Things to see & do close to Moonlight Backpackers
Lodge
De Wildt Cheetah sanctuary
The cheetah centre is only two kilometers from Moonlight Backpackers Lodge, and home to a variety of
wildlife, and not only cheetahs. The centre became world renowned when they were the first to
successfully breed cheetahs in captivity. They are also well known for the great successes that they
have with the breeding of cape hunting dogs, or better known as wild dogs, which is the second most
endangered predator in Africa. The centre operate two tours daily, and you have the option of booking
"running with the cheetahs" additional to the normal morning tour. It is essential to book a tour in
advance. www.dewildt.co.za
Elephant sanctuary
The Elephant Sanctuary provides a safe haven for our elephants and offers guest education and
interaction.
All the programs are guest and elephant driven, which means the most important part of the operation is
to ensure happy elephants and satisfied guests. The close encounter with elephants guests experience at
The Elephant Sanctuary is truly one of a kind. You can book a ride on an African elephant, additional
to the normal daily tours, which can be combined with lunch or a dinner. The elephant sanctuary is only
eight minutes from Moonlight lodge. www.elephantsanctuary.co.za
Lesedi cultural village
The village are run and operated by local people, introducing some of the South African cultures to
guests. A very informative tour covers five of South Africa's traditional homesteads including Zulu,
Xhosa, Pedi, Basotho and Ndebele. You will be treated to a wonderful display of traditional African
dancing, song and music during the tour. Make sure to take some extra money that you will easily spend
in the arts and crafts (made by the people from the village) shops at lesedi cultural village. Both the
morning and afternoon tours includes a fantastic meal, where you can feast on some of South Africa's
traditional and more modern meals. www.lesedi.com
Bush babies monkey sanctuary
All tours are structured and guided. Walk through natural indigenous forests on elevated wooden
walkways and experience a variety of exotic monkeys in an exquisite natural environment. The
experience is described as a non-interactive game-viewing opportunity to see once-captive primates
in a wild environment. Tours are highly informative and the walk is leisurely, winding its way
through a tranquil forest setting. www.monkeysanctuary.co.za
Ama Zwing Zwing zip line
Adventure is on your doorstep and this one should be on your must-do list of experiences! The tour is
around two hours long. Enjoy this unique adventure of sliding on steel cables while viewing the game
below! With a total length of 1,3km, made up of 7 slides, this adventure in the sky continues over ten
platforms ranging in height from 2m up to 14m. Climbing the staircase takes you up to the highest
platform where you can enjoy refreshments while taking in the breathtaking view of the surrounding
Magaliesberg mountains and the Crocodile river. The longest slide is 240 meters long. A meal at
Amazingwe lodge is included. www.amazwingzwing.co.za
Canopy tours
The tour is a unique eco-adventure that takes clients on a 2,5 hour tour down the spectacular Ysterhout
Kloof, set in the ancient Magaliesberg Mountains. Eleven platforms have been built against the cliffs
and rock faces of the kloof and are joined by long steel cables that clients slide along to reach the
next platform. Much like a "foefie" slide, the canopy tour essentially involves zigzagging down the
kloof while stopping at each platform to admire the expansive views and surrounding ecology. Included
in the price: refreshments, all equipment and a light meal at Hadeda's
restaurant www.magaliescanopytour.co.za
Bill Harrop's hot air balloon safaris
You're sipping fine champagne while hovering gently above the tree tops of the beautiful Magalies River
Valley, or drifting majestically high above the Magaliesberg range, just 45 km north of Johannesburg's
northern suburbs, a region boasting some of the best ballooning weather in the world. The exceptional
peace of this unique and almost supernatural view of the world will forever remain as a truly cherished
memory. After landing, savour a delectable and generous champagne breakfast at our new, traditionally
exquisite and beautifully appointed restaurant. www.balloon.co.za
Upperdeck restaurant
There are 12 restaurants offering a great variety of food, within 15 minutes from Moonlight Backpackers
Lodge.
One of the most popular must be Upperdeck open air restaurant in Hartbeespoort dam. They have life
bands on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Sundays are very popular with around 1000
people enjoying a meal and the music on Sundays. Wednesday night special is a 500 gram T-bone steak,
chips, spinach and pumpkin at only R39.
Another popular meal is their one kilogram eisbein. Amazing. www.theupperdeck.co.za
Golf courses around Hartbeespoort dam
There are many well known golf courses within 20 minutes from Moonlight Backpackers Lodge. A few
popular courses are:
Sandy Lane Golf Club (Website
)
Magaliespark Golf Club (Website
)
Mooi Nooi Golf Club (Website
)
Pecanwood Golf Club (Website
)
Brits Golf Club (Website
)
De Wildt 4x4 trails and hiking trails
An amazing experience for all 4x4 enthusiasts. The De Wildt 4x4 venue is only three kilometers from
Moonlight Backpackers Lodge, and offers a challenging course up the Magaliesberg mountains. See the
below website for a few brilliant photos. They also have a lovely walking / hiking trail up the
Magaliesberg mountains. You are guaranteed to see a variety of wildlife which is on the property. You
can relax at the sports bar in their beautiful thatched lapa after your walk or 4x4 expedition, or have
a picnic under the trees at their picnic site, or braai (BBQ) at one of the many sites. Don't forget to
cool off in the pool. www.dewildt4x4.co.za
African arts & crafts, and art
galleries
Hartbeespoort dam must have one of the largest arts and crafts (curio) markets in southern Africa, with
a large variety of arts and crafts from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Senegal, Malawi, Tanzania
and Mali. Close to the markets is Welwitchia country market where you will find interesting and useful
home crafts.
Hartbeespoort dam and the surrounding areas are well known for the large number of artists, which means
that there are more than ten art galleries in Hartbeespoort dam. Many of the art galleries are in Scott
Street.
Horse riding and horse trails
Saddle Creek Ranch nestles in the Hekpoort valley in the foothills of the magnificent Magaliesberg
mountains. We offer horseback riding with a difference, riding western style on "a well trained,
obedient calm and friendly" trail horses, with various rides into the bushveld and foothills. Our rides
are suitable to the individuals. For the beginner the emphasis is on a safe, relaxed and enjoyable ride
on horses that will not "run away" with you. The experienced rider can choose a more "spirited horse"
for a lively, exhilarating ride. Western style riding is becoming more popular, and Saddle Creek Ranch
is ideal to learn to ride like a cowboy. www.horseridingsa.co.za
Camelotte wedding venue
This beautiful wedding venue is situated in De Wildt close to Hartbeespoort dam and Brits. The
buildings look like an old style castle, and the gardens are lovely. They have a beautiful church,
where you can tie the knot. Have a look at their website for many photos of this outstanding venue.
Many of our past clients were guests of a wedding at Camelotte wedding venue. We have only heard very
good remarks and how wonderful and beautiful the wedding was from these clients. The venue is only two
kilometers from Moonlight Backpackers Lodge, where your friends & family can stay in comfortable
& affordable accommodation. www.camelotte.co.za
Snake park & animal park
Hartbeespoort dam snake and animal park is built on the shores of the dam, and only ten minutes
from Moonlight Backpackers Lodge. The park has daily shows with the snakes, as well as seals and
penguins. The park is home to a large variety of other mammals, such as lion, hyena, leopard, tigers,
bears, wolves, monkeys, apes, jaguars and many more. They also have an enormous variety of birds
including vultures. http://www.hartbeespoortsnakeanimalpark.co.za/index.html
Boat cruises on the Hartbeespoort dam
Corporate functions,
Part boat trips,
Private functions,
Weddings,
and much more ……
Full day rafting, Half day rafting, Two day rafting with overnight, Abseiling, Mountain biking,
Tubing, Flat water canoeing, Bridge swing, Quad biking, 80 meters cable slide, Climbing wall,
Archery or Crossbow
Sun City, Lost city and The Palace
The world renowned Sun City is only one hour from Moonlight Backpackers Lodge. Enjoy a wonderful day at
Sun City where you can visit the crocodile farm, do quad biking, relax in the sun at the man made ocean
(Valley of the waves), do a cable slide, try your luck at gambling, eat at one of the many restaurants,
experience the waterslides, enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants, do a hot air balloon trip,
ride an elephant, or just wander about taking in the amazing sights and views.
Sun City & Lost City golf courses: Gary Player Country Club
:: Lost City Golf Course
Pilanesberg national park
The park is situated next to Sun City and is in a malaria free area. Set in the crater of a long
extinct volcano, the Park ranks among the largest of the parks in South Africa (it is in fact the
fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectare. Over time, wind and water have carved a
spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets.
Moonlight Travel & Livingstone Trails offers full day tours to Pilanesberg national park at R1200
per person (minimum 5 people), including transport, registered guide, entrance fees, lunch. Overnight
camping tours can also be arranged.
