Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park

About Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park

The Hartbeespoort Dam Snake and Animal Park is a historic, private wildlife sanctuary operating for over five decades on the eastern shore of the dam at 1 Scott Street in Schoemansville, Hartbeespoort. Surrounded by massive stone walls reminiscent of a medieval castle, this popular attraction features an extensive reptile collection alongside enclosures for big cats, primates, hyenas, and endangered species like the Cape vulture and African wild dog. It is widely celebrated for its educational weekend and holiday snake demonstrations, held inside a large arena arena alongside a specialized seal pool. Visitors can seamlessly combine their wildlife strolls with on-site water sports or a 25-minute scenic ferryboat cruise to view the dam wall. However, visitors should note that the park receives highly mixed feedback regarding small enclosure sizes and aged infrastructure. It functions as a family-friendly, day-trip staple that pairs naturally with localized picnics curated by the on-site Wildside Restaurant.