It is almost 100 times older than Mount Everest, and its rocks show the evidence of the tides which rippled against the shore more than 2,000 million years ago.
The Hartbeespoort cableway is currently the longest mono cableway in South Africa. Upon your arrival at the top of the mountain, you can enjoy amazing views of the Hartbeespoort Dam and Magaliesberg while learning about the surrounding area from the educational placards scattered along a pathway on the mountain. The Magaliesberg is a recognised World Biosphere Reserve.
The staff at the Harties Cableway is friendly and contributed to us having an awesome day!
The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway Experience: What Is It Like?
We visited the cableway on a weekday. When we arrived, we bought our tickets at the ticket kiosk and were delighted to find out that I didn’t have to pay since it was my birthday! What a pleasant surprise!
After this, we moved towards the cable car base station, where they took our temperatures and logged our details in their visitors’ book. They also provided hand sanitiser. No people were waiting, and we could immediately get into a cable car. At that point, they sanitised the cable cars at the top and bottom as people departed.
And then our cable car ride up the mountain started. The cable cars were fast, and the entire trip only took a few minutes before we arrived at the top of the base station at the top of the mountain. The mountain did not look that high from the ground level, but it was pretty steep, and we had beautiful views of the Magaliesberg mountain range. While journeying up or at the top of the mountain, you can see agricultural fields, mines and human settlements.
Activities at The Top of The Magaliesberg Mountains
When you disembark at the top station, you can choose from various activities.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Harties Cableway
In this section, we explore some of the most commonly asked questions and answers about the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway experience.
What Are the Hartbeespoort Cableway’s Opening Hours?
The Hartbeespoort Cableway is open five days a week, from Wednesday to Sunday. They are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Remember, the opening hours may be different in bad weather.
From Wednesday to Friday, you can do the first ride up from 9:00 to 16:00, with the last ride down departing from the top station at 16:30. On Saturdays and public holidays, you can visit from 8:30 to 16:30. The last car down is at 17:00. On Sundays, they are open from 8:30 to 16:00, with the last ride down at 16:30.
What Are the Harties Cableway Prices?
The cableway price for adults is R250 per person. Pensioners and students pay R160 per person. You can go up for free if it is seven days before or after your birthday. For the pensioner or birthday rates, you need to show identification.
You can also book two-seater tickets for R300 per person for adults (people over 16) and R210 per person for those under 16.
They have special cable car packages from time to time. Check out their website to see what is available.
Where Can I Buy the Tickets for The Harties Cableway?
You can buy tickets online through Webtickets or at the ticket office at the Hartbeespoort Cableway.
Are There Shops at The Aerial Cableway Hartbeespoort?
Yes, there is a curio shop at the bottom base station. They sell gifts, clothing, souvenirs, and arts and crafts. If you want Harties Cableway branded goods, you will find them here. The range includes items such as caps, toiletry sets and clothing.
What Restaurants Are There at The Harties Cableway?
You can choose from a variety of restaurants:
What Other Facilities Are There at The Hartbeespoort Cableway?
You can find first-class conferencing facilities here for special events, corporate functions or weddings.
Are There Other Activities You Can Do from The Mountaintop?
Yes, there are many outdoor activities for nature lovers. You can take your mountain bike up on a cable car ride and come down using one of the multiple mountain biking trails. Alternatively, some people take the cable car up and hike down the Magaliesberg Mountain.
Is There Parking at The Harties Cableway?
There is a parking area at the Cableway. It is safe with a security guard controlling access.
Have a Weekend Getaway in Hartbeespoort
The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway is a world-class experience, but it is one of many fun things to do in the Hartbeespoort Dam area. If you want to explore all Hartbeespoort offers, why not spend a weekend in this fun North-West province town! Here are some of the wonderful tours in or near Hartbeespoort:
- Horseback Safari Adventure in Hartbeespoort from Johannesburg
- Hartbeespoort: Lion and Safari Park Tour
- Private Hartbeespoort Dam and Magaliesberg Mountains Tour
- Hartbeespoort: 1-Hour Predator Tour
- Early Morning Balloon Safari with Breakfast from Magaliesburg
- Hartbeespoort: Daily Boat Cruises
Here are good accommodation options for a weekend getaway to Hartbeespoort:
- Resort: First Group Magalies Park
- Guesthouse: Indlovukazi Guesthouse
- Boutique Hotel: Three Oaks and an Aloe Boutique Hotel