Nestled at the base of the Magaliesberg mountain range, on the eastern shore of Hartbeespoort Dam, is a private park that is truly unique. Surrounded by towering walls reminiscent of a medieval castle, the park is a treasure trove of natural wonders.
Inside its walls, visitors can experience the essence of Hartbeespoort Dam – the presence of animals, the sound of water lapping against stonewalls and jetties, the shade of giant trees, the beauty of exotic foliage and the majesty of towering cliffs.
One of the park’s highlights is its Snake and Seal show, held on public holidays, school holidays, and weekends at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. This show is not to be missed and offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Animals at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park is a sanctuary for a wide variety of reptiles, from small and delicate to some of the oldest and most ancient species in the world. Visitors can expect to see a diverse array of snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and other exciting reptiles, many of which are native to South Africa. The park is also home to endangered species such as the Cape Vulture and African Hunting Dog, which are protected and cared for in order to ensure that future generations can also admire and appreciate these magnificent animals.
The Park offers a large open-air lookout for chimpanzees, where visitors can have an up-close and unobstructed view of these intelligent and fascinating primates. Additionally, The Park is also home to the South African National Bird, the Blue Crane, which can be seen in the park.
Education at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park has been a beloved destination for families and young visitors for many years. The park offers an educational and informative experience for visitors of all ages. With special programs tailored for groups, the park provides an educational experience in a natural setting. The park is a great place for the young generation to learn about the different animals, their habitat and behavior. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the biodiversity and the importance of conservation in a fun and interactive way.
Schools visiting The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park is a perfect destination for school trips. Upon arrival, school groups will be greeted and escorted to the arena where they will watch a captivating and educational snake and seal show (approximately 30 minutes). After the demonstration, groups can opt to take a ferry ride (approximately 30 minutes) if it was pre-booked, followed by an engaging guided tour of the park. To enhance the educational experience, worksheets are available for the group to fill out and can be obtained from the ticket officer.
It’s a perfect opportunity for students to learn about the different animals, their habitat, and behavior in a fun and interactive way. Schools can take advantage of the park’s facilities and knowledgeable staff to make their educational trip an unforgettable experience.
Hands-on experiences at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers a special “hands-on” program for school groups and visitors. The program, which takes place in a private area, lasts for approximately 45 minutes and includes an informative and engaging talk about four different species of animals. After the talk, the animals will be brought out for the children to see and interact with, providing them with a unique and compelling experience of being in close contact with wild creatures.
This program is a favorite among schools, as it offers children the opportunity to learn about and interact with animals they may have never encountered before. Educational materials and worksheets on the animals used in the program can also be provided.
Venue for graduation or farewell at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers an air-conditioned venue that is perfect for hosting graduation ceremonies or farewell parties. The venue is equipped with tables, chairs, and a PA system, and also features inside restrooms for your convenience.
After the function, guests can enjoy a guided tour of the park and end the day with a scenic ferryboat ride on the dam. The park is a unique and memorable location for your special event, providing an opportunity for your guests to enjoy the natural beauty and animal encounters at the same time.
Snake Courses at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers snake awareness lectures for the general public, as well as specialized courses for professionals such as medical staff, hospitals, and mining companies. These lectures and courses provide valuable information and training on how to identify, handle, and respond to different snake species, helping to increase safety and knowledge in the event of a snake encounter.
The park’s team of experts will be able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the different types of snakes, their behavior and habitat, and how to safely interact with them. These lectures and courses are a great way to learn more about snakes, and how to protect yourself and others from snake-related incidents.
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park has been providing specialized lectures and courses for organizations whose employees come into contact with snakes in their day-to-day activities for many years. These courses have been extremely beneficial for professionals in fields such as mining, paramedics, hospital staff, nature conservation, game park management, law enforcement, defense, fire and ambulance services.
The beginner and advanced courses we offer are registered with the Wits Health CPD Office and medical doctors and other healthcare professionals who pass the courses can claim 9 CPD (Continued Professional Development) points for both courses completed.
We can provide lectures and courses at the park or at other venues within South Africa or other African countries, catering to the needs of different organizations and industries. These courses will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to safely interact with snakes and handle snake-related incidents, which will ultimately help to improve safety and protect the lives of employees and the public.
Snake awareness lecture at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers general lectures and demonstrations on snakes, which cover topics such as the different types of snakes found in the area, their behavior, how to avoid being bitten, and proper first aid and anti-venom treatment.
The lecture is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours long and features the use of approximately 6 live snakes, which are used for educational purposes only. No handling of snakes is involved. This lecture is suitable for large groups and is aimed at educating general personnel about snakes and snake safety.
Multiple lectures can be conducted in one day to accommodate large groups. The lecture provides a comprehensive understanding of snakes, their behavior, and how to stay safe in the event of a snake encounter.
Beginner snake course at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers a beginner’s course aimed at individuals who are fascinated by snakes but would like to learn more about these interesting creatures. The course covers general information on different types of snakes found in South Africa, including their distribution, venomous and non-venomous species, physical characteristics, movement, identification, feeding habits, breeding, and other interesting facts. The course includes a manual containing all the information covered during the course.
The course takes place from 9:00 am to approximately 12:00 pm, and includes the introduction of various live snakes. The course is designed to educate participants about different types of snakes, their behavior, and how to stay safe in the event of a snake encounter. Each participant will be required to sign an indemnity form before taking part in the course.
Advance Snake Courses at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers an advanced course aimed at individuals who have already completed the beginner’s course and are looking for more theoretical and practical experience. This course is ideal for senior personnel in an industrial environment where first aid for snake bites may be required.
The course covers a recap of general information and goes into more depth on snake venoms and treatment for snake bites. It also includes information on snake behavior, the parasites and diseases of snakes, and how to catch and handle snakes. The course is divided into two parts, which take place on a weekday (Saturday by special request). The first part starts at 9:00 am and lasts until approximately 12:00 pm, with a lunch break before the second part, which continues from 1:00 pm until completion.
Participants will receive a manual containing all the information covered in the course, and will complete a questionnaire which will be graded according to ability. Each participant will be required to sign an indemnity form before taking part in the advanced course.
If the beginner’s and advanced snake course are completed successfully, participants will receive a certificate showing their results. A lunch is included with the beginner and advanced snake course.
Conference Venue at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park conference venue is the perfect blend of nature and business. Located close to Pretoria, but far enough to provide a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a unique “out of the office” experience for your conference.
The park, situated next to Hartbeespoort Dam, features an air-conditioned conference venue located inside the park with all the necessary audio and visual equipment such as a projector and sound system.
Our conference venue can accommodate a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 people and we offer a variety of packages that range from a 1 hour conference to a full day conference. Refreshments and food arrangements are available and we also offer themed conferences as an extra option.
After the conference, guests can take a relaxing walk through the park or book a boat ride with Harties Water Sport Centre, they offer a lovely cruiser boat that can finish your conference with an hour or more cruise on the water to end an outdoor working day. All vessels and skippers are SAMSA registered to ensure safety and security for all passengers.
Animal Talks at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
In addition to the standard conference offerings, the Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the wild during your conference. We provide a variety of small animal talks, reptile talks, and snake awareness lectures that can be presented during or after the conference.
These talks provide valuable information and insights on different animals, their behavior, and their habitat, giving your conference attendees an experience they will never forget. These talks are a great way to add a unique touch to your conference and provide your attendees with knowledge and understanding about the wild that they may have never encountered before.
History Talks at The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park
The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park offers a unique and enlightening experience for conference attendees by providing a lecture on the history and people of Hartbeespoort Dam. The lecture covers the construction of the dam and the individuals who have contributed to making Hartbeespoort Dam a special and significant piece of history.
The lecture is presented by Willie Meyer, the author of Magaliesberg Kaleidoscope, and offers an in-depth understanding of the history of this beautiful piece of land. This is the first of its kind in Hartbeespoort Dam, it’s a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the area during your conference.
