Just 45 minutes from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartbeespoort – affectionately known as Harties – has added another reason to visit. One of Gauteng's favourite weekend getaways has been crowned Kwêla's Dorp van die Jaar (Town of the Year) 2026, one of South Africa's best-known community tourism competitions.
Why did Hartbeespoort win Dorp van die Jaar 2026?
Harties saw off finalists Gansbaai, Secunda, Howick, Hopetown, Keimoes, Gobabis (Namibia), Bethlehem and Mokopane, drawing an estimated 120,000 votes in the public voting round — one of the largest turnouts in the competition's history. Support came not only from local residents but also from visitors across Gauteng and North West, reflecting Harties' enduring popularity as a weekend getaway.
An 18-month community campaign led by the volunteer group Proudly Harties and the local tourism association helped clean up, beautify and promote the town ahead of the competition, turning the victory into a genuine community success story.
What the award means for travellers
Visitors can also expect improvements. Winning Dorp van die Jaar brings:
- R1 million worth of national television marketing on kykNET, including a professionally produced destination advertisement.
- R1 million in prize money, which will be invested in community improvement projects.
- A televised celebration showcasing Hartbeespoort to audiences across Southern Africa.
Where is Hartbeespoort?
Hartbeespoort lies roughly 45–50 km northwest of both Johannesburg and Pretoria, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway from either city. The town sits at the foot of the Magaliesberg, a UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve, on the shores of Hartbeespoort Dam.
Completed in 1925, the dam stretches for more than 20 km and is fed by the Crocodile and Magalies rivers. Its distinctive Roman-inspired dam wall is one of South Africa's most recognisable engineering landmarks.
"Hartbeespoort" actually refers to a cluster of settlements around the dam, including Kosmos, Ifafi, Melodie, Meerhof and Schoemansville, which together form the wider Harties community.
Travel tip: Hartbeespoort is busiest on weekends and public holidays. If your schedule allows, visit during the week for quieter attractions and less traffic around the dam.
Top things to do in Harties
Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, Harties offers plenty to see and do:
- Ride the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway for spectacular views over the dam and Magaliesberg.
- Enjoy a boat cruise, watersports, fishing or a meal overlooking Hartbeespoort Dam.
- Meet rescued elephants at The Elephant Sanctuary.
- Walk among free-roaming primates at Bush Babies Monkey Sanctuary.
- Learn about cheetah conservation at the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre.
- Combine your visit with the nearby Cradle of Humankind or De Wildt Wildlife Reserve.
About the Dorp van die Jaar competition
Organised annually by the Afrikaans television programme Kwêla on kykNET in partnership with Lottoland SA, Dorp van die Jaar is open to towns across South Africa and Namibia with populations below 500,000. The winning town is chosen through a series of public voting rounds, generating national exposure and encouraging domestic travel.
Bottom line
Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, there's never been a better time to explore Harties.
Its combination of mountain scenery, water-based activities, wildlife attractions, cafés, markets and easy accessibility has long made it one of Gauteng's favourite weekend destinations. Now, with fresh national recognition and new investment in local infrastructure, Harties looks set to become even more appealing.
If you're planning a day trip from Johannesburg and Pretoria—or a relaxed weekend break—South Africa's newly crowned Town of the Year 2026 deserves a place on your travel itinerary.
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