Ukutula guide · 5 min read
Things to Do in Hartbeespoort (Harties): Lion Walk, Elephant Sanctuary & Combos
Hartbeespoort — "Harties" to locals — is the easiest wildlife day out from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This guide covers the activities guests book most: the Ukutula Lion Walk, the Hartbeespoort Elephant Sanctuary, Lion Walk + Predator Tour combos, and how to get there with a pickup from Joburg or Pretoria.
Ready to lock in a date? Live pricing, instant confirmation and optional Johannesburg transfers.
Book Now1. Walk with lions at Ukutula
Ukutula Lion Park sits just outside Hartbeespoort near Brits. The guided Lion Walk takes about an hour, walking on foot alongside young lions with experienced handlers.
Walkers must be 12 or older and at least 1.5 m tall. Booking online gives you an instant QR e-ticket.
2. Lion Walk + Predator Tour combo
The most popular Harties day is the combo: the Lion Walk (R1,300) plus the guided Predator Tour (R825), about 3 hours in total with starts at 08:00 and 14:00.
Children under 12 join the Predator Tour part for R425 each while adults walk — kids must be accompanied.
3. Elephant Sanctuary Hartbeespoort
The Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort offers a ~1.5-hour guided interaction with rehabilitated African elephants, combined with the adjacent Monkey Sanctuary walk. It is about 25 minutes from Ukutula, so it pairs easily with a Lion Walk on the same day.
4. More things to do in Harties
- Hot-air balloon flights over the Magaliesberg at sunrise
- Horseback trail rides in the Hartbeespoort valley
- Bushbabies Monkey Sanctuary next to the elephants
- A full Pilanesberg Big Five safari about two hours further on
Getting to Hartbeespoort from Johannesburg or Pretoria
Harties is roughly 60–90 minutes from Johannesburg and under an hour from Pretoria. You can self-drive, or add a private return transfer from Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria or OR Tambo when you book — transfers are pre-selected in checkout and you can switch to self-drive.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Hartbeespoort for a day?
The most popular day is a Ukutula Lion Walk (R1,300) or the Lion Walk + Predator Tour combo, followed by the Elephant Sanctuary (R1,795 adult incl. pickup) about 25 minutes away.
How much is the Elephant Sanctuary in Hartbeespoort?
R1,795 per adult, R825 per child and R1,295 per pensioner on weekdays, including the Monkey Sanctuary walk and hotel pickup from Johannesburg, Sandton or Pretoria.
Can I get a pickup from Johannesburg or Pretoria?
Yes. Private return transfers from Johannesburg, Sandton, Pretoria and OR Tambo can be added during online booking.
Can children walk with the lions?
Lion walkers must be 12+ and at least 1.5 m tall. Younger children can join the Predator Tour, accompanied by an adult.
