Welcome To The North West

Squeezed between the province of Gauteng and the Botswana border lies a stretch of countryside made up of rolling mountains and expansive bushveld plains.  Between a host of UNESCO World Heritage sites, exciting activities, and great wildlife a, you’ll never be at a loss for something to see and do in North West province.

Top things to see and do in North West:

Pilanesberg National Park

Just 2 hours outside of Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park is defined by its unique geological formations, made up of ridges and valleys forming concentric circles – the crater of a long-extinct volcano.  Various sites dating back to the Iron and Stone Ages complement the diverse fauna (including the Big Five), flora and birdlife that can be found in the park.

Sun City Resort

Developed by Sol Kerzner and positioned adjacent to the Pilanesberg National Park, Sun City offers visitors an array of dining, entertainment, and accommodation.  The renowned Palace of the Lost City delivers 5-star luxury, while the Valley of the Waves offers waterslides and a wave pool to cool off in.  Guests can chance their luck at the casino or simply enjoy a round of golf on the Gary Player designed course.

Madikwe Game Reserve

The 5th largest game reserve in South Africa, Madikwe borders Botswana and offers a unique wildlife experience.  The landscape consists of rolling grassland, forest thickets, and the rocky Tswene Tswene hills.  A host of luxurious private camps inside the park provide 4- and 5-star accommodation, and game drives deliver a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five and 350 species of birds.

De Wildt Cheetah & Wildlife Trust

Contributing to the conservation of the sleek and beautiful Cheetah, the De Wildt Cheetah Research Centre (now known as the Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre) is renowned for its captive breeding program (the aim of which is to release the animals back into the wild).  The centre provides 2 hour guided tours of the wildlife centre, during which visitors will see not only Cheetah, but a variety of other rare and endangered animals, including African Wild Dogs and Vultures.

Lesedi Cultural Village

Get a taste of traditional South African culture by visiting the residents of Lesedi Cultural Village.  Guided tours of Zulu, Basotho, Xhosa, and Pedi homesteads provide visitors with insights into South Africa’s many different cultures.  After the tour, a buffet is served at the Nyama Choma restaurant.

Cradle of Humankind

So-called because of the great number of fossils, tools and other remnants of early humanoids, the Cradle of Humankind is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Encompassing a large area of the North West province, guests can learn more about the evolution of mankind at the award-winning Maropeng Visitor Centre and explore the caves at Sterkfontein.

Taung Skull Heritage Site

Discovered in 1924 and estimated to be 2.5 million years old, it is suspected that the Taung Skull belonged to a small child that was killed by a giant, prehistoric bird of prey.  A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can view the monument that was erected to mark the significance of this find, check out the Buxton Quarry, and enjoy the tranquil scenery of the area.

Elephant Sanctuary

Interact with the largest land animal in the world at the Elephant Sanctuary.  Guided by expert elephant handlers, guests walk “trunk-in-hand” through the sanctuary before bonding with the animals by feeding them.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Float gently above the stunning scenery of North West province in a Hot Air Balloon.  Enjoy a complete African experience including breath-taking sunset, wildlife-viewing and delicious food.

Zip-line tours

Zip between the cliff faces of one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world.  Experienced guides accompany your tour and provide insights into the small and lesser seen wonders of the Magaliesberg as you make your way down the valley.