Animal viewing from Horseback
Horse Riding Safari
Ostrich and horses
Horseback Safari Johanneburg
Cable car departing for the mountain
Beautiful view of the Magaliesberg mountains
Harties cable way
Cable car
Listing ID : 19854

Activity

Duration6 hours 30 minutes
Group SizeSmall Group
Starts AtJohannesburg Hotel Pickup
LanguagesEnglish
Johannesburg Day Tour

Horseback Safari and Cable Car Tour from Johannesburg

Ride through the African bush and soar above the Magaliesberg Mountains on a single unforgettable day.

Horseback Safari and Cable Car Tour from Johannesburg combines two of the most distinctive ways to experience the South African landscape — on horseback through a wildlife reserve and by aerial cableway over the Magaliesberg Mountains. This full-day excursion replaces engine noise with the rhythm of hooves and the quiet of open bushveld. It is a compelling alternative for travellers who want to move beyond the standard game vehicle experience.

The horse riding component takes place in a private nature reserve near the Magaliesberg Mountains, where well-trained horses and experienced guides lead riders through terrain populated by giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, impala, nyala, blesbuck, springbuck and ostrich. Riders may also encounter rarer species including sable, golden wildebeest and white blesbuck. No advanced riding experience is required, as the pace is kept deliberately relaxed to allow for close wildlife observation.

The second part of the day centres on the Harties Aerial Cableway, which holds the record for the longest monorail cableway in Africa. From the summit, a circular viewing route offers panoramic perspectives across the Magaliesberg range and down toward Hartebeestpoortdam, a reservoir with a shoreline of approximately 50 kilometres that has been a landmark of the region since its construction in 1923. Time is also allowed for lunch before the return journey to Johannesburg.

The tour departs from your Johannesburg hotel and all transfers are included. Appropriate clothing is essential: long trousers and closed shoes are required for the horseback section, and guests should carry sunblock and a rain jacket during cooler or overcast months.

Tour Highlights

Observe giraffe, zebra, kudu, impala and sable from the back of a horse in a private Magaliesberg nature reserve.

Ride on the longest single monorail cableway in Africa for sweeping views of the Magaliesberg Mountains.

View Hartebeestpoortdam from above — a historic reservoir with a 50-kilometre shoreline built in 1923.

Explore genuine South African bushveld terrain on a guided trail with no vehicle noise or exhaust.

Ride with experienced guides and well-trained horses suitable for guests with little or no riding background.

Convenient door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg is included in the tour.

Itinerary

1
Hotel Pickup — Johannesburg

Your guide collects you directly from your Johannesburg hotel and transfers you to the horse riding venue in the Magaliesberg area. Travel time allows you to settle in and receive a briefing on the day ahead.

2
Horse Allocation and Safety Briefing

On arrival at the nature reserve, each rider is matched with a suitable horse by the stable staff. A safety and technique briefing is provided before the trail begins, ensuring all riders feel confident regardless of experience level.

3
Guided Horseback Safari Through the Reserve

An experienced guide leads the group on a leisurely trail through the reserve, where wildlife such as giraffe, blue wildebeest, nyala, zebra, impala, ostrich, blesbuck and springbuck can be encountered at close range. Riders move quietly through the bush, offering a perspective unavailable from any motorised vehicle.

4
Transfer to Harties Aerial Cableway

After the horseback safari concludes, the group travels to the Hartebeestpoort aerial cableway station. This leg of the journey crosses some of the most scenic countryside in the North West Province.

5
Cable Car Ascent and Summit Walk

The cable car ascends along Africa's longest monorail cableway to a summit platform that offers a circular walking route. Views extend north and south across the Magaliesberg Mountains and down to the full expanse of Hartebeestpoortdam.

6
Lunch and Return to Johannesburg

Guests have time to enjoy lunch at the summit or at a nearby facility before descending and boarding the vehicle for the return transfer to Johannesburg hotels.

What Is Included

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Johannesburg
  • Guided horseback safari in private nature reserve
  • Cable car ticket (Harties Aerial Cableway)
  • Experienced horse riding guide
  • Well-trained, beginner-friendly horses
  • All transfers between venues

Not Included

  • Lunch and beverages
  • Gratuities for guides and staff
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Items of a personal nature

Important Information

Long trousers and closed shoes are mandatory for the horseback safari. Shorts, skirts and dresses are not permitted on the horse riding section of the tour.
Duration
Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes including transfers, horse riding and cable car visit.
Meeting Point
Pickup is arranged directly from your Johannesburg hotel. Confirm your exact address at booking.
What to Bring
Wear long trousers and closed shoes. Pack sunblock, a small backpack and a rain jacket if rain is possible.
Cancellation
Please review the cancellation policy provided at checkout. Weather conditions may affect the cableway operation.
Accessibility
Participants must be able to mount and ride a horse without assistance. The tour is rated moderate in difficulty. The cable car involves standing on a moving platform.
Age Range
This tour is suitable for older children, teenagers and adults. Young children should be assessed for suitability before booking.

Ready to Ride and Soar?

Secure your place on this one-of-a-kind Johannesburg day tour combining horseback wildlife viewing and Africa's longest monorail cableway.

Book Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior horse riding experience?
No prior experience is necessary. The horses are well-trained and the trail is conducted at a leisurely pace. Experienced guides provide a briefing and remain with the group throughout the ride.
What animals might I see on the horseback safari?
The reserve is home to giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, kudu, nyala, impala, ostrich, blesbuck and springbuck. Rarer species including sable, golden wildebeest and white blesbuck may also be present.
Why are shorts and skirts not allowed on the horse ride?
Long trousers protect the rider's legs from chafing against the saddle during the ride. Closed shoes are also required for secure footing in the stirrups and for safety in the bush environment.
What is notable about the Harties Aerial Cableway?
The Harties Aerial Cableway holds the record for the longest single monorail cableway in Africa. From the summit, visitors can walk a circular route with views across the Magaliesberg Mountains and over Hartebeestpoortdam.
Is lunch included in the tour?
Lunch is not included in the tour price. Time is allocated at the cableway area for guests to purchase their own meal before the return transfer to Johannesburg.
What should I do if rain is forecast on the day of the tour?
Pack a rain jacket in your backpack as a precaution. The horseback safari operates in light rain, but the cableway may be subject to weather-related closures; your guide will advise on the day.
Horseback SafariMagaliesbergCable CarJohannesburg Day TripWildlife ViewingHartebeestpoortdamSouth Africa NatureHorse Riding TourAerial CablewayBushveld ExperienceGame Reserve Tour
Last updated: 2025-07-14 | Product ID: txp-jhb-horseback-cablecar-001

Activity

Availability

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Additional Information

Physical: Wheelchair Not accessible

Duration

6 hours and 30 minutes

Languages

English - Speaking Guide

Additional Information

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Cancellation Policy

Select Date

Meeting Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

End Point

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

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