North West Province

The North West Province, located west of Gauteng up to the Botswana border, offers tourists a variety of pleasures - from rich cultural and historical heritage to wildlife and outdoor adventures. Its close location to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg makes it an ideal and convenient place to explore some of the natural wonders that South Africa has to offer.

The North West Province offers tourists good sunny weather almost all year round. Summers are hot (temperatures range between 22°C & 34°C) and the afternoons are characterised by refreshing thunderstorms. Winters are dry - the days are sunny but the nights can become chilly with temperatures ranging between 15°C to 22°C during the day and dropping as low as 2°C at night. The hot dry climate of the North West Province makes it an ideal place to partake in water sports and activities.

Mafikeng is the capital of the North West Province. Other significant towns include: Brits, Hartebeespoort, Klerksdorp, Lichtenburg, Potchefstroom and Rustenburg.

The North West Province boasts a superb selection of accommodation and sight-seeing activities.

 

Some tourist attractions in the North West Province include:

Sun City and the Lost City

Sun City borders on the Pilanesberg National Park and is a mere 2 hours drive from Johannesburg. It is one of the internationally renowned tourist destinations in South Africa - a tourist hotspot with guaranteed family fun and entertainment. It offers first class hotels, a superb golf course, fine restaurants, a casino, a wide range of sporting activities and of course the Lost City (the

extravagant and exquisite African theme hotel) and the Valley of Waves (a massive man-made sea with waves, beaches with palm trees and a variety of water slides).

 

Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park is located in a Malaria free area and offers tourists the opportunity to view the 'Big 5' (Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhino) from the comfort of your own car or from a safari vehicle on a guided tour through the park. It is also a bird watcher's paradise with over 300 different species. The Pilanesberg National Park has a variety of accommodation from camping to exclusive game lodges.

Hartbeespoort Dam

Situated just half an hour from northern Johannesburg, Hartbeespoort Dam is the perfect spot to enjoy a variety of watersports or a leisurely picnic in the South African sunshine. There is an abundance of accommodation in the area surrounding Hartbeespoort Dam.

 

South African Delights

A visit to some of the smaller towns (such as Wolmaransstad, Mooi Nooi, and Delareyville) in the province offers one the opportunity to experience South African hospitality and feast on some local cuisine known as 'boerekos', examples of which include koeksisters, boerewors, melkkos and vetkoek.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe Game Reserve is well-known for its cheetah, spotted hyena, wild dog and elephant and is also home to the 'Big Five'. Accommodation is available to suit all pockets and taste - from 5 star safari lodges to affordable self-catering units.

Lesedi Cultural Village

Lesedi Cultural Village is situated close to Johannesburg, between rocky hills and the bushveld, and is the place where one can experience some of the local South African cultures and traditional folklore (Basotho, Ndebele, Pedi, Xhosa and Zulu). It also offers a selection of local curios, some excellent restaurants, and overnight accommodation at the Cultural Village.

http://www.lesedi.com

Home of Mampoer

Groot Marico, a small quiet town in the North West Province, is home to the alcoholic drink called 'Mampoer'. Mampoer is traditionally made from peaches and is extremely potent.