Don the hat of an explorer at the top of the Harties Cableway
Imagine yourself as an explorer surveying the land
Standing at the top of the Harties Cableway, one can survey the immediate area and beyond. If you feel adventurous you might imagine you are an explorer, viewing the region for the first time. What can you see?
Firstly, you overlook several battlegrounds that were significant during the South African War, which lasted from 1899 to 1902. This complicated war chiefly involved British and Afrikaans-speaking troops, and ended with a victory for the British.
Of course, as an explorer one would have to be comfortable moving at night. Fortunately, on Fridays and Saturdays the Harties Cableway is open until 8pm, giving you the opportunity to tower over the region under a majestic night sky.
The Harties Cableway is now open until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays
In the distance, you will make out Johannesburg and Pretoria, two of the country’s major cities. While the latter has its roots in the history of the Boers and the mass migration known as the Great Trek, Johannesburg was founded on the discovery of gold in 1886. The wealth offered by the area has translated into modern-day times – Johannesburg generates more economic activity than any other city in Africa.
Of course an obvious mention is the Hartbeespoort Dam. The dam has a complicated history itself, with its staggered construction over several years. You can read more about it here.
Your panoramic view is not complete without considering the Magaliesberg mountain range. When it comes to history, this natural feature outdoes anything else you can see from the top of the Harties Cableway. Its history stretches back at least 2-billion years ago, when the geological structural elements moved into place.
These are but a few of the highlights available to any would-be explorers who summit the Harties Cableway. When it’s your turn to move to the top, take note of what you can see – we are certain the list will be endless!
A panoramic view from the top of the Harties Cableway at night
