This province is home to a variety of cultural, heritage, and wildlife sites. It also has entertainment and leisure resorts such as Sun City, the Lost City, and Valley of the Waves. These attractions make it attractive for both local and international tourists.
The combination of 5-star casinos resorts with the wilderness experience provided by Pilanesberg National Park is winning, but the province also has other culturally significant attractions. It is worth noting sites and routes like the Taung Archaeological site where Darwin was thought to have found his missing link. The Crocodile River Ramble allows you to explore local crafts and arts along the route.
Outdoor enthusiasts and sport lovers will find their home here. The natural environment is ideal for water skiing, mountain climbing, or any other activity. Mafikeng is well-known for its excellent gliding conditions.
CLIMATE:
North West Province enjoys warm, hot summers and extremely cold winters. The province boasts almost all-year sunshine, so visitors won’t spend much time indoors. Summer rainfall is common in this province, where thunderstorms are most frequent late afternoon. The rain falls mostly between December and March. However, the further west you travel the more dry it gets.
SHOPPING:
There are many shopping malls, antique shops and craft markets throughout the province. The Crocodile River Ramble is a must-see shopping destination. Fruit, biltong (locally produced liquor), home-made jams, preserves, mampoer (local arts and crafts), ethnic clothing, and fabrics are all good options.
TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS
Sun City:
Two world-famous courses are part of this complex, and host annually the Nedbank 2 million golf challenge. This is one of the most prestigious invitational tournaments anywhere in the world. The resort has a casino, revue theatres, and many restaurants to suit every palate. Valley of the Waves offers a pristine inland beach for all those who love water and beaches. There are many tours available, including trips to the cultural village or the botanical gardens.
Pilanesberg National Park
Also known as “Jewel of the North West”The fourth largest reserve in South Africa is located in Pilanesberg and crosses the floor of a long-extinct volcano. The reserve houses all of the major African game species, including The Big Five. Hot-air balloon safaris are available for the adventurous.
Mafikeng:
“The place of boulders”Mafikeng has two courses and many other sporting opportunities. A major conference venue is located here, along with two great hotels and a Casino. It hosted the 2001 International Gliding Championships. Mafikeng’s gliding conditions are among the most prestigious in the world. Mafikeng Game reserve is located close to the town and it’s well-known for its role as a breeding ground for rhinos, among other common plains species.
Taung Archaeological Site:
“The place of the lion”Here is the Buxton limestone quarry’s famous Taung archaeological site. This quarry was where Dr Raymond Dart discovered the lime-encrusted child’s skull in 1924. This prehistoric skull, half-man, half-ape is believed to provide Darwin’s missing link.
Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve
It’s a great place to stop and enjoy the Bloemhof Nature Reserve, which is home to a range of small and large species of antelope and more than 256 bird species. You can also stay over and fish for barbel and carp on the Bloemhof dam or the Vaal River. Bloemhof dam is a popular destination for watersports enthusiasts. It hosts a variety of international and local angling contests.
Potchefstroom:
Potchefstroom, South Africa’s oldest municipality was also the country’s first capital. The Potchefstroom Museum can be found in the residence of the first president. There are many attractions including the Old Fort and Museum. Totius Museum. Andrew Carnegie Library and City Hall. Goetz Fleischack Museum.
Rustenburg:
Rustenburg, a town that mines platinum, is home to huge amounts of this precious mineral. Rustenburg’s Nature Reserve protects large numbers of rare sable-antlopes. The park is open to hiking.
Hartbeesport Dam
In the Magaliesberg’s shadow, Hartbeesport Dam is a popular spot for boating, fishing, waterskiing and yachting. The dam has a small zoo, mine, and several holiday villages.
Magaliesberg:
Local arts and crafts can be found on a route from Johannesburg that leads to Magaliesberg. This is called the Crocodile River Ramble. You will find a wide range of accommodation and camping options in the Magaliesberg.
Mampoer Route:
It is well-known for its strong home-brew, mampoer. This powerful drink is made with fruit like peaches or apricots. About 60km of the Mampoer Road takes visitors on a journey through the distilling process. It also features a tour to a trout breeding and game farm.