Recreational Experiences for Every Guest

At Imbabali Retreat & Venue, your stay is about more than relaxation – it’s about discovery. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Magaliesberg, we offer a wide range of activities for guests of all ages. From adventure and wellness to family fun and peaceful downtime, there’s something here for everyone.

Activities

Perfect Your Swing at Imbabali’s Scenic Driving Range

Elevate your golf experience at our scenic driving range, set against the breathtaking Magaliesberg Mountains. We offer personalised lessons tailored to every skill level, helping you refine your game with expert guidance. Prefer to practice at your own pace? Simply purchase a bucket of balls at the bar and enjoy perfecting your swing in a stunning natural setting. Our facilities also include a dedicated putting and chipping green—ideal for sharpening your short game and building confidence on the course.

Swimming

Looking for a natural dose of Vitamin D, float on a big black tube on one of the dams or join everyone at the pool at The Venue. Swimming at Imbabali Retreat & Venue is a rejuvenating experience. The serene dams and sparkling pool, surrounded by lush greenery, offer a perfect escape from daily stress. Whether you’re doing laps or simply floating, the tranquil environment enhances relaxation. It’s an ideal way to cool off, stay active, and enjoy the natural beauty of Magaliesburg.

Canoe or Kayak

There is nothing like exercise in the fresh air to make you feel good about yourself. From an epic adventure to a gentle paddle, being outside and close to nature can lower your stress levels, help you sleep better and make you a happier person overall. We have two canoes and a kayak for the enjoyment of all our guests.

Fishing

Spend a tranquil day fishing at our two scenic, well-stocked dams, surrounded by the beauty of nature. The waters are home to Bass, Carp, Tilapia, and naturally occurring Yellowfish, offering a rewarding experience for fishermen of all skill levels.

Fishing at Imbabali is strictly catch and release, helping us preserve the health and balance of our ecosystem. We encourage the use of barbless hooks to ensure each fish can swim away safely. Please bring along your own bait and tackle, as equipment is not available for hire. When they’re on the bite: Bass – most active in spring and summer, especially early mornings and late afternoons. Carp – bite well in autumn and spring, preferring warm, calm days. Tilapia – thrive and feed actively during the warmer summer months. Yellowfish – a natural addition to our dams, they tend to bite best in late spring through early autumn when the water is warm and flowing.

Fishing is R150 per person, and resident guests fish for free.

Birding

The Magaliesberg is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 340 recorded bird species inhabiting its forests, grasslands, and riverine areas. From the cheerful calls of sunbirds and kingfishers to the haunting cry of the African fish eagle, every visit offers something new for keen eyes and listening ears. Among its most treasured residents are several endangered and rare species, including: Cape Vulture – one of the Magaliesberg’s most iconic and protected birds, with colonies nesting along the cliffs. African Grass Owl – a shy and seldom-seen nocturnal beauty. Blue Crane – South Africa’s national bird, occasionally seen gracing the open grasslands. Half-collared Kingfisher – a jewel of the streams and dams in the area. The surroundings are truly spectacular — peaceful dams reflecting the mountain peaks, wide open skies painted in gold at sunset, and the distant call of wildlife echoing through the valley. Whether you’re an avid birder, nature lover, or simply seeking a quiet retreat, the Magaliesberg offers a rare connection to the natural world in all its beauty and diversity.

Walking & Hiking

Discover the beauty of the Magaliesburg countryside on Imbabali’s scenic hiking trails. We offer 2 km (Hornbill Route), 3 km (Eagle Route), and 8 km (Impala Route) routes, each designed to suit different levels of fitness and adventure. Our Hornbill Route & the Eagle Route beginner-friendly trail is mostly shaded. The Eagle Route winds gently along the Klein Magalies River, offering peaceful views and cool forest air before continuing onto a neighbouring farm (8 km Impala Route) where graceful Impala roam freely. For those seeking a bit more distance, the Impala Route provides an immersive experience along the perimeter of the farm with open landscapes.

Picnic Experiences @ Imbabali

Savour the beauty of Imbabali with a picnic for two, perfectly prepared for relaxation and indulgence. Enjoy your basket wherever the mood takes you — at your accommodation, beside one of our tranquil dams, near the swimming pool at The Venue, or on a peaceful walk down to the river. Each Imbabali Picnic Basket comes complete with a blanket and two pillows, and features a delightful selection of cheeses, biscuits, and accompaniments — the perfect pairing for a leisurely day outdoors. We can prepare a children’s picnic pack with a sandwich, juice, crisps, and a sweet treat (available at an additional charge). And for our four-legged guests, you’re welcome to add a special pup’s meal so they can share in the fun. Picnic baskets must be booked and paid for in advance.

Table Tennis, Pool & Darts @ Imbabali

Enjoy some friendly competition at Imbabali with our table tennis table, pool table, and darts, available exclusively to patron guests and reserved dining.

Challenge your friends or family to a lively game of table tennis all while having great fun! Prefer a slower pace? Settle in for a round of pool or a friendly match of darts.

Please note: Pool and darts are reserved for guests aged 12 years and older to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Jungle Gyms @ Imbabali

At Imbabali, our jungle gyms provide the perfect space for little ones to climb, balance, and explore in a safe, natural environment. Playing outdoors encourages physical development, creativity, and confidence, while giving children a wonderful outlet to release energy and connect with nature.

Children must always be under the direct supervision of a responsible adult while on the property. Due to the presence of open water, including dams, a river, furrow and swimming pools, minors may not be left unattended anywhere on the grounds.

Mobile Spa Treatments @ Imbabali

Relax and unwind in the comfort of your surroundings with our Mobile Spa Treatments — indulgent, pampering sessions that come directly to you. Whether you’re staying in our tranquil accommodations or simply enjoying a day at Imbabali, let the spa experience find you.

Choose from a menu of rejuvenating treatments, including hot stone therapy, full-body massage, back and neck massage, Indian head massage, and more. Each session is designed to ease tension and leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.

All treatments must be booked directly with the Mobile Spa. The contact person and numbers can be found on the treatment menu.

Rainy Day Activities

During your stay, if the weather is not conducive to you being outside, we do have a variety of novels & books in our library that may be of interest to you.

We also have a range of board games, puzzles, and cards. Please feel free to borrow any of the above; however, do please return what you have borrowed on departure.

Basic Survival Skills Training

Unleash your child’s inner explorer with our thrilling bushcraft course! Dive into an unforgettable outdoor experience, guided by an expert.

Kids will learn to construct their own shelters, ignite a fire from scratch to stay warm and cook, craft a bow and arrow for fun and basic hunting skills, filter water to ensure it’s safe to drink, identify plants and understand their uses, forage for food in the wild.

Whether your child is a seasoned camper or new to the great outdoors, they will leave with memories to last a lifetime and skills to impress.

Reptile Interaction

Immerse yourself in a truly unforgettable adventure into the enthralling world of reptiles. This unique experience is designed to captivate and educate visitors of all ages, making it perfect for both adults and children eager to expand their knowledge and appreciation of these fascinating creatures.

During your 1 to 1.5-hour interactive session, you’ll have the rare opportunity to encounter up to 12 remarkable reptiles, ranging from mesmerizing snakes and agile lizards to charming geckos.

These allow you to observe their intriguing behaviours, learn about their natural habitats, and understand their vital role in the ecosystem.

Visit with Vultures (Vulpro)

Discover the World of African Vultures with Vulpro. Protecting Africa’s vulture populations through rescue, rehabilitation, education, research, and breeding. Book a Vulture Hide Visit or a Guided Tour – watch vultures and other birds feed in their natural habitat or learn about vulture conservation & meet resident birds.

Pricing:

Adults: R200
Pensioners: R70
Children R160 (10-18 years), R80 (4-10 years)
Children below 4 years are free

Order a picnic basket from Imbabali Retreat & Venue to enjoy at the lapa or grassy area. Educational Tours for schools and educators are available.

Harties Boat Cruise

Enjoy a cruise on Harties with the best boat cruise company in the Northwest and most probably South Africa.

The cruises are legendary and enjoyed by all our beautiful passengers from all walks of life.

R645 – R845 p.p. depending on the vessel.
Duration 2 Hours.

Scheduled daily cruises and events. Products are a Daily Brunchtime, Lunchtime and Sunset Cruise. Charters and team building events are also available. A great day out for family, friends, and colleagues.

Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris

Enhance your stay at Imbabali Retreat & Venue with a sunrise balloon ride over the majestic Magaliesberg Mountain Range.

Float effortlessly above breathtaking landscapes, dipping low enough to touch treetops or soaring high for panoramic views.

Enjoy coffee as the crew inflates the balloon, then ascend as veteran pilots share insights on the scenery below. Upon landing, toast the adventure with bubbly, followed by an English breakfast at the launch site.

Rates will vary from R3895 per person, ensuring a tailored experience to suit your preferences.

The Donkey Dairy

Book a truly magical farm experience. Home to some of the rarest donkeys in the country, including Miniature Donkeys, Blue-eyed Spotteds, and the Mammoth Donkey. But the charm doesn’t stop there… you’ll also meet a mix of rare and lovable animals, from camels and alpacas to mini horses, mini cows, dwarf goats, and mini pigs. Bottle-feed baby goats and experience the joy of donkey rides. And for a unique treat, taste one of the world’s rarest milks while hearing the fascinating story behind this extraordinary farm. Open weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.

Game Drive

Embark on an unforgettable game drive, offering breathtaking views and remarkable wildlife encounters. Guests can expect to see over 20 species of larger animals, alongside diverse antelope and plains game, with smaller species adding to the excitement. Each tour lasts between two and three hours, ensuring ample time to enjoy the scenery and spot wildlife. A minimum of two guests is required, with rates at R615 per person. Children under 12 are welcome at a reduced rate of R485, making this adventure family‑friendly.

Petroglyph Walk

Join a fascinating Petroglyph Walk to “the gallery,” where ancient Bushman fine‑line rock engravings reveal cosmology and stories dating back thousands of years. These remarkable artworks depict animals such as eland, zebra, giraffe, rhino, and even a family of black‑backed jackal, offering insight into the beliefs and traditions of early peoples. The guided walk lasts two hours, with a minimum of two guests required. Rates are R510 per person, with tours departing daily at 06h30 in summer and 07h30 in winter.

Elephant Experience

Discover the unforgettable Elephant Experience, where you’ll learn about African elephants while interacting with and feeding these gentle giants. This guided encounter lasts 45 minutes to one hour, offering a close‑up look at their behaviour and majesty. A minimum of two guests is required, with rates at R1095 per person. Children between 7 and 12 are welcome at a reduced rate of R695, though younger children are not permitted. Tours run daily at 09h00 and 16h00 in summer, and 09h00 and 15h00 in winter.

Hollybrooke Adventures

Experience the excitement of Hollybrooke Adventures, offering a variety of outdoor activities for all ages. Thrill‑seekers can enjoy the Orango Tango zipline, archery, air pellet gun shooting, clay pigeon shooting, and paintball, while children delight in pony rides. Each activity lasts approximately 60 minutes, with trained guides accompanying every group to ensure safety and fun. All necessary equipment and basic instructions are provided. Adventures begin daily from 07h30, running throughout the day, with the final activity starting at 15h30 for an action‑packed experience.

Saddle Creek Adventures

Saddle Creek Adventures offers thrilling outdoor experiences paired with champagne bushveld picnics. Enjoy a one‑hour horse trail followed by a picnic or opt for a 30‑minute quad bike trail with the same indulgent finish. Horse trail rides are available for guests aged six and older, while quad bike trails are suited for ages twelve and up. Additional activities include off‑road go‑karting for ages ten and above, laser clay pigeon shooting from age ten, and a variety of kiddies’ activities, ensuring fun for the whole family.

Van Gaalen Cheese Farm

Delight in a visit to the charming Van Gaalen Cheese Farm, nestled near the hamlet of Skeerpoort along the Hekpoort road. Since 1996, Van Gaalen Kaasmakerij has welcomed guests of all ages to enjoy informative and entertaining cheese tours. Learn how cheese is crafted, from fresh milk to the finished product, while gaining insight into traditional methods. Tastings are included, allowing you to savour the flavours firsthand. Explore this working farm and discover the fascinating process behind your favourite cheeses.

Sip & Safari

Sip & Safari combines the elegance of fine wine with the thrill of an African bush adventure. Guests will savour four premium South African wines at unique stops across the Plumari Private Reserve, each paired with breathtaking wildlife encounters and sunset vistas. Tours depart at 15h00 in winter and 16h00 in summer, ensuring the perfect golden‑hour experience. Rates are R1500 per person for groups of one to three, and R1250 per person for groups of four or more, making this safari truly unforgettable.

Battlefield Tours - Museum & Ox Wagons

Step back in time with the Nooitgedacht Battlefield Tour, running Sunday to Friday from 08h00 to 12h00. This four‑hour experience, priced at R925 per person, brings history vividly to life. Relive the fierce hand‑to‑hand combat described by Deneys Reitz at the British outposts and stand at the heliograph station where signallers were cast from the cliffs. Trace General Clement’s daring escape route to Yeomanry Hill, then explore the museum’s impressive wagons and carts—one of the largest private collections in South Africa.