Johannesburg is part of Gauteng province which is packed with plentiful attractions, from the Big 5 Malaria-free Dinokeng game reserve to the historic mining town of Cullinan, the World Heritage site Cradle of Humankind where you can explore the origins of our human ancestors to the scenic Magaliesberg mountains.
Popular activities for daytrippers include taking a ride up the Magaliesberg mountains on the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway to admire the views, just over an hour's drive from Johannesburg. Known as 'Haarties', Hartbeespoort is a large dam an hour's drive from Johannesburg. With a beautiful mountain backdrop and lots of farm shops to explore this is a popular spot with weekend holiday-makers from Johannesburg and Pretoria. Much of the coastline of the dam is unfortunately private, belonging to those whose houses face onto the water, although there are some areas where you can access the waterfront for a fee.
It is also possible to park your car at the dam crossing on the north-western edge and admire the views. Despite the presence of the large dam, most visitors without access to a holiday home come here to enjoy the nearby mountains and valleys or to make a stop off on their way north to a safari in the Pilanesberg or a visit to the casino resort Sun City.
Other popular activities in the Magaliesberg area include visits to some of the nearby farms such as the Van Gaalen cheese farm, lunch at a countryside restaurant, a Bill Harrop's hot-air balloon safari, or a round of golf at the Jack Nicklaus designed Pecanwood golf course.
