north-west, accommodations

Known locally as the platinum province, the North West province produces more platinum than any other single area in the world. At the same time, it boasts many areas of true African wilderness, coupled with virtually year-round sunshine and hot and dry climate.

For visitors to this province, the Pilanesberg National Park and the Madikwe Game Reserve both offer the opportunity to take in breathtaking scenery and view wildlife – including the Big Five – in a malaria-free environment.

Explore man’s ancient origins at the Taung Heritage Site, where in 1924 Professor Raymond Dart discovered a skull belonging to an early hominid, which he named ‘Australopithecus africanus’. This discovery led many scientists to believe that the origin of early man was initiated on the African continent. Also in this area are the Blue Pools, an area filled with picturesque caves and streams, where you can picnic, hike or even go abseiling.

Of course, the most famous venue in this province is the world renowned attraction that is Sun City and the Lost City, South Africa’s answer to Las Vegas. Situated in the crater of an extinctive volcano in the Pilanesberg Mountains, Sun City is a fabulous resort complex in the heart of the African bushveld.

The Magaliesberg and the nearby Hartbeespoort Dam offer unparalleled picnicking and hiking opportunities, as well as a wide variety of water sports. Visit the arts and crafts stalls that dot the area and pop into one of the many little restaurants to experience true country hospitality.

For those with a strong interest in history, a visit to the North West's capital of Mafikeng is a must. This town is known for the 1899 Siege of Mafikeng that occurred during the Anglo-Boer War. The commander in charge of Mafikeng’s defences was Colonel Robert Baden-Powell, and it was during this conflict that he developed the concept of the Boy Scout movement.

The platinum province has much to offer visitors to this sunny region – whether it is history, wildlife, gambling or just plain fun in the sun, there is something for everyone in the North West!

Things to do:

• The Wondergat is an extensive underwater cave network that is the deepest natural hole in the interior of the country. For advanced scuba divers, this natural dolomite sinkhole presents one of the best dives in SA.
• For bird watchers, the birding in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is richly rewarding. Thanks to a wide variety of habitats, it is home to over 300 avian species.
• Sun City is an entertainment Mecca, while the adjoining Lost City is an African-inspired architectural masterpiece. Go swimming at the Valley of the Waves, spend the day on the fabulous golf course or simply try your luck in the massive casino.
• Visit the Elephant Sanctuary at Hartbeespoort Dam, which protects rescued elephants that cannot be released into the wild. This family-orientated sanctuary enables visitors to touch, feel, feed, walk trunk-in-hand and even ride these animals.
• Spend time in one of South Africa’s most scenic spots – the Magaliesberg Mountains and take a journey along the Magalies Meander arts and craft route. Alternatively, take a train from Johannesburg or Pretoria to the Magaliesberg and see the countryside from a different angle.
• Stop over at the Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve, a 13 000-hectare area  that offers excellent bird watching opportunities, as well as multiple water sports including fishing, boating, jet skiing, canoeing, and yachting.
• The provincial capital of Mafikeng is rich in history. Famous both for the 1899 siege and the founding of the Boy Scout movement, Mafikeng also boats a 5 000 hectare game reserve located on the municipal boundary of the city.
• Go sailing, windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing or water skiing at Hartbeespoort Dam, or simply enjoy a Sundowner cruise. Rock climbing, hiking and abseiling are other options, while the nearby Crocodile River, which feeds the dam, offers white water rafting, tubing and canoeing.
• At the Taung Heritage Site you can delve back into the origins of mankind, where Professor Raymond Dart discovered the fossils of one of our earliest ancestors in 1924, or spend a day relaxing at the nearby natural wonder that is the Blue Pools.
• To view the Big Five in a malaria-free environment, visit Madikwe Game Reserve, a park initially founded by economists, rather than conservationists. The success of this reserve – where conservation is more profitable for the local communities than cattle farming - is now a model widely used in South Africa.

Top Festivals and Events:

• The Lichtenburg Zebra Zamba & MTB Race takes place in March and runs through the Lichtenburg game breeding centre, offering competitors the opportunity to see endangered species like white rhino, Cape mountain zebra, and oryx.
• The 'Om Die Dam' Ultra Marathon is an extremely popular 50km road race that takes place in the beautiful and scenic surroundings of Hartbeespoort Dam in March.
• Brightly Coloured Sight is an art project held in Potchefstroom in March/April that raises money for the Guide Dog Association for the Blind. A number of well known local artists donate paintings to this worthwhile event.
• At Potchefstroom’s Oppiewerf Arts and Antiques Fair in May, collectors can search for special antiques for their collections.
• The annual Quilt Festival in Klerksdorp in July is the ideal place to obtain local cultural items, as talented quilters and crafters from across the country come to display and sell their handmade quilts.
• The Cultural Calabash in Taung takes place in September at the home of the famous Taung child skull and is a multi -disciplined youth arts festival.
• For the more athletic, the BSG Energade Triathlon Series in Potchefstroom takes place in October and is a multi-faceted event that encompasses swimming (600m), cycling (20km) and running (5km).
• Springbreak is a festival at Sun City in October that is described as being one of the biggest and hottest beach parties, offering four days of music, entertainment, partying and sports.
• For the culturally inclined, the Aardklop National Arts Festival in Potchefstroom is a must. Taking place in October, it offers a diverse programme that includes theatre, opera, dance and a wide range of musicians.
• Rounding off the year is the three decades old Nedbank Golf Challenge, unofficially referred to as ‘Africa’s Major’. It takes place at Sun City’s Gary Player Country Club course in early December and always features some of the top ranked golfers in the world.

Things you should know:

• The North West province has air and rail links with all major South African cities. It is also easy to drive there from neighbouring provinces.
• Summers are very hot, winters mild to cool. Summer time is best for bird watchers, as all the migrant birds are back from winter vacation.
• Always pack plenty of sunblock and a hat. Good walking shoes or hiking boots are also a must for those who prefer to explore on foot.
• The Mafikeng Game Reserve pioneered electronic tagging in an effort to stop rhinos being poached for their horns.
• A conservation corridor is envisaged that will eventually join the Madikwe and Pilanesberg game reserves.

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