Getting out on Hartbeespoort Dam offers excellent value and memorable views of South Africa’s stunning landscape. The most rewarding options combine sightseeing with traditional experiences. A well-organized half-day tour pairs a scenic cableway ride with a relaxing lunch cruise – perfect for first-timers. For a shorter jaunt, the standard 1-hour cruise hits all the highlights efficiently. The upscale Alba cruise, while pricier, delivers a worthwhile splurge with its gourmet finger foods and extended 2-hour route.
I especially appreciate the reliable cancelation policies and authentic touches like local snacks and music that come standard on most excursions. The half-day combination tour stands out for its smart mix of perspectives – both aerial and waterborne.
Let’s look at our favorite Hartbeespoort boat tours and their key features.
Key Points
- Hartbeespoort Dam offers a variety of scenic boat cruises, ranging from 1-hour standard cruises to 2-hour luxury cruises with gourmet food.
- Many cruises provide stunning views of the Magaliesberg mountains and unique landmarks, along with optional music, dancing, and on-board dining.
- Prices for the boat tours range from around Kč 787 to Kč 3,769 per person, with most offering free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Cruises depart from multiple locations, including Harties Boat Company and Kommando Nek Nature Preserve, catering to different preferences and schedules.
- Boat tours may not be suitable for those prone to motion sickness, and outside food and drinks are generally not permitted on board.
Johannesburg: Cableway and Lunch Boat Cruise Half Day Tour
If you’re looking for a unique and scenic half-day tour in the Hartbeespoort area, the Johannesburg: Cableway and Lunch Boat Cruise is an excellent choice. Priced from Kč 3,769 per person, this 6-hour tour takes you on a cableway experience with stunning views over the Magaliesburg valley and Hartbeespoort Dam, followed by a 2-hour lunch cruise on the dam itself.
The tour kicks off with a 09:00 pickup from Sandton, followed by the 1.5-hour cableway ride at 10:00. After that, you’ll transfer to the boat cruise dock for a 2-hour lunch cruise featuring traditional South African snacks, music, and dancing.
The tour includes private transfers, bottled water, and round-trip transportation, concluding around 16:00 back in Sandton.
While not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo, this tour provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Hartbeespoort region.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a flexible and hassle-free way to explore this picturesque destination.
Read our full review: Johannesburg: Cableway and Lunch Boat Cruise Half Day Tour Review
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Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Cruise & Sunday Buffet Lunch
For those seeking a leisurely way to experience the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam, the Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Cruise & Sunday Buffet Lunch offers an enticing combination of a scenic boat tour and a delectable all-you-can-eat lunch. Priced from Kč 787 per person, this 1-hour cruise departs from the Harties Boat Company in Hartbeespoort and is available in English, Zulu, Afrikaans, and Setswana.
The cruise features stunning views, history, and local flora and fauna. The package also includes a Sunday buffet lunch at the Zanzibar Beach Cafe, with multiple cruise times available from 10 AM to 5:15 PM.
While drinks are available at the cash bar, no outside food, drinks, or cooler boxes are permitted. This experience isn’t suitable for those with motion sickness, wheelchair users, or individuals over 331 lbs.
Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance qualifies for a full refund, and safety protocols are in place, including a SAMSA certification and life jacket requirement for children.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Cruise & Sunday Buffet Lunch Review
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Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Standard Scenic Boat Cruise
The Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Standard Scenic Boat Cruise offers a relaxing way to experience the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam.
For just $16.33 per person, you can enjoy a 1-hour boat cruise around the dam with departures at 12:15, 16:00, and 17:15 from the Harties Harbour at Kommando Nek Resort.
The cruise provides a breathtaking ambiance, featuring music, stunning views of the Magaliesberg mountain range, and luxurious waterfront homes.
You can indulge in gourmet finger foods and drinks from the cash bar onboard.
The SAMSA-certified cruise ensures your safety, with life jackets required for children under 12.
While the cruise isn’t wheelchair-friendly, assistance is available for patrons with walking disabilities.
No outside food, drinks, or coolers are allowed, and prohibited items include fireworks, littering, pets (except assistance dogs), and alcohol in vehicles.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 18 reviews, this cruise is a must-try for a relaxing and scenic experience on the Hartbeespoort Dam.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort Dam: 1 Hour Standard Scenic Boat Cruise Review
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Hartbeespoort Dam: the Luxury Alba Boat Cruise With Food
Indulge in a luxurious 2-hour boat cruise on the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam aboard the Alba. This premium excursion immerses you in breathtaking views of the Magaliesberg mountain range and opulent waterfront homes.
Upon boarding, you’ll be welcomed with a complimentary drink and treated to gourmet finger foods served directly at your table.
As the cruise navigates the serene waters, you’ll pass by the Meerhof Railway Bridge, Transvaal Yacht Club, Zoo, and the iconic Arc De Triumph Archway on the dam wall. A cash bar is available throughout the journey, allowing you to sip on refreshing beverages as you take in the stunning scenery.
This SAMSA-certified cruise is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a diverse audience. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book with confidence.
Past guests have raved about the exceptional experience, describing it as the “best ever” and “perfect.”
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort Dam: the Luxury Alba Boat Cruise With Food Review
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Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise With South African Food
Set out on a captivating 2-hour cruise along the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam, enjoying the region’s natural beauty and local cuisine.
This scenic boat tour departs three times daily from the Kommando Nek Nature Preserve, offering the opportunity to admire the Magaliesberg Mountain Range and luxury waterfront homes.
The cruise includes an array of delightful traditional South African finger foods, as well as drinks available for purchase onboard.
Upon boarding, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink, and you’ll enjoy the lively atmosphere with local music, particularly the popular Amapiano genre.
While the cruise isn’t suitable for those with motion sickness or wheelchair users, it’s perfect for anyone seeking a unique and memorable experience on the dam.
With a 4.4/5 rating based on over 500 reviews, this cruise is a must-try for visitors to Hartbeespoort.
Secure your spot now and enjoy the flexibility of reserving your tour and paying later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Read our full review: Hartbeespoort: 2-Hour Dam Cruise With South African Food Review
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The Sum Up
The Hartbeespoort Dam offers several boat cruise options, from a 1-hour scenic cruise to a 2-hour cruise with local cuisine. You’ll find cruises that include a buffet lunch or focus on the dam’s stunning natural beauty. With various tour operators and departure points, you’re sure to find a boat tour that suits your preferences and budget for a memorable experience on the Hartbeespoort Dam.