Hartenbos is a small coastal resort town situated on the beautiful Garden Route on South Africa’s south eastern coastline. Its wonderful beaches and sandy, shallow lagoon make it a very popular holiday destination for families. Hartenbos is about 400km from Cape Town, 15km from the centre of Mossel Bay and the nearest airport is in George, 35km away. Part of the Mossel Bay municipality, the town has around 4200 permanent inhabitants, its own primary school and private schools and a private hospital.

When to Go
Hartenbos’ mild climate with plenty of sunshine, makes it a great holiday destination in any season of the year. The town experiences busy peaks during the school vacations at Easter (March/April) and in December/January – which gives it a great holiday vibe. Whale watching is best during the breeding/calving season between late July and December, which is also the time when fynbos blooms.

Climate
Hartenbos is fortunate to have a mild climate all year round. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, mainly at night, peaking in October. Daytime temperatures range from 18.6°C in mid-winter (July) to 26.6°C in mid-summer (January).

Fauna
There are many wonderful wildlife and game reserves to found in the areas surrounding Hartenbos. Among these are Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, Gondwana Private Game Reserve (Big 5), Hartenbos Private Game Lodge, Indalu Game Reserve, Nyaru Game Lodge and Zorgfontein Eco & Wildlife Reserve.
A favourite pastime in this part of the world is whale watching, especially during the winter months from June to November, when these magnificent creatures come close to shore for breeding and calving. The 65km Whale Route along the greater Mossel Bay coastline is superbly suited to view whales due to the elevated areas along the shoreline. Four species are seen along this route, most commonly the Southern Right whales which come into the bay to calve. You can also see Killer Whales, Humpbacks and Bryde’s and boat-based whale watching tours are available in the harbour.
The abundant fynbos vegetation of the area obviously attracts an enormous variety of birds, and birders are likely to see many species here, particularly near the river mouth, which is an active breeding ground for sea birds.

Flora
Hartenbos and its surrounding areas is a virtual floral paradise and the primary vegetation on its rugged cliffs, undulating plains and sandy beaches is fynbos (fine bush) in hundreds of different varieties. Resembling wild flowers, fynbos is endemic to the Western Cape region and exists nowhere else in the world. There are about 6000 species in the region, blooming in different seasons, providing year- round enjoyment and colour. The area is home to many species of fynbos and draws unique bird-life and mammals to the area.

THINGS TO SEE & DO:

ATKV Hartenbos Museum
The Hartenbos Museum is one of the oldest museums in Mossel Bay and commemorates the Great Trek. The exhibit features actual antiquities and gives an accurate representation of the difficult and dangerous journey of the original Voortrekkers, the Boers who left the Cape Colony in 1838, as they trekked northward in search of land away from colonial rule. The displays are divided into 10 halls, each depicting various aspects of life during the Great Trek. The latest addition to the museum is the Hartenbos room, which outlines the history of the holiday resort of Hartenbos.
Open: Mon-Fri 9.00am-4.00pm (closed 1pm-2pm); Sat and public holidays 9.00am-12.30pm
+27 44 695 2183

Hartenbos Beach
This is a wide, sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, surfing and walking. The beach has Blue Flag status and several designated swimming areas. Wheelchair access points are good with a number of ramps available. Parking is available and the ablutions and facilities are first rate. There are a number of restaurants and shops nearby.

Reebok Beach
Around 8km from Hartenbos is Reebok Beach, one of many stunning, clean beaches along the magical Garden Route. There is also a tidal pool that offers children a safe swimming environment. Lifesavers are on duty during the December and January school holidays to ensure that beachgoers are safe. In the winter months from July to November, there are lots of opportunities to spot the Southern Right and other migrating whales in this area.

ATKV Resort
Day visitors are welcome at the resort, where they can enjoy the outdoor and indoor heated pools, miniature golf, trampolines, a games arcade, a waterpark with super-tube and slides, and a funfair. The resort also offers conference facilities that can accommodate groups of up to 1 000 delegates.
+27 44 601 7200

Outeniqua Moon cart rides
Ride in a cart pulled by heavy draught horses through the indigenous fynbos forest at Outeniqua Moon farm. These giant horses have a wonderful temperament, and you’ll have a chance to get to know more about this relatively rare breed. For the kids there is also a pool with a water slide, trampoline and a “fairy-tale playground”. The farm is situated about 20km out of town.
Cart-ride times: 10.00am and 3.00pm

Botlierskop Day Safaris
Guided game drives, horseback safaris and outrides, guided bush hikes and a riverbank bush spa are some of the enticing activities offered to day visitors at Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, which is a 20-minute drive from Hartenbos.
+27 44 333 0021

ATKV Hiking Trail
This rather unique trail along Hartenbos beach features a series of marble slabs, each with extracts of poems from famous Afrikaans poets. All the poems have a sea or maritime theme, guaranteed to pull at the Afrikaans heartstrings.
+27 44 601 7200

Garden Route Casino
If you fancy a flutter, the Garden Route Casino is just 8km from Hartenbos at Pinnacle Point. You’ll find 412 slot machines, blackjack, poker and roulette tables, and a private gaming salon. There are also three restaurants – Bravo Lounge, Admiral’s Buffet restaurant and the Red Cherry Café.
+27 44 606 7777

Hartenbos Private Game Lodge
Situated just 18km from popular Hartenbos Beach, and 15 minutes from Mossel Bay, this privately owned game lodge is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding areas. Accommodation is superior and self-catering options are available. Activities on the farm include morning and afternoon game drives, quad drives and cycling trails – all surrounded by wonderful views, fynbos and wildlife. Day visitors are welcome by prior arrangement.
+27 79 675 2718

PLACES TO EAT:
Driftwood Restaurant (+27 44 044 695 1503
Fireplace Restaurant (+27 44 333 0021)
Riviera Hotel Restaurant (+27 44 695 1503)
See Spens (+27 44 695 2168)
Takoda Spur (+27 4 4 695 0382)
Whispering Waves Restaurant (+27 44 692 8601)

PLACES TO STAY:
African Oceans Manor on the Beach (27+ 44 695 1846)
ATKV Resort (+27 44 601 7200)
Bay Lodge (+27 44 695 0690)
Dibiki Holiday Resort (+27 44 695 1532)
Eldrew B&B (+27 44 690 8299)
Ellis Guest House (+27 44 695 0527)
Fly Me to the Moon Guesthouse (+27 44 333 0130)
Great View Guesthouse (+27 44 695 2250)
Hartenbos Beach Resort (+27 79 675 2718)
Hartenbos Private Game Lodge (+27 79 675 2718)
MeTime Guesthouse (+27 44 84 491 1579)
Outeniquabosch Lodge (+27 44 631-0093)
Resting Palms B&B (+27 76 371 4390)
Riviera Coastal Inn (+27 44 695 1505)