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Game Drive on a Private Safari
Come see the Big 5 from the back of a 4x4.
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North West
province, if its cultural heritage and a host of natural wonders you’re after on your visit to South Africa, you will find it here. While the province is largely rural, it contains some of the country’s most spectacular vistas of grassland and trees, wide expanses of African bushveld, and the breathtakingly beautiful Magaliesberg mountain range. More popularly known as the heritage province, the North West’s greatest asset, however, has proven to be its people, past and present. The province is home to the BaTswana people, archaeological sites, San rock art, historical buildings and battlefields, as well as three World Heritage Sites. Take your time learning more about this fascinating region – experience the hospitality of its people by booking from a wide array of North West accommodation. It’s varied enough to accommodate everyone from backpackers and families on budget to couples looking to spoil themselves and those wanting the very best in luxury options.
One of the North West province’s most appealing qualities is that it is malaria-free. It is home to hectares of game reserves and national parks unique enough to enthrall even the most seasoned wildlife enthusiast - the largest of which is the Pilanesberg National Park. Stretching over 55 000 hectares and sanctuary to Africa’s Big Five, the Pilanesberg National Park is located in the crater of an extinct volcano, making it a unique geological site as well. Explore the game and archeological features of the park from the comfort of your own vehicle, on horse back, in hot air balloon or on foot with a guide. If you have more time, the Madikwe Game Reserve (home to the very best of luxury accommodation) and the Rustenburg Nature Reserve are both well worth the visit.
Other places of interest include in the Taung Heritage Site, The Cradle of Humankind and the Vredefort Dome – all World Heritage Sites. The Taung Heritage Site is the archaeological site where the fossilised hominid skull was discovered, while the Vredefort Dome is the world’s largest and oldest known meteor impact structure. The Cradle of Humankind, which is a shared destination with the Gauteng province, consists of a series of limestone caves where a 2.3-million year-old fossil was discovered in 1947.
Culture vultures can make their way to the towns of Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom for museums, landmarks and San art where the histories of the local North West people are detailed. Or for a more experiential taste of African culture, head to the Lesedi Cultural Village in The Cradle of Humankind, the Mapoch Ndebele Village near Brits or the Lotlamoreng Cultural Village near Mafikeng. These cultural villages of the North West province still revere their set of rural traditions and rituals passed down from the ancestors. Spend time learning how the various tribes of the region celebrate their way of life, customs, craft techniques, language and food. Visitors can enjoy listening to their oral tradition of storytelling and singing, visit traditional healers, and learn about various development projects started to uplift and enrich the community.
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