South African Travel Tips When Visiting The North West Province

The North West Province is a diverse mix ofMafikeng are regarded as among the best in the
wildlife reserves, cultural and heritage sites,world. A short distance from the town is the
archaeological treasures and entertainmentMafikeng Game Reserve, well known as a
resorts, such as the world-renowed pleasurebreeding centre for rhino and other plains
spots of Sun City, its Lost City and Valley of thespecies.Taung Archaeological Site:"The place of the
Waves, make this province attractive to the locallion", this is the location of the world-famous
and international tourist.However, even though theTaung archaeological site at the Buxton limestone
combination of five-star casino resorts and thequarry where, in 1924 the lime-encrusted skull of
bush experience, as provided by the Pilanesberga child was discovered and later named
National Park, is a winner, the province's otherAustralopithecus africanus by the scientist, Dr
attractions are culturally rich and of greatRaymond Dart. The prehistoric skull - half man,
importance. Sites and routes such as the Taunghalf ape, is said to have provided the missing link
Archaeological site, where it was believed Darwin'sin Darwin's theory of evolution.Bloemhof Dam
missing link was found, and the Crocodile RiverNature Reserve:Ideal stopover to enjoy a drive
Ramble, exploring local arts and crafts along thethrough Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve which has
way, are noteworthy.Sport and outdoora variety of small and large antelope species and
enthusiasts will feel at home in these natural256 bird species, with the option of staying over
surroundings that cater for activities ranging fromto take in some angling for carp and barbel on
water-skiing to mountain-climbing, with the towneither the Bloemhof Dam or the Vaal River.
of Mafikeng well-known for providing some of theBloemhof Dam caters for water sports
best gliding conditions in the world.CLIMATE:Theenthusiasts and is one of the prime angling
North West Province experiences warm to hotdestinations in South Africa hosting a number of
summers and cold to very cold winters. Thismajor local and international angling
province offers almost year-round sunshinecompetitions.Potchefstroom:The oldest town in
meaning visitors will spend very few days indoors.South Africa, Potchefstroom was also the
The province enjoys a summer rainfall, whichrepublic's first capital. Attractions include the
normally sees thunderstorms occurring in the latePotchefstroom Museum (in the house of the first
afternoon. Rain falls mainly between Decemberpresident), The Old Fort and Museum, Totius
and March, however the more west one travelsHouse Museum, Andrew Carnegie Library and City
the drier it becomes.SHOPPING:Shopping malls,Hall, Goetz Fleischack Museum, North West
antique shops, craft markets, art galleries as wellCommand and Oak Avenue.Rustenburg:Platinum
as roadside vendors and stalls are plentifulmining town of Rustenburg where huge deposits
throughout the province. Not-to-be-missed is theof this valuable mineral are mined. Rustenburg has
enjoyable Crocodile River Ramble shopping route.its own Nature Reserve, which protects a large
Good buys include fruit, biltong, home-made jamsherd of the rare sable antelope. Visitors are
and preserves, mampoer (locally distilled liquor),allowed to hike in the park.Hartbeesport Dam:The
local arts and crafts, ethnic clothing andHartbeesport Dam nestles in the shadow of the
fabrics.TOP TEN ATTRACTIONS:Sun City:TheMagaliesberg and is popular for fishing, boating,
complex boasts two world-famous golf courses,water-skiing and yachting. There is a mine, zoo
which annually host the Nedbank 2-million golfand a couple of small holiday villages, including the
challenge, one of the richest invitationalattractive kosmos flowers around the
tournaments in the world. There is a full casino atdam.Magaliesberg:For local arts and crafts, a
the resort, revue theatres and restaurants fordriving route which begins in Johannesburg and
every taste. The Valley of the Waves is an inlandextends to the Magaliesberg area takes in the
sea enjoyed by all water and beach enthusiasts.homes or shops of a host of artists, potters and
Different tours can be taken including visits to thecraftspeople, known as the Crocodile River
new cultural village and the botanicalRamble. There are a number of pleasant
gardens.Pilanesberg National Park:Known as "Jewelaccommodation options and camping spots in the
of the North West" This unusual reserve, theMagaliesberg area.Mampoer Route:Well known for
fourth largest in South Africa, is set high in thethe quality of its mampoer, a powerful
Pilanesberg range and traverses the floor of ahome-brew made from fruit such as peaches and
long-extinct volcano. The reserve is home to allapricots. The Mampoer Route is about 60km long
the main African game species including The Bigand introduces visitors to the secrets of the
Five. For the more adventurous, hot-air balloondistilling process and also includes a visit to a trout
safaris can be arranged.Mafikeng:"The place ofbreeding farm and a game farm.Gerald Crawford
boulders", Mafikeng offers numerous sportingwas born in South Africa, studied electronics,
facilities including two golf courses. There is atelecommunication, eco-travel and african travel
major conference centre, complemented by twoconcepts. He taught responsible tourism in South
excellent hotels and a casino. The town hostedAfrica. If you have any questions or comments
the 2001 International Gliding Championships fromplease e-mail me on. E-mail Address:
its modern airport. Gliding conditions aroundsouthafricantravelarticles@12234455.co.