Courtesy of Oscar Burman
Beyond the glitz and gaudiness of Sun City, South Africa’s North West Province hardly has an established reputation as a tourism hotspot. Ask the spoilt folks down here in Cape Town what happens in North West and they’re probably more likely to tell you about dodgy tenders than tourist attractions.
But for those in the know, North West has so much more to offer, from South Africa’s most popular national park to some of its oldest archeological sites, and plenty of lesser-known gems in-between.
New direct flight paths from Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg to Pilanesberg airport are making it easier than ever to experience North West’s offerings.
Meanwhile, the local tourism board is looking to partner with traditional authorities, the private sector and public sector entities to add momentum to North West’s tourism growth and promote the province as South Africa’s new tourism capital.
So the best time to visit is right now, before everyone else cottons on. Here are five highlights you won’t want to miss:
Shooting to Thrill at Madikwe Game Reserve
Courtesy of Christopher Clark
Just a couple of hours down the road from Pilanesberg on the edge of the Kalahari you’ll find Madikwe Game Reserve, one of South Africa’s biggest private reserves and an astonishing conservation success story. Feted for its population of critically-endangered wild dogs and leopard sightings, Madikwe is also developing a reputation as a top location for specialized photographic safaris. Pangolin Photo Safaris and Jaci’s Lodges have recently unveiled a unique submerged photographic “terrapin hide” that pops up in the middle of a waterhole just above water level. Jaci’s Lodges also provide custom-made Gimpro dual camera mounts for up to six photographers on their safari vehicles.
Water Weekends at Hartebeesport Dam
Courtesy of Storm Signal
This dam and the surrounding area are a particularly popular weekend playground for Gautengers. The dam itself is a favourite for watersports such as windsurfing and jetskiing, while the Crocodile River that feeds the dam offers white water rafting, canoeing and tubing among other things. Beneath the dam’s surface, you’ll find one of South Africa’s few inland dive sites and, rather bizarrely, a sunken bus and aeroplane. Heading away from the water and into the surrounding hills and mountains, there are beautiful hikes and walking trails and good rock climbing. Quad biking, paragliding or hot air ballooning are also popular ways to explore the area.
Family Fun at Pilanesberg National Park
Courtesy of Simon Cox
Obviously we weren’t going to leave Pilanesberg out. Our park is South Africa’s most popular and accessible Big 5 area. Just an easy hour and a half’s drive from Jo’burg or a two hour flight from Cape Town, Pilanesberg is unpretentious, family-friendly, wallet-friendly and completely malaria free. Situated inside an ancient volcanic crater, the park is teeming with wildlife and it’s also the only national park in South Africa that offers hot air balloon safaris. It will always be a local family favourite.
Glitz and Gaudiness at Sun City
Courtesy of Paul Bernie
Just beyond the boundaries of Pilanesberg, Sun City is a strange, loud, bewildering and rather incongruous place. It’s also just a hell of a lot of fun. For the adults, there’s a world famous golf course and one of Africa’s biggest casinos, as well as a number watering holes, live music venues and restaurants. For the kids, there’s a variety of rides and outdoor activities, and the feted Valley of the Waves. Accommodation ranges from the ridiculously over the top luxury of the Lost City to the more simple homely comforts of the Sun City Cabanas.
Magical Nature at Magaliesberg
Courtesy of South Africa Tourism
When the traffic decides to behave, it’s less than an hour from Jozi to the dramatic Magaliesberg Mountain Range, but it feels a thousand miles away. The stories these mountains could tell – they are nearly a hundred times older than Mount Everest. As well as a fascinating historical and geological heritage, the mountain range also has more indigenous trees and plants than you could shake a stick at. For the true nature lovers, a particularly special way to experience this part of the province is to set off on the Magalies Meander.
This post is an abridged version of an article originally published on Travelstart
