The North West Province is a diverse mix of wildlife reserves, cultural and heritage sites, archeological treasures, and entertainment hubs, such as the world-renowned pleasure spots of Sun City, its Lost City, and the Valley of Waves, making this province attractive to local and international tourists.
However, while the combination of five-star casino resorts and the jungle experience, as provided by the Pilanesberg National Park, is a winner, the province’s other attractions are culturally rich and highly significant. Noteworthy sites and routes include the Taung Archaeological Site, where Darwin’s missing link is believed to have been found, and the Crocodile River Ramble, which explores local arts and crafts along the way.
Sports and outdoor enthusiasts will feel right at home in this natural environment, offering activities ranging from water skiing to mountaineering, and the city of Mafikeng is known for offering some of the best gliding conditions in the world.
CLIMATE:
The North West Province experiences warm to hot summers and cold to very cold winters. This province offers sun almost all year round, which means that visitors will spend very few days inland. The province enjoys a summer rain, which typically sees thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Rain falls mainly between December and March, however the further west you travel the drier it becomes.
SHOPPING:
Shopping malls, antique shops, craft markets, art galleries, as well as street vendors and stalls abound throughout the province. The pleasant shopping route of Crocodile River Ramble is not to be missed. Good buys include fruits, biltong, homemade jams and preserves, mampoer (locally distilled liquor), local arts and crafts, ethnic clothing and fabrics.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:
Sun City:
The resort boasts two world famous golf courses, which annually host the Nedbank 2 Million Golf Challenge, one of the richest invitational tournaments in the world. There is a full casino in the complex, theaters and restaurants for all tastes. The Valley of the Waves is an inland sea that all water and beach lovers can enjoy. Different tours can be taken, including visits to the new cultural village and the botanical gardens.
Pilanesberg National Park:
Known as the “Jewel of the Northwest.” This unusual reserve, the fourth largest in South Africa, sits high in the Pilanesberg mountain range, cutting through the floor of a long-extinct volcano. The reserve is home to all the major African game species, including the Big Five. For the more adventurous, hot air balloon safaris can be arranged.
Mafiando:
“The place of boulders”, Mafikeng offers numerous sports facilities, including two golf courses. There is a major conference center, complemented by two excellent hotels and a casino. The city hosted the 2001 International Gliding Championships from its modern airport. The gliding conditions around Mafikeng are considered among the best in the world. A short distance from the city is the Mafikeng Game Reserve, well known as a breeding center for rhinos and other lowland species.
Taung Archaeological Site:
“The Lion’s Place”, this is the location of the world famous Taung Archaeological Site at the Buxton Limestone Quarry where, in 1924, a child’s skull encrusted with lime was discovered and later named Australopithecus africanus by scientist Dr. Raymond Dart. The prehistoric skull, half man, half ape, is said to have provided the missing link in Darwin’s theory of evolution.
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve:
Ideal stop for a walk through the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve, which has a variety of small and large antelope species and 256 bird species, with the option of staying to fish for carp and barbel at the Bloemhof Dam or the Vaal River. The Bloemhof Dam caters to water sports enthusiasts and is one of the top angling destinations in South Africa hosting a number of major local and international angling competitions.
Bathroom:
Potchefstroom, the oldest city in South Africa, was also the first capital of the republic. Attractions include the Potchefstroom Museum (in the home of the first president), The Old Fort and Museum, Totius House Museum, Andrew Carnegie Library and City Hall, Goetz Fleischack Museum, North West Command, and Oak Avenue.
Rustenburg:
Rustenburg platinum mining town where huge deposits of this valuable mineral are mined. Rustenburg has its own Nature Reserve, which protects a large herd of the rare sable antelope. Visitors can walk in the park.
Hartbeesport Dam:
Hartbeesport Dam lies in the shadow of the Magaliesberg and is popular for fishing, boating, water skiing and yachting. There is a mine, a zoo and a couple of small holiday villages, including the attractive kosmos flowers around the dam.
Magaliesberg:
For local arts and crafts, a driving route starting in Johannesburg and extending into the Magaliesberg area leads to the homes or shops of a host of artists, potters and artisans, known as the Crocodile River Ramble. There are a number of nice accommodation options and camping spots in the Magaliesberg area.
Mampoer route:
Well known for the quality of its mampoer, a powerful homemade concoction made from fruits such as peaches and apricots. The Mampoer Route is about 60 km long and introduces visitors to the secrets of the distilling process and also includes a visit to a trout breeding farm and game farm.