North West offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity and outdoor adventures. Spot the Big Five in sprawling wildlife parks and learn about the history of humankind at one of the most important archaeological sites in South Africa.
Things to do in North-West
Tick off the Big Five in Pilanesberg National Park. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, rhinos and other iconic South African wildlife. Explore the park on a guided game drive or take to the skies on a hot air balloon safari.
Discover more than 750 square kilometres of South African wilderness in Madikwe Game Reserve. It’s one of the largest in the country and home to more than 1,000 elephants and multiple lion prides. The birdlife is outstanding, with the chance to see hornbills, jacanas and fish eagles.
You’ll find everything from luxury hotels and neon-lit casinos to family-friendly water parks and lush golf courses at Sun City. The complex is known as the “Las Vegas of South Africa” and offers a huge variety of entertainment. Bask on artificial beaches, meet enormous reptiles in the crocodile park and explore the verdant botanical gardens.
From the bustling city of Rustenburg to the cultured capital of Mahikeng, North West is dotted with urban centres. Rustenburg has a proud mining heritage and features an excellent local history museum and a thriving arts and culture scene. Visit the Mafikeng Museum in Mahikeng to learn more about formative events like the Second Anglo-Boer War and the Boy Scout Movement.
Uncover South Africa’s ancient past on the Taung Heritage Route. The route winds across the North West Province and takes in archaeological sites like the Taung Skull Heritage Site, where a 2.5-million-year-old human skull was discovered. In addition to charting the evolution of humankind, the Taung Heritage Route showcases spectacular scenery. Stop to explore tumbling waterfalls, crystalline natural pools and rugged limestone caves.
Getting around North-West
North West is large and best explored by car. Cities like Rustenburg and Mahikeng are easy to get around on foot or by taxi or public transport. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg is a two-hour drive from Rustenburg and four hours from Mahikeng.