Hartbeespoort Dam

Afrikaans name: Hartbeespoortdam

Hartbeespoort Dam

Photo © Johan van Zyl

North West

The Hartbeespoort Dam is 35 km west of Pretoria in the North West Province. The dam covers nearly 19 square kilometres and is fed by the Crocodile, Hennops, Jukskei and Magalies Rivers. The dam wall is 149.5 metres long and 59.4 metres high.

Construction on the dam started in 1916 but, after various setbacks, it was only completed in 1923. Initially the dam was planned as part of an irrigation scheme to provide water to the surrounding area via channels. Today the water is provided to surrounding farms through 544 kilometres of canals. Crops such as tobacco, lucerne, flowers and fruit are grown.

The quality of the water in the dam has deteriorated since the 1970's beause of bad management of waste water from the nearby cities and townships.

The town of Hartbeespoort and nearby villages have become extremely popular places for weekend getaways for the residents of Johannesburg and Pretoria. There is plenty of accommodation available in the area.

Despite the poor water quality the dam is a popular venue for a variety of water sports and activities such as yachting and pleasure cruises.

Why do you like to visit Hartbeespoort Dam?

Above - Hartbeespoort Dam

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 278

Country Life - Issue 209 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 22

Country Life - Issue 265 - Author: - Published: 2018 - Page: 60

Drive Out 4X4 Trail Guide - Author: - Published: 2011 - Page: 31

Go Birding in the Transvaal - Author: Brendan Ryan and John Isom - Published: 1990 - Page: 42

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 113

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 89

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 90

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 209

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 314

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 49

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 233

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 169

The Chamberlain Guide to Birding Gauteng - Author: Etienne Marais and Faansie Peacock - Published: 2008 - Page: 246

The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 92

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