Right on the edge of the majestic Hartbeespoort Dam — just under an hour from Johannesburg and Pretoria — lies a hidden gem where Italian charm meets African tranquility. Welcome to La Dolce Vita Guesthouse and Harties Boat Company, a family-run getaway that’s all about easy luxury, warm hospitality, and unforgettable moments on the water.
In a recent episode of Keep Traveling: Your African Vacation, host Rael Zieve chats with Natasha Mostert, the passionate co-owner of both these ventures, about how she and her husband turned a dream into a destination.
Your First Stop to Somewhere Beautiful
Whether you’re heading to Sun City, Madikwe, or Pilanesberg, Hartbeespoort is the perfect halfway pit stop to catch your breath. Most international travelers arrive in the morning at OR Tambo and have hours to spare before check-in at their final lodge. Natasha has the perfect fix: a scenic two-hour cruise with delicious South African food and a view to match.
“You’re close to the city,” Natasha says, “but it feels like you’re worlds away.”
Stay at La Dolce Vita – The Sweet Life
If the name didn’t already give it away, La Dolce Vita Guesthouse is all about romance. Italian-themed rooms with jacuzzi spa baths, 180-degree dam views, and packages that include dinner, breakfast, and a complimentary boat cruise. The lodge is intimate and personal — perfect for couples, honeymooners, or anyone just needing a little pampering.
Sail Away with Harties Boat Company
Started in 2016, Harties Boat Company has grown from one small cruise boat to a fleet of seven vessels, including the elegant Alba, brought in from the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town (yep — it took 15 days by road to get her there!).
They offer three daily cruises:
- Brunch Cruise (10–12)
- Lunch Cruise (1–3)
- Sunset Cruise (4–6)
If you’re tight on time? They’ve got a quick one-hour cruise too. Most cruises include a welcome drink, finger food, and pure chilled-out vibes.
And if you’re more of a “toes-in-the-sand” kind of person, their Zanzibar Beach Café on the harbour has cocktails, braais, and beach sand to wiggle your toes into. It’s like the coast, minus the coastline.
Got a Reason to Celebrate? Bring it Aboard
Bachelor parties? Hens parties? Proposals? Full-on weddings? Yup — they do it all.
- Private luxury pontoons for groups of up to 11
- Larger boats like the Touraame (35 pax), Danny Boy (100 pax), and the Alba (80 pax)
- Bar, food, décor, and even a ‘Will You Marry Me?’ sign included if you need it
Whatever your vibe — small and cozy or big and boujee — they’ll float your event to life.
Service with Soul
This isn’t just a business. It’s a mission to uplift the local community. Most of their team comes from nearby villages, and many started as interns from tourism schools before landing permanent jobs. The crew is trained up with SAMSA certifications, first aid, service standards, and good old hospitality.
As Natasha puts it, “First priority is safety. Second is giving guests a world-class experience.”
Eco-Efforts and Clean Waters
With three rivers feeding into the dam and a delicate ecosystem at play, they take sustainability seriously. Natasha and her team are part of the Hartbeespoort Dam Rehabilitation Committee, teaching kids about water preservation, running school trips, and keeping things clean. No plastic dumping, no cigarette butts — just clean cruising.
Laughter, Love & Lake Mishaps
Not every moment is planned — and that’s half the charm. Natasha tells the story of a young crew member trying to stop a boat by hand in the wind… only to fall into the water, followed by two guests trying to “rescue” him. Everyone came out laughing — and wetter than they arrived.
As she says: “Every day’s a new story. That’s what makes this job beautiful.”
🎁 Win a Romantic Weekend or a Luxury Cruise
Natasha’s giving away two incredible prizes to one lucky listener:
- A Luxury Cruise for Two on the Alba – valued at R1,590
- A Sweet Life Weekend Package at La Dolce Vita – worth R6,260, including two nights, flowers, sparkling wine, dinner, breakfast, and a cruise.
(You better believe this is the perfect anniversary or honeymoon gift.)
Ready to Book Your Slice of Sweet Life?
Harties might be just a short drive from the city, but once you’re there, it’s a whole other world — with mountains, water, love, and laughter.
📍 Learn more and book at: Luxury Travel Podcast: Authentic African Holiday Insights | Wild Sunsets
📧 Or email Rael at: rael@wildsunsets.travel