The most beautiful beaches
South Africa is famous for its stunning coastline, offering a diverse array of beaches that cater to surfers, sunbathers, nature lovers, and families. While Johannesburg is a landlocked city, there are several beautiful beaches within driving distance that offer a great escape from the city. Some of the most popular options include Hartbeespoort Dam, Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve, Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve, and Koppies Dam Nature Reserve. For those willing to travel a bit further, Tinley Manor Beach on the Dolphin Coast is a stunning option, and Sodwana Bay is a world-renowned beach destination.
Hartbeespoort Dam:
often called “Harties”, is a popular weekend getaway spot located about 35 km northwest of Johannesburg and 25 km from Pretoria, nestled in the Magaliesberg Mountains.
🌄 Quick Overview
-
Type: Man-made dam
-
Built: Completed in 1923
-
River: Crocodile River
-
Main Uses: Irrigation, recreation, tourism
🌊 Why Visit Hartbeespoort Dam?
-
Scenic Views
Surrounded by mountains and water, it offers breathtaking panoramas, especially from the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway. -
Activities
-
Boat cruises
-
Watersports (jet skiing, paddleboarding)
-
Paragliding, hiking, ziplining
-
Visiting animal sanctuaries (like the Elephant Sanctuary or Monkey Sanctuary)
-
-
Artisan Markets & Cafés
Charming restaurants, craft markets, and roadside stalls give it a cozy, holiday feel. -
Tourist Attractions Nearby
-
Harties Cableway – for a panoramic view of the dam and mountains
-
Chameleon Village – curio and craft market
-
Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park
-
Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve:
Located near Pretoria, it provides a serene beach experience. is a sprawling 4,000‑hectare protected area located just south-east of Pretoria (about 18 km from the city center, or roughly 40 km from Joburg) . Its centerpiece is the Rietvlei Dam, an earth‑fill reservoir built in the early 1930s and expanded in the late 1980s, which supplies around 15–20 % of Pretoria’s drinking water
Roodeplaat Dam Nature Reserve:
Another beautiful dam near Pretoria, offering a peaceful beach environment. is a mixed-use conservation and recreation area located just 22 km northeast of Pretoria (about 45–60 minutes from Johannesburg) . It sits on the Pienaars River behind the Roodeplaat concrete arch dam, originally built in 1956–59 for irrigation and now a vital water source for the region.
Johannesburg as a gateway:
Johannesburg is a major transportation hub, making it a convenient starting point for exploring South Africa’s diverse landscapes, including its beautiful beaches.
Cgrsa can benefit both hosts and travelers. Hosts get to meet people from around the world while making a little extra money, and travelers can often stay for less than the cost of a hotel room. In addition, many travelers enjoy accommodations that offer a different experience from standard hotels.
In the past, these types of services have been used largely by thrifty tourists looking for the cheapest place they can find in a particular city. Now, however, more and more business travelers and professionals are looking to CGRSA Properties for a unique and memorable experience.
CGRSA Properties can benefit both hosts and travelers. Hosts get to meet people from around the world while making a little extra money, and travelers can often stay for less than the cost of a hotel room. In addition, many travelers enjoy accommodations that offer a different experience from standard hotels.