By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
City life in Johannesburg comes with its fair share of noise, deadlines, traffic and the occasional water shortage. Sometimes, you need to pause, breathe and recharge. Fortunately, Johannesburg’s outskirts offer beautiful escapes with a holiday vibe all year round. Our choice for a quick getaway? Hartbeespoort Dam – a tranquil oasis just an hour away. Our ride for the day was the the ever-reliable Suzuki Fronx, a compact SUV that’s become part of my family.
As a family of four, we’ve grown quite fond of this vehicle over the past few months. It’s compact yet surprisingly spacious, with a stylish interior that feels anything but basic. The glazed touches give it a premium look without the high-end price tag, and the plastic trim doesn’t feel like it will age quickly.
The Fronx’s manual drive is a joy, gear changes are smooth and nimble, making urban and highway driving a breeze. Safety features are on point and the technology is impressive too. We paired a couple of our phones to allow us to enjoy our favourite tunes for the journey. However, the most impressive feature was the fuel efficiency. With consumption averaging 6,3 litres per 100 kilometres in urban conditions, it keeps both the drive and the budget light.
The Drive
We set out early on a Sunday morning. The roads were beautifully empty, allowing for a leisurely drive filled with music, chatter and laughter. With no strict itinerary, we decided to xplore Hartbeespoort Dam at our own pace, letting the day unfold naturally. The Fronx handled the open road effortlessly, offering a quiet, comfortable ride that made the hour-long trip feel even shorter.
The Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park
Our first spontaneous stop was the Hartbeespoort Snake and Animal Park, nestled right by the dam. For just R120 per person, it’s a budget-friendly experience that promises fun for the whole family. The park may be smaller than the Johannesburg or Pretoria zoos, but it offers an intimate and engaging atmosphere.
We wandered among lions, various bird species, and an impressive collection of snakes from around the world. The highlight? A live snake show and educational experience, where we learned how to react when encountering snakes. The park’s well-maintained facilities, including clean bathrooms and cosy snack shops, made the visit all the more pleasant.
A Scenic Ferry Ride
After a couple of hours at the park, we opted for a ferry ride across the dam. The ferry was busy but offered a relaxing break as it cruised past holiday homes and lush
landscapes. The ride provided a new perspective of Hartbeespoort, offering a glimpse into the tranquil lakeside lifestyle. Calm waters, gentle breezes and scenic views.
Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway
To cap off our day, we ventured to the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway. The cableway
offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Magaliesberg mountain range and the dam below. Although it gets a bit busy, it is perfect for quiet reflection and appreciation of the natural beauty so close to the city.
Reflections on a Day Well Spent
Although we had hoped to visit the charming French-inspired Little Paris venue, it was getting late and we had to head back home. The day felt complete with a blend of road-tripping, nature, wildlife, and scenic views, all within a modest budget.
The Suzuki Fronx proved to be the perfect companion for this trip. Its comfort, fuel
efficiency, and sleek design made the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. This
compact SUV proved to be more than just a city car but a lifestyle choice that
complements spontaneous escapes and everyday adventures alike.
