Hartenbos may be best known as a laid-back seaside holiday town, but there is far more to this Garden Route destination than long beach days and ice creams. From quad biking and water activities to sandboarding, skydiving and one seriously impressive zipline nearby, there is plenty to keep adventurous travellers busy.
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Located just 8km from Mossel Bay, Hartenbos is also a handy base for exploring the wider area. And when the day’s adventures are done, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and seaside spots to refuel.
Here are some of the best adventure activities in Hartenbos and things to do nearby.
Go quad biking around Hartenbos
For an off-road adventure without having to venture far from town, hop on a quad bike and head out into the surrounding landscape.
Mossel Bay Quad Biking is based on the R102 in Hartenbos and offers quad-biking adventures through the area’s natural terrain. It is a good option for travellers who want something more exciting than a conventional sightseeing drive, with the landscape providing plenty of opportunity to get off the beaten track.
Quad biking is particularly well suited to a group of friends or families with older children, although age and other participation requirements should be checked with the operator before booking.
Spend the day at Hartenbos Beach
Hartenbos Beach is the obvious place to start if you’re staying in town. The broad sandy beach is popular for swimming, walking and spending a few hours beside the Indian Ocean.
For families, the beach is an easy addition to an itinerary packed with bigger activities. Bring a picnic, pack a towel and leave some time for doing absolutely nothing.
Try the Hartenbos Waterpark
If you’re travelling with children, the Hartenbos Waterpark is an easy way to add some water-based fun to your itinerary.
The waterpark is part of the attractions associated with the ATKV Hartenbos resort, which also offers swimming pools, mini golf and volleyball facilities, along with direct beach access.
Do check operating conditions before visiting, particularly outside peak holiday periods, as facilities can change.
Fly across the ocean on Mossel Bay’s famous zipline
Just a short drive from Hartenbos, Mossel Bay has one of the area’s biggest adrenaline draws.
Mossel Bay Zipline takes riders over the ocean, with the operator describing it as the longest over-the-ocean zipline in the world. The launch point is at Point Road in Mossel Bay, making it an easy addition to a Hartenbos holiday.
The ride combines the thrill of speed with some rather spectacular coastal views. Current information from the operator says the experience is weather dependent and bookings are currently done on a walk-in basis, so check ahead before making the trip.
Good for: Adrenaline junkies, couples, groups of friends and anyone who considers a normal scenic drive a little too tame.
Go sandboarding at Dragon Dune
Sandboarding is one of those activities that sounds considerably more difficult than it actually is.
At Dragon Dune, near Vleesbaai, you can board down a massive coastal sand dune. The operator describes it as the biggest and longest sandboard ride in South Africa, with the main Dragon Dune offering a ride of up to 350m. There are also smaller dunes for beginners.
And if standing on a board while hurtling down a dune doesn’t appeal, there are seated and belly-board options.
Sessions take around three hours, equipment is provided and bookings are required in advance. Dragon Dune is on private land, so this isn’t a case of simply arriving at a dune and giving it a go.
The nearby Vleesbaai area also offers 4×4 routes, cycling and fishing, making it worth turning the sandboarding trip into a full day out.
Take the ultimate leap with a tandem skydive
For those who like their holidays with a serious dose of adrenaline, Skydive Mossel Bay offers tandem jumps from 10,000ft, 14,000ft and, seasonally, 16,000ft.
The 16,000ft option is billed by the operator as the highest tandem skydive in Africa. Depending on the jump, freefall can last up to around a minute before the parachute opens and the slower descent begins.
You don’t need previous skydiving experience for a tandem jump: you’re attached to an experienced tandem instructor who handles the parachute and the technical side of the jump.
It is also one of the more scenic ways to see the Garden Route, with views towards the Indian Ocean, beaches and Outeniqua Mountains from the aircraft.
Just remember that skydiving is weather dependent, so don’t leave this one until the last morning of your trip.
Hit the trails around Mossel Bay
If you’d rather keep your feet on solid ground, the greater Mossel Bay area has plenty of opportunities for hiking.
The St Blaize Trail follows the dramatic coastline around Mossel Bay, with cliffs, ocean views and sections of rugged terrain. The area is also home to caves, beaches and stretches of coastal fynbos. Mossel Bay tourism highlights walking and hiking among the area’s key outdoor activities.
For a less strenuous outing, head to the coast for a beach walk around Hartenbos instead. It is particularly good in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are cooler.
Go horse riding through the countryside
For something a little slower but still adventurous, saddle up and head into the countryside surrounding Mossel Bay.
Adventure Horse Safaris operates in the Vyf Brakke Fonteinen area, offering horse-riding experiences in the Mossel Bay region.
It is a good alternative for anyone who wants to see more of the landscape without spending the day in a vehicle.
Visit the Point of Human Origins
Point of Human Origins at Pinnacle Point offers a fascinating look at the archaeological history of the Mossel Bay area. The site is associated with important evidence of early modern human behaviour and the use of coastal resources.
It is a particularly worthwhile stop if you’re already heading towards Pinnacle Point, and adds a completely different dimension to a weekend built around outdoor activities.
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Take a walk around the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse
For another scenic outing, head into Mossel Bay and visit the Cape St Blaize Lighthouse Complex. The lighthouse sits above the coastline and is one of Mossel Bay’s most recognisable landmarks. Pair it with a walk along the surrounding cliffs and a meal in town for an easy half-day outing.
Mossel Bay’s wider attractions include the lighthouse, Santos Beach, the St Blaize Hiking Trail and the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex.
Where to eat in Hartenbos after your adventure
Of course, no adventure itinerary is complete without food. Fortunately, Hartenbos has a good selection of casual restaurants and cafés, particularly around the seafront and shopping areas.
Grab pizza at Piza ê Vino
Piza ē Vino @ Hartenbos is at Hartenbos Seefront and is a convenient option when you’re craving pizza, pasta or a relaxed meal after a day outdoors.
It is particularly handy if your group can’t agree on what to eat because Italian-inspired menus tend to cover all the bases.
Stop for breakfast or coffee
For an early start before a day of adventure, there are several cafés around Hartenbos.
Koffi Shoppi on Majuba Avenue is an option for coffee and a quick bite, while Around the Family Bean offers another café option in the centre of town.
At Garden Walk Mall, Elvis Brew Garden Walk is another spot to put on your coffee list.
Have a meal at Salt & Copper
Salt & Copper is another popular Hartenbos option, located on the R102.
Its location makes it particularly convenient if you’re combining a meal with some of the outdoor activities around Hartenbos and the Mossel Bay area.
Keep it easy at Hartenbos Seefront
If you’re travelling with a group, Hartenbos Seefront is useful because you can combine shopping, food and entertainment in one stop. There are several restaurants and cafés in the area, including Piza ê Vino and other casual dining options.
This is also a good option for those days when everyone wants something different and nobody can agree on a restaurant.
ALSO SEE: Adventure activities in Great Brak and Klein Brak (and surrounds)
Adventure activities in Great Brak and Klein Brak (and surrounds)
