 North West lies in the north of South Africa on the Botswana border,
fringed by the Kalahari desert in the west, Gauteng province to the
east, and the Free State to the south. It is known as the Platinum
Province for the wealth of the metal it has underground. The province
was created in 1994 by the merger of Bophuthatswana, and the western
part of the province of Transvaal. The landscape is largely flat
regions of scattered trees and grassland. The Magaliesberg mountain
range in the northeast extends about 130 kilometres from Pretoria to
Rustenburg, while the Vaal River forms the province's southern border.
The city lies near the Botswana border and forms a single urban area with its neighbouring town, Mmabatho. Potchefstroom and Klerksdorp are the biggest cities in the province and other main towns are Brits and Rustenburg.
A summer-rainfall region, temperatures range from up to 31° C in summer to as little as 3° in winter.
Nature & Game Reserves to visit:
Pilanesberg National Park, the Madikwe Game Reserve and the Rustenburg Nature Reserve
The four (4) Regions of the North West Province:
The Bojanala Region
The Bojanala Region of the North West Province borders the bustling Gauteng territory and the northerly Province of Limpopo. This district is renowned for its scenic beauty, its wildlife reserves, cultural and historic attractions as well as its many adventure and leisure activities. The Bojanala Region is home to the well known Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam, Pilanesberg National Park and the neighbouring Sun City.
Bophirima Region
Bophirima is the western region of the North West province. Situated 1200 metres above sea level, the climate is dry and healthy, particularly in winter when the days are sunny and bracing. The summers are hot and the annual average rainfall is 430mm.
Mostly Kalahari thornveld, it is dominated by huge cattle ranches. By far South Africa’s largest producer of beef.
The principal town in Bophirima is Vryburg. Tourist attractions include the Leon Taljaardt Nature Reserve (white rhino, buffalo, wildebeest and zebra), the eclectic museum in the town hall and the nearby Swartfontein Resort.
Bophirima was previously known as Stellaland. Its history is a rich tapestry that includes the importance of the region to international philatelists in search of some of the most sought after postage stamps in the world. Archaeologically, it is the location of one of the world’s most famous fossil discoveries.
Vryburg
Upon the establishment of the Republic of Stellaland in 1882, the town of Vryburg was proclaimed as its capital. This honour soon turned industrious for the town, and it grew rapidly. Today the agricultural an industrial centre of the Western Region, the town hosts the country's third largest agricultural show and a series of events dedicated to outdoor activities in the scenic, rugged area surrounding the town.
The Central Region
The city of Mafikeng is the capital of the province. Aptly named, the slogan of the capital is 'The City of Goodwill'. It is a rapidly growing, modern, residential, administrative and commercial town, which contrasts with its fascinating history.
The area is fairly flat and dry in the west, becoming bushveld towards the east. This region offers game viewing - including the Big 5 - bird watching, hunting, fishing, sport, hospitality, conference facilities, shopping, gaming, Anglo-Boer War sites and a number of excellent guest houses and guest farms.
Groot Marico
Come and experience the spirit and hospitality of the Marico firsthand! This region holds a special appeal and has much to offer.
The town Groot-Marico is named after the Groot Marico River, one of the few perennial rivers in this area. The name has nothing to do with the size of the town, which is very small. Groot-Marico is well known for its beautiful African bushveld surroundings and the special kind of hospitality of its people. It is the ideal place to come to when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.
ATTRACTIONS:
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary
Botsalano Game Reserve
Cookes Lake
Kortkloof Cultural Village
Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre
The Southern Region
An infinitive tapestry of green maize and yellow sunflower fields, alternated with bushveld plains, dotted with wild olive and umbrella thorn trees. An outdoor adventurer's paradise, offering hiking trails, mountain biking trails, canoeing, white water rafting, mountain climbing, abseiling, hiking trails, angling, yachting, ballooning, cable way and leisure. PP is host to the internationally-renowned Lost City Sun. Lodges along the Vaal River afford some of the best angling and flyfishing opportunities in South Africa.
Potchefstroom
On the banks of the Mooi River, Potchefstroom combines a strong agricultural economy with a friendly, buzzing community life. The main museum and three house museums afford visitors a glimpse into a fascinating past of the city and its people.
Klerksdorp
The first magistrate of the small community that settled on the banks of the Schoonspruit in 1837, Jacob de C'lerq, gave his name to a town founded by Voortrekkers and built by gold mining. The discovery of gold in 1886 saw thousands of prospectors descending on the quiet rural aggregation of Klerksdorp. Today, Klerksdorp is the centre for a large mining and agricultural economy and has the second largest grain co-operative in the world.
ATTRACTIONS:
Goudkoppie: Old mining shafts dating back to the 18th century, and rock inscriptions of Anglo-Boer War British regiments.
Jack Scott House: This tin house was imported from Britain and was the home of Jack Scott, the father of modern-day mining in the area.
Old Cemetry: Emotive cemetry for British soldiers and Boer women and children who died during the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 - 1902.
Rock Engravings: Located on the farm Bosworth and now preserved as a national monument.
Stock Exchange Building: Built and occupied in 1888 during the gold rush.
Pictures
Sun City
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Sunset in a Game Park
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Groot Marico Bushveld
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Potchefstroom
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Mount Grace Magaliesburg
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We would love to arrange, book and assist you with your trip to South Africa, and weather you plan to visit any province in SA, we will make your visit/holiday an experience of a life time. Please contact our office if you would like any information, suggestions or a quotation on a visit to our wonderful country.
Regards
Giselle
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