Rustenburg lies in one of our most scenic mountain ranges, the
Magaliesburg – a land of waterfalls, rock pools, cliffs and rock faces. A short drive will take you into the heart of this natural wonderland.
- Spend a couple of hours of your Saturday wandering the artists’ galleries, gift and furniture shops. View the crystals and precious stones at Crystal Feeling and try candle dipping at the Blaaubank Original Store, both on Rustenburg Road. Not far off, on Tarlton Road, is Western Cane Trading, home of country furniture, and just the place to enjoy tea and scones in a rose garden.
- A novel way to experience Magaliesburg’s legendary scenery is on horseback, and Hollybrooke Farms offer a range of trails for all levels of riders. Take your midday meal at the Van Gaalen Cheese Farm on the banks of the Skeerpoort River.
- You are now close to Lesedi Cultural Village, and if you arrive by 4.30pm, you can join the Boma experience. Watch an audiovisual presentation on the different South African cultures, then tour four homesteads – Zulu, Xhosa, Basotho and Pedi, followed by a traditional song and dance in a circular reed enclosure or boma. Dinner features African fare, and you can extend your ethnic encounter by spending the night in a replica of a traditional African hut.
- The tons of activities on offer at Hartbeespoort Dam will easily fill your Sunday. An early rise will get you to The Elephant Sanctuary in time for their 8am show (it’s advisable to check times) and an opportunity to ride the gentle beasts.
- As the day moves on, catch a cable car ride for a 360-degree panorama of the dam, stretching as far as Johannesburg on a clear day.
- At 11am, the pelicans and penguins come out to entertain audiences at the Hartbeespoort Aquarium. If you don’t get there in time, the snakes and seals have their turn at the Hartbeespoortdam Snake and Animal Park at midday.
- Lunchtime can be spent relaxing on the deck of a cruise boat traversing the length and breadth of the dam, while sampling the treats of a tasty braai (barbecue).
- Attempt to get some curio shopping done at the Welwitschia Country Market or Chameleon Village, before wrapping up your day at the Monate Struiskelders (cellars), where alcoholic beverages and liqueurs are made from citrus fruit.
Johannesburg is just 40 minutes away from the dam – be sure to spend a good couple of days at least.