South Africa | North West Province

Spread out across a largely featureless landscape, North West Province is one of South Africa's most sparsely populated regions. But behind the seeming emptiness lies a rich history of traditional African culture, tranquility in the wide open spaces, the opportunity for big game viewing and the lure of a variety of adventure encounters.

The "Heritage Province" is a rewarding holiday destination of striking contrasts, from simple nature experiences to the extravagance and excitement of luxury resorts and South Africa's premiere casino destination.

North West's people are predominantly BaTswana in origin and many centuries of history have brought them through wars and tribal migration to settle in the plains and valleys that stretch from Gauteng in the South to Botswana and the Kalahari in the north.

Artistic expression can be found in a number of cultural villages in the province, like Lesedi which has daily shows depicting the cultures and dances of many of the people of South Africa. The Mmabana Cultural Centres, at Taung, Mafikeng, Lehurutse, Klerksdorp and Thlabane are also important centres of learning where skills can be gained in a wide range of arts. Lotlamoreng Dam Cultural Reserve and the Golden Village project at Stilfontein showcase the artistic talents of the local people and offer superb beadwork and pottery for sale to visitors.

Getting back to nature is a breeze in the North West. There are fantastic opportunities offered for game viewing by car, on horseback, or from a hot air balloon. Guided wilderness hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing, fishing, hunting and water sports are all available as organised activities.

The Mdikwe Game Reserve, just 3 hours drive from Johannesburg, covers 60 000 hectares along the Botswana border and is one of South Africa's premiere destinations for big game viewing. You will encounter wild dog, spotted hyena, cheetah and elephant roaming the vast grassy plains, open woodlands and rocky outcrops. Bush walks and day or night game drives are available and Madikwe offers excellent accommodation at a number of well-appointed private lodges.

Go back 1300 million years in history to the eruptions of a huge volcano that formed a large crater and a set of concentric rings of alkaline hills. Within this unique geological complex is the Pilanesberg National Park - one of South Africa's largest. The park lies within the transition zone between the dry Kalahari and wetter Lowveld vegetation and is home to an abundant selection of plant and animal species including the Big Five. Cape chestnut groves, camelthorns, woody ravines and rolling grasslands make for varied habitats where impala, sable, giraffe and zebra can be seen browsing for food. Sightings of hyena, cheetah and hippo are common, and the numerous Stone and Iron Age sites that are scattered throughout the park, make Pilanesberg a unique and varied destination for a day trip.

At the centre of the Pilanesberg valley lies the Sun City Resort - a spectacular collection of hotels, casinos and entertainment venues all housed in a scenic location surrounded by African bushveld. An 18-hole golf course, water world, theatres, cinemas and restaurants make up one the world's largest resort complexes, a mere one and a half hours' drive from Johannesburg.

Visit the Palace of the Lost City, an architectural wonder built around the legends of an ancient African civilisation. Old temple ruins, grand staircases, secret grottos and secluded waterways are realistically recreated to bring the visitor an authentic experience of a city lost in time. Relax in the luxury acccommodation and jungle atmosphere while you sample the original cuisine, or sip exotic cocktails at one of the many outdoor bars.

The capital of North West province is Mafikeng, a town with a colourful history of rival Baralong chiefs, freewheeling adventurers and battles of the Anglo-Boer War. In 1899 Col Robert Baden-Powell, who later founded the Boy Scout movement, led a British Garrison against the Boers and held them off for 271 days until relief from the south arrived. The Cannon Koppie fort still stands today as a national monument and tribute to the siege of Mafikeng.

About 30km south-east of the town, lies Wondergat ("Wonder Hole") a 70m wide, water-filled sink hole of unknown depth. Legend has it that the hole was used by the Matabele chief Mzilikaze as a place of execution before the tribe was driven across the border into what is now present day Zimbabwe.