Photo by Gerry Nelson Click on the image for larger version

Home to the fantastic Pilanesberg and Madikwe game reserves, North West has the big five, fantastic bird-life and wide-open African skies. The area boasts archaeological discoveries that go back to the beginnings of humankind, as well as the world-famous Sun City hotel complex, creatively dedicated to ancient lost civilizations and modern-day pleasures.

This is also the land of the author Herman Charles Bosman and his tales of Oom Schalk and the Groot Marico where mampoer (a very potent home-distilled peach brandy) and local legend were born and where time stands still. This is where the Bakgatla tribe believe in totem animals and that their wellbeing is dictated by the stars...

Lesedi Cultural Village. A short, scenic drive outside of Johannesburg, this cultural village is a window on a number of our indigenous cultures for South Africans and international visitors alike. The village offers an exploration of traditional folklore and ancestry … not to mention the spectacular cuisine and fantastic curios.

Photo by Graeme Bridger Click on the image for larger version

Sun City. The extravagant Sun City hotel/entertainment complex `in the middle of nowhere’, is known the world over as a tourism hotspot. It was built over 20 years ago in the homeland of Bophuthatswana when gambling was not permitted in South Africa under the apartheid government. Sun City remains an icon of family fun and entertainment. The Lost City is the obvious highlight of the Sun City complex and the Palace of the Lost City - with its extravagant lost-world theme and spectacular African feel - is one of the most famous hotels in the world.

Valley of the Waves. Kids absolutely love this in-land seaside entertainment centre. The Valley of the Waves at the Lost City (Sun City) offers a gigantic man-made pool, a man-made beach, palm trees and a machine that produces bona fide waves! Death-defying water chute rides and the Temple of Courage waterslide is not for the faint hearted!

Photo by Jon Hrusa Click on the image for larger version

Pilanesberg Game Reserve. Next door to the famous Sun City resort is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where visitors can experience the big five, just two hours from Johannesburg. The reserve is home to a large number of wild animals and is one of the province’s biggest attractions. The Pilanesberg mountain range exists as a result of an enormous volcano that erupted millions of years ago - leaving behind the beautiful hilly undulations that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Safari-time in Madikwe. Not too far from the Gaborone border lies the Northwest’s best-kept secret – Madikwe Game Reserve. This reserve, consisting of reclaimed farm land, is famous for the ambitious re-stocking programme “Operation Phoenix” that took place in the early nineties. The area is now home to the big five and is famous for its wild dog, spotted hyena, cheetah and elephant population. Madikwe also boasts fantastic accommodation across the board – from five-star opulence to roughing it in style.

Cheetah Country. The De Wildt Cheetah Farm is a must for visitors to the province. This well-known centre is renowned for the breeding of cheetah (including the rare king cheetah), as well as the brown hyena and African wild dog.

Wonderful Water sports. Hartebeespoort Dam is just a half hour drive from Johannesburg, and is something of a weekend mecca for water sports lovers. The perfect spot for a weekend getaway, and close enough for a quick day trip. The area boasts wonderful picnic spots and an opportunity to windsurf, sail, canoe, body-board and catch some welcome sun.