Hartbeespoort Dam is Gauteng's weekend playground — close enough for a Friday afternoon escape, far enough to feel like a proper break. The dam is surrounded by caravan parks, lodges, and camping spots tucked into the Magaliesberg. There's good fishing (yellowfish, carp, bass), boat launches, restaurants on the water, and the Aerial Cableway for views that stretch all the way back to Joburg. Rent a camper on Kampi, pick it up in Pretoria or the East Rand, and you're set up at the dam before sunset.
The area around Hartbeespoort offers more than just the dam. The cable car takes you to the top of the Magaliesberg for panoramic views. There are snake and animal parks, a butterfly world, and plenty of craft markets on weekends. The Elephant Sanctuary and Predator Park are popular with families. Heading west from Harties takes you toward Rustenburg and ATKV Buffelspoort. South leads to the Cradle of Humankind and the Sterkfontein Caves. It's a great base for exploring the wider Magaliesberg region without driving far.

Centurion
R410/day

Olifantsfontein
R400/day

Pretoria
R960/day

Pretoria
R600/day

Pretoria
R520/day

Pretoria
R750/day

Rietvalleirand
R650/day

Pretoria
R690/day

Pretoria
R900/day

Pretoria
R1000/day

Pretoria
R1450/day

City Of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality
R980/day
Several caravan parks around the dam accept visitors with rented units. Kosmos, Schoemansville, and Ifafi all have parks with power points and ablution facilities. Book your stand directly with the park — Kampi handles the camper rental, you handle the campsite.
About 70km — roughly an hour from central Joburg, 45 minutes from Pretoria. The N4 or R512 will get you there. Traffic can be heavy on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings.
Fishing (bring your own tackle), boat cruises, the Aerial Cableway, craft markets, Elephant Sanctuary, Predator Park, snake park, Magaliesberg hiking. Plus a string of waterside restaurants.
Perfect for it. Close to Gauteng, plenty of activities, and multiple caravan parks with facilities. Pick up a Kampi camper on Friday, drive out in under an hour, and you've got the whole weekend.