North West
Known as the “Heritage Province”, the 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.
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.
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!
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.
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