North West

Known as the ‘Heritage Province’, North West is a rewarding holiday destination that offers exciting wildlife and adventure encounters as well as the opportunity to participate in a rich cultural and historical heritage. Important historical sites in the province include Mafikeng, the traditional capital of the Barolong people, where a British garrison was placed under siege by Afrikaners during the Boer War (1899-1902); Lotlamoreng Cultural Village near Mafikeng, which re-creates a traditional African village; and Boekenhoutfontein, the farm of Paul Kruger, who was the last president of the South African Republic (a state created by Afrikaners in what is now north-eastern South Africa), from 1883 to 1902. The province has several national parks. The largest, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, is located in the crater of an extinct volcano.

There is also plenty of fun to be had…

Pilanesberg Game Reserve

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is located next door to the famous Sun City Resort. Here visitors can experience the wild African bush just two hours away from Johannesburg. The beauty of Pilanesberg is reflected in a large central lake, the Mankwe Dam. Over time, wind and water have carved a spectacular landscape with rocky outcrops, open grasslands, wooded valleys and thickets. The reserve is home to a large number of wild animals, including the rare wild dog.

Madikwe Game Reserve

The other largely notable game reserve in the North West province is Madikwe Game Reserve, relatively close to the Botswana border. The area is home to the ‘Big Five’ and is famous for its wild dog, spotted hyena, cheetah and elephant population. Madikwe also boasts fantastic accommodation from 5-star opulence to roughing it in style. There are a number of community lodges in Madikwe which means that international visitors get to learn more about local lifestyles and culture during their stay.

Sun City

The extravagant Sun City entertainment complex is known the world over as a tourism hot spot. With a number of fantastic hotels, casinos, restaurants and adult entertainment venues. Sun City remains South Africa’s icon of fun and entertainment. The Palace of the Lost City with its fantastical lost-worzel theme – is one of the most famous destinations in Africa. The Valley of the Waves at the Lost City is a winner with the kids, this inland ‘oceanic’ entertainment centre has its own man-made pool, beach and a wave machine.

The Magalies Meander

In the shadow of Magaliesburg mountains, you will find the Magalies Meander.

The area offers some fantastic arts and crafts shops and there are also super restaurants should you wish to take a leisurely lunch. Why not take a hot-air balloon trip over this picturesque region?

Hartbeespoort Dam

Hartbeespoort Dam is an option for those who enjoy water sports. Close to Johannesburg and Pretoria, Hartbeespoort is the perfect weekend getaway. All water sports may be enjoyed including para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing!!! For the more adventurous, why not try paragliding, hang-gliding or hot air ballooning?

We have an aquarium, a private zoo with a snake park, a cheetah trust, an elephant sanctuary and a predator park. Now you can explore and discover the scenic beauty, entertaining attractions, fun activities & places of interest of this wonderful land

Mafeking

Mafeking is another interesting destination in the province and this metropolitan hub offers up an interesting combination of colonial and modern Africa. It was the scene of the famous 1899-1900 Siege of Mafeking during the Anglo-Boer War. Today, Mafeking still pays tribute to its fascinating history. Victorian buildings stand beside a modern museum housing ancient San works of art and Tswana traditional exhibits.

Groot Marico

Close to the Madikwe Game Reserve, you’ll find the small town of Groot Marico, made famous by the author Herman Charles Bosman. The spirit of ones of his main characters, the feisty Oom Schalk Lourens, still lingers along the quiet streets of this enticing little town. Groot Marico is home to a vibrant, artistic community where the art of story telling is alive and well. Don’t forget to try a shot of mampoer (the local version of ‘moonshine’) during your stay.

Lesedi Cultural Village

For those who want to take to the country roads, there are some excellent opportunities. A short scenic drive from Johannesburg, you’ll find the Lesedi Cultural Village. Live the Lesedi experience – experience the vibrant and colourful traditions of the Basotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Xhosa and Zulu people on a short tour or even stay overnight at the Cultural Village. The village offers an exploration of African folklore and ancestry as well as spectacular cuisine and fabulous curios.

Vredefort Dome

2,000 million years ago, a meteorite the size of Table Mountain hit the earth creating the world’s oldest and largest meteorite crate – Vredefort Dome. Vredefort is located around 100km south west of Johannesburg and is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa. The original impact scar from the meteorite was around 380km across although this has since eroded away. The inner impact circle can still be seen and this measures 180km across. The Vredefort Dome Conservancy, as it is now known, is not just of scientific value. It also has great scenic beauty, making it an ideal tourist destination.

De Wildt Cheetah & Wildlife Centre

If the Pilanesburg and Madikwe Game Reserves have whet your appetite for more, then a visit to the De Wildt Cheetah & Wildlife Centre is a must. This well-known sanctuary is renowned for the breeding of cheetah (including the rare king cheetah) as well as the brown hyena and African wild dog. There is also an Elephant Sanctuary in the North West province that promises up-close-and-personal experiences with these amazing creatures.