Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, Johannesburg
Soar above the Magaliesberg mountains for breathtaking panoramic views and enjoy a unique bar experience at the summit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, Johannesburg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above the Magaliesberg mountains for breathtaking panoramic views and enjoy a unique bar experience at the summit.
"This is one of the highest bars around, with undoubtedly the best views ever!"
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your cableway tickets in advance online. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the top, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Summit of the cableway
Soar above the Magaliesberg mountains for breathtaking 360-degree views. Unforgettable scenery awaits!
Lookout Bar Experience
Summit
Sip cocktails at 1,400 meters high with unparalleled views. The ultimate spot for a scenic toast!
Family Fun Zone
Summit
A dedicated play area ensures kids are entertained while adults soak in the scenery. Fun for all ages!
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Ascent for the Best Views
Dam Views & Dining Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your cableway tickets in advance online. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the top, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos from the summit. :iphone:
🍽️ Dining Reservations
For popular restaurants at the top, consider booking a table in advance, especially on weekends. :knifeforkplate:
Dumb question about Harties
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by booking your cableway tickets in advance online. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the top, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Don't forget your camera or phone for stunning photos from the summit. :iphone:
🍽️ Dining Reservations
For popular restaurants at the top, consider booking a table in advance, especially on weekends. :knifeforkplate:
🚗 Dam Wall Drive
Experience a quick drive over the dam wall for a glimpse of the water. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway, highlighting the Lookout Bar as a unique experience. While the cable car ride and summit amenities are generally well-received, some find the dam views limited and wish for more accessible viewing points.
"Was a wonderful experience. We had so much fun with my family. My 13year old did the zip lining and we took a walk and beautiful pictures. A bit pricey but it is worth it. No real play area for my toddler except running around on the grass. The toilets are well kept."
Thandile Kwepile
"I loved the experience, the queues are fast. There's a birthday special when you come within 14 days.
The restaurant is lovely, the food was nice and portions were lovely. I loved their meat platters. Just make sure you are not in a hurry or hungry, otherwise seat and relax and enjoy the drinks with a lovely view.
The waiters are quite efficient, friendly and fast.."
Omphemetse Ditlhake
"The staff that handle getting passengers onto the cable cars are negligent. Not giving proper instructions, for example, notice that the cable car doors close automatically mid way up.
The restaurants on the mountain, zero customer service, upon arrival no attendance when we are literally standing in front of the staff, I had to get my own menu on the front desk, follow a waiter around to merely place an order thus in the end giving up and calling it a day. So unprofessional.
The 3 stars are for the wonderful welcome from the security, cashier who handled our ticket purchase and the views."
Penelope K.M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway is approximately an hour's drive from Johannesburg. You can drive yourself, or consider organized day tours. Many visitors opt for a self-drive, enjoying the scenic route. :car:
Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving earlier is recommended. :parking:
Public transport options to Hartbeespoort are limited. Most visitors travel by car or join guided tours from Johannesburg. :bus:
From Pretoria, take the N4 highway towards Rustenburg, then take the R511 exit towards Hartbeespoort. Follow signs for the Aerial Cableway. :road:
Yes, the drive to Hartbeespoort offers pleasant scenery, especially as you approach the Magaliesberg mountains. :mountains:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around R250-R300 for adults and slightly less for children. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing. Booking online can sometimes offer discounts. :moneybag:
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the ticket office at the base station. However, buying online in advance is often recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak times. :ticket:
Operating hours typically vary by season and day of the week. Generally, they open around 9 AM and close in the late afternoon. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date schedule. :clock:
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and sometimes for online bookings. Keep an eye on their website or social media for special offers. :discount:
The cableway is generally accessible, with facilities designed to accommodate visitors with disabilities. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs. :wheelchair:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
At the summit, you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, visit the Lookout Bar for drinks, dine at the restaurant, and there's a play area for children. :camerawithflash:
While the primary views are of the Magaliesberg mountains, you can catch glimpses of the Hartbeespoort Dam from certain vantage points at the top, especially on clear days. :water_wave:
Yes, there's a restaurant and the Lookout Bar at the summit offering food and beverages. It's a great spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. :foodie:
The ride up and down each takes approximately 5-10 minutes, offering continuous scenic views during the journey. :timer:
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photography. However, mornings can also offer clear skies and fewer crowds. :sunriseovermountains:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant at the top typically offers a menu with a variety of meals, from light snacks to more substantial dishes, often with a focus on South African cuisine. :platewithcutlery:
While specific menus can change, most restaurants in tourist areas aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check the current menu or inquire upon arrival. :leafy_green:
Generally, bringing outside food and drinks is not permitted in the dining areas. It's best to enjoy the offerings available at the summit. :noentrysign:
The Lookout Bar is a great spot for adults to enjoy a drink with a view. While children are welcome, it's more of a relaxed bar atmosphere. :beer_mug:
Yes, the area around Hartbeespoort offers various restaurants and cafes, including options like Silver Orange Bistro or De Vet Mossel, though these require separate travel. :forkandknife:
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers numerous vantage points for stunning panoramic shots of the Magaliesberg mountains. The Lookout Bar area also provides a unique backdrop. :camera:
Glimpses of the dam are possible from the top, but for dedicated dam photography, consider visiting the dam wall or waterfront areas separately. :camerawithflash:
Late afternoon offers the best light with the golden hour, creating warm, dramatic skies. Early mornings can also be good for clear, crisp shots. :sunriseovermountains:
Drone usage is typically restricted in such attractions for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to check the official regulations before flying a drone. :noentrysign:
Expect sweeping landscape photos, aerial views of the surrounding terrain, and candid shots of people enjoying the experience. :landscape:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during off-peak hours, like weekday mornings, to avoid overwhelming crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for your family. The accessibility of the cableway and the amenities at the top make it a convenient and enjoyable destination for a day trip with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, combine your cableway visit with other free or low-cost activities in the Hartbeespoort area, such as driving the dam wall or exploring public viewpoints. Prioritize visiting during weekdays to potentially avoid higher weekend pricing or busier periods.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the dam is not the primary focus from the top, try to find vantage points that include it in your shots for a more diverse portfolio. The Lookout Bar area also presents unique framing opportunities. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely be taking many photos!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Views: Beyond the Cable Car
While the cableway is the main attraction, remember that direct, unobstructed views of the Hartbeespoort Dam are limited from the summit. For dedicated dam viewing, consider a drive along the dam wall or exploring the waterfront areas. However, the cableway's summit does feature the Lookout Bar, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy a drink with an unparalleled mountain backdrop, a highlight for many visitors seeking a memorable experience.
For families, the summit also includes a kids' play area, ensuring younger visitors are entertained. This makes the cableway a well-rounded destination for various age groups. The overall experience is designed to be relaxing and visually rewarding, providing a perfect escape with stunning scenery just a short drive from Johannesburg.
Dam Viewing: Tips from Locals and Visitors
For a more relaxed dam viewing experience, driving along Waterfront Street in Schoemansville is recommended. This area offers better opportunities to see and enjoy the dam. While the cableway itself focuses on mountain vistas, the surrounding area provides alternative ways to appreciate the water.
It's worth noting that the dam's water quality can vary, with reports of it sometimes being covered in green algae. Despite this, the surrounding landscape and the sheer size of the dam still make it a significant feature of the Hartbeespoort area.
Dining and Refreshments at the Summit
Beyond the bar, a restaurant at the top provides a more formal dining experience. While specific menus can change, visitors can expect a range of options, from light snacks to full meals, often featuring local flavors. It's advisable to check their current offerings and consider making reservations, especially for weekend visits, as popular spots can fill up quickly.
For those planning a visit, remember that bringing outside food and drinks into the dining areas is generally not permitted. It's best to enjoy the culinary offerings available at the summit to complement your scenic experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit