Harties Aerial Cableway - new cars

Something fun to do this school holiday – Harties Aerial Cableway

On a recent visit to Hartbeespoort, Shawn suggested we take Zee to the Harties Aerial Cableway. His suggestion was shot down quickly by the horrified look on my face, followed by the tale of how I’d been traumatized by said cableway many years ago – I was eighteen, and during a weekend in Hartbeespoort with family, we bought tickets for a ride. The cars were really old, semi open, and I was scared the entire ride up, and then down again.

Of course by now Zee had heard us, and all she caught of the conversation was that there was a fun ride to be had. Oh boy. My rather feeble attempt to get these two to put off the deathly scary cable car ride was unsuccessful (“Look at those clouds, guys, it’s going to rain! We can do this another time.”), and off we headed to the place I really didn’t want to be.

Fortunately for me, there was a very pleasant surprise awaiting us. The old cableway (which was built in 1973!!) had closed in 2005. It had since been completely revamped, under new ownership. Yes, fancy new cable cars too. 🙂

Harties Aerial Cableway - new cars

The ride to the top felt so smooth and secure compared to when I’d last been there, meaning I was actually able to take in the pretty great view on the way up.

At the top, there’s a bar, and a curio shop – Little Shop at the Top. After a quick stop in there, we strolled along the Dassie Loop walkway, and were treated to gorgeous views of Hartbeespoort Dam, Magaliesburg, and some of Johannesburg. Shawn even pointed out where you could see Pretoria in the distance.

Harties Aerial Cableway - little shop

Harties Aerial Cableway - view

Harties Aerial Cableway - family

Zee was delighted to find the KidZone play area right at the top! We were just glad there was plenty of place to sit, because she was having so much fun, we were not getting her out of that jungle gym anytime soon. You can get light meals while you’re up there too, but with Zee not wanting anything other than to play, we decided we’d wait to grab a bite together at the base.

Harties Aerial Cableway - KidZone

Harties Aerial Cableway - KidZone

Harties Aerial Cableway - KidZone

Once we’d eventually pried Zee away from KidZone, we headed back to the cable car, and straight to Hero’s Cableway Grillhouse and Pizzeria at the base to feed our bellies! We were really impressed with the food – the pizza Shawn and I shared was generously topped and delicious. Zee’s chicken strips and fries were also yummy, and daddy and I couldn’t resist stealing a few! 😉

Harties Aerial Cableway - Zee

Harties Aerial Cableway - old cable cars

Our trip to Harties Cableway turned out to be so much fun, and now I’m the first to say it’s a must do if you’re in Hartbeespoort.

A tip for when you do visit: Carry a jacket, as it can get a little cold at the top, and of course a camera so you can capture it all.

This post was originally published on jozikids.

Tammymum

31 thoughts on “Something fun to do this school holiday – Harties Aerial Cableway

  1. Tammymum says:

    Wow those views are amazing. What a great day out that would be. You’re very lucky or have something like that. I can’t think of anything similar we have here. I’d love to give the cable cars a go, and he pizza lol. Thanks for joining us at #familyfun

  2. Angela Watling says:

    Ooh you are brave going up there. i have a terrible fear of heights so have never enjoyed cable cars. That said, the views are amazing. It looks wonderful up there! Sounds like a great day xx # FamilyFun

    • admin says:

      I’m not great with heights either, which is why I seat myself strategically in the cable car haha… its better if I’m looking up, not down! It was loads of fun though, and I’m sure my little one will ask that mom be braver and do it again sometime soon! 🙂

  3. Noleen Miller says:

    The view is amazing. Will be adding Hartbeespoort to our list of places to visit. I must admit everytime I go up Table Mountain with the cablecar my stomach turn into knots even though I’ve been up there manier times. Glad all all went well and you had a wonderful time.#lekkerlinky

    • admin says:

      Haha.. I‘ve also been nervous each time we’ve been up Table Mountain. It’s so worth it when you’re at the top though! And it’s the same with this one – there’s so much beauty to be seen from the top. 🙂

    • admin says:

      I’m glad I could show you something new. 🙂 And yes, you must definitely go once she’s a little older, and she can enjoy the ride up and have fun playing at the top. 🙂

  4. Jeanne-Riette says:

    Great to hear that you had such a lovely experience. It’s one of those things we have spoken about going to do, but you’re never quite sure what it’s like and if it’s actually running.
    Definitely going to add it to the to do list! #LekkerLinky

  5. Jean says:

    Sometimes I wished I lived in Joburg so I could do these cool things you have there!! It looks absolutely amazing and definitely something this mommy would want to explore 😉

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