Skeerpoort, Hartbeespoort Dam

Skeerpoort train station lies along the R560, west of Hartbeespoort dam and just outside the parameters of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. If there is a town of Skeerpoort then it remains very well hidden in amongst the gentle swellings of the Magaliesberg range of mountains, and the fields of farmland that line the side of the road.

This part of the country, however, is heavenly. Despite being an hour and a half from Johannesburg, Skeerpoort lies virtually untouched. There are very few neighbouring towns, if you discount the presence of the now densely occupied and extremely popular Hartbeespoort Dam roughly ten minutes' drive away, and, whilst there is obvious development in the way of farms, the sense of open space and the presence of the mountains and the World Heritage Site, make it most inviting for those seeking to get away from it all without having to travel too far.

People here speak about the Skeerpoort Valley or the Skeerpoort farmlands, through which a river of the same name flows. Places to rest your head are usually on neighbouring farms, some of which rest on the banks of the river. And there is plenty to do here, other than drink in the views and trample farmland on endless walks.

Bill Harrop's hot air balloon safaris lift off from the Skeerpoort balloon field, there are guided horse trails along the banks of both the Magalies and Skeerpoort rivers, the Cradle of Humankind takes one on an adventure of ancient history and human beginnings and encompasses 47 000 hectares with over 400 attractions that include access to ancient fossils, whilst the hills of the Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort Dam provide another myriad activities.