... From food and accommodation to entertainment and activities, it’s all covered.
"Nature has blessed this province with breathtaking scenic beauty, rolling fieldsof maize, golden sunflowers and vast plains of African bushveld." North-West Tourism
There are few more magical experiences than a hot air balloon ride as the sun appears over the horizon. As you drift lazily with the wind, enjoying the panoramic views, the early morning serenity and tranquility is punctuated only by the occasional chirping of birds and the frequent burst of flames into the hot air balloon. The legendary Bill Harrop has been flying happy customers on magical balloon rides since 1981. On landing you are awarded a “Citation of Bravery”, personally signed by Bill, followed by a delectable breakfast.
Magaliesberg Canopy Tour
The Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is an adrenaline-pumping Tarzan and Jane style eco-adventure through the Magaliesberg Mountains, the second oldest mountain range in the world. Cabled slides are joined to platforms that have been built into the rocky cliff, thirty metres over the canopy floor. You slide along the zip lines at high speed in a zig-zag pattern, surrounded by spectacular beauty. The trained guides simultaneously educate you on the flora and fauna of the region. It is safe for kids and the elderly and promises great fun.
Elephants at Madikwe
There is plenty of game-viewing in the North-West but two of my personal favourite reserves are Pilanesberg Game Reserve and Madikwe Game Reserve. Although they are two of South Africa’s lesser-known game reserves, they rank amongst the largest in the country. Both offer thousands of hectares of malaria-free bushveld, with some of the best Big 5 game viewing and most luxurious lodges in the world. Self-driving is permitted in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve but not in Madikwe Game Reserve.
Hartbeespoort Dam
Adventure-seekers will love Hartbeespoort Dam. It offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from a variety of land and air pursuits to water sports, including para-gliding, hiking, jet-skiing and quad-biking amid the picturesque surroundings. If you prefer more relaxing activities, go for a sundowner cruise, take a ride on the Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway or visit the numerous art galleries and animal sanctuaries in the vicinity.
Go back in time at the Cradle of Humankind, one of 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in South Africa. It is world-famous as the place where humankind originated and lies on the border of Gauteng and the North-West province. The first hominid was found here in 1924 by Professor Raymond Dart of the University of the Witwatersrand. Maropeng is the official visitor centre and focuses on the development of humans over the past few million years. You can also explore the Sterkfontein Caves which are world-renowned for their fossil finds including “Mrs Ples,” and “Little Foot”.
Tumulus Building at Maropeng
Restaurant Mosaic and the Orient Hotel
(2021 Update: The hotel and restaurant are now closed)
The Orient Hotel and Restaurant Mosaic
Be inspired by the East at The Orient Hotel, an intimate 5-star boutique hotel rich with Oriental treasures - think Maharajah’s beds, Aladdin’s carpets and Arabian nights. It is technically in Gauteng but very close to the North-West border. The décor is inspired by the owners’ travels over the years and many of the striking features of the hotel are original antiques from the East that have found new homes in The Orient. It is also home to the Art Nouveau styled Restaurant Mosaic, which is headed by one of South Africa’s top chefs, Chantel Dartnall. Here, you can indulge your palate with her acclaimed seasonal degustation menus.
Sun City is probably the North-West’s main claim to fame. It is much more than a casino and more of an all-in-one family entertainment destination. Golf, safaris, water sports, adventure sports, kids’ entertainment, a range of accommodation to suit different budgets and many great restaurants – Sun City has it all.
Sparkling Waters is a 3 star and AA Highly Recommended Hotel & Spa situated in the heart of the Magaliesberg Mountain Range. The rooms are situated in sub-tropical gardens and are spacious and comfortable. There is an award-winning spa on the premises and the Magaliesberg Canopy tours is also part of their offering. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rates making the resort great value for money. The Sunday lunch at the resort is a popular weekly event attracting visitors from all over.
Tree hide
Jaci’s award-winning accommodation is amongst the most child-friendly safari lodges in South Africa. It consists of two lodges situated close to each other on the banks of the Marico River - Jaci’s Tree Lodge which boasts a number of wonderfully secluded lodges built on stilts high among the trees and Jaci’s Safari Lodge which comprises luxury tents. The tents stay open during the day allowing guests to enjoy the view. It is tranquil and peaceful with no artificial noise to shatter the peace. Be sure to spend some time at the luxurious tree hide where you can put your feet up and watch the wildlife for hours on end.
Swimming Pool at Tau Game Lodge
Tau Game Lodge is a family-friendly, five-star safari lodge in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s top private game reserves. The lodge is enclosed, resulting in guests being subtly fenced in, while wildlife including the Big Five, wild dogs, and cheetahs roam free in the reserve.
Chameleon Village
Get some retail therapy at this 10-hectare shopping, eating and entertainment area at Hartbeespoort Dam. It includes an African craft market selling handmade curios, huge gardens, a home décor centre with 28 different stores, kids’ play areas with jumping castles, jungle gyms, sandpits and other activities and restaurants and cafes for different palates. It also has a snake and reptile park. Chameleon Village, 2 km west of the Hartbeespoort Dam wall on the R104.
Welwitschia Country Market
Shop at Welwitschia Country Market, a charming flea market featuring 40 shops, 4 restaurants and fun for the whole family. Stalls offers a wide range of wares including clothing, African arts & crafts, books, novelties & curios, leather ware, jewelry, furniture, and lots more.
Have you been there? What are your favourite things to do in North West province ?
Extracts of this article were first published in SAA Sawubona magazine.
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