The North West Province

The wondrously scenic North West Province of South Africa is bordered on the north by Botswana, on the south by the provinces of Free State and the Northern Cape, and on the northeast and east by the Limpopo Province and Gauteng. Much of the province consists of flat areas of scattered trees and grassland. The Magaliesberg mountain range in the northeast extends about 80 miles from Pretoria to Rustenburg and the Vaal River flows along the southern border of the province. Important historical sites in the province include Mafikeng, the traditional capital of the Barolong people, where a British garrison was placed under siege by Afrikaners during the Boer War (1899-1902). There are also several national parks, the largest being the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which is located in the crater of an extinct volcano.

Not far from the Gaborone border lies the Madikwe Game Reserve. This reserve, consisting of reclaimed farm land, is famous for its ambitious re-stocking program “Operation Phoenix”. The area is now home to the big five and is famous for its wild dog. Covering some 60,000 hectares, it is one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. The rich diversity of vegetation ensures a wide range of game and the topography offers ideal game viewing opportunities.

The Sun City Hotel & Entertainment complex is known the world over as a tourism hotspot. The Lost City is the obvious highlight of the Sun City complex and the Palace of the Lost City with its extravagant lost-world theme and African feel, is one of the most famous hotels in the world.

Adjacent to the Sun City resort is the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, where visitors can experience the big five, just two hours from Johannesburg. The reserve is home to a large number of wild animals and is one of the province’s biggest attractions.

Golfers will be in heaven with the many championship Golf Courses the region has to offer. The Gary Player Country Club is rated as South Africa's number 1 course, and the Lost City Course is not far behind.

Suggested Accommodation

Sun City
Within the resort are 4 main choices of accommodation. The Palace of the Lost City is imaginatively decorated and designed, and houses 338 rooms and four luxurious suites. The Cascades hotel is understated luxury in elegant surrounds. The first hotel of the resort, The Sun City Hotel, offers all manners of entertainment, and the Cabanas Hotel is an excellent choice for families.

Jaci’s Safari Lodge
Set in the lush Madikwe Game Reserve, Jaci’s Safari Lodge masterfully blends into its surroundings, encompassing a magnificent main area built around an ancient termite mound. Featuring only eight large rooms and the exclusive 2 bed-roomed "Nare Suite" - all built with shaggy thatched roofs, canvas walls and large tented windows – Jaci’s has a true safari atmosphere, inviting you to enjoy your bush surroundings. Situated at an ideal spot overlooking an established and well-used water hole, excellent game viewing is assured.

Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the Tweedepoort Ridge overlooking plains of the western section of Madikwe Game Reserve. The main lodge is spectacularly located in two tiers of the ridge, accessed via a wooden bridge. There are 8 suites, each with its own viewing deck, decorated in natural tones and textures offering a private and exclusive experience. Game viewing activities include walking as well as game drives in open vehicles with highly informative and experienced guides.

Marataba
At the foot of the Waterberg Mountains, Marataba is a fantastic game lodge embracing both the contemporary and the ancient. There are 12 luxury tented suites blending canvas with stone, all of which are superbly decorated as are the opulent en-suite bathrooms. Each suite has a private deck on which to relax and soak up the surroundings. Game drives and walks take place every morning and late afternoon and day excursions to Marakele's Endangered Species Project can also be arranged.