North West Province

This stretch of bushveld between Pretoria and the Kalahari is famous for Sun City, the southern hemisphere’s answer to Las Vegas. Though its slot machines and kitsch edifices are grotesquely fascinating, it's the nearby parks and reserves that we really love – Madikwe Game Reserve is a real gem, while Pilanesberg has terrific wildlife and is very accessible. And for that once-in-a-lifetime, romantic Out of Africa–style experience, a night in the bush at Madikwe’s exclusive lodges can’t be beaten.

Conveniently, these opportunities to encounter both big cats and one-armed bandits are all within four hours’ drive of Jo’burg. En route, the Magaliesberg area offers detours from the N4, ranging from zip lining to rural accommodation near Rustenburg.

Explore North West Province

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout North West Province.

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Madikwe Game Reserve

    Madikwe is the country’s fourth-largest reserve and one of its best, covering 760 sq km of bushveld, savannah grassland and riverine forest on the edge of…

  • Wildlife Reserve

    Pilanesberg National Park

    Occupying an eroded alkaline crater north of Sun City, in a transition zone between the Kalahari and wet lowveld vegetation, the 550-sq-km Pilanesberg…

  • Casino

    Sun City

    At Sun City, the legendary creation of entrepreneur Sol Kerzer, Disneyland collides with ancient Egypt in Africa’s version of Vegas. Filled with gilded…

  • Museum

    Mafikeng Museum

    Among the many displays in this excellent regional museum are exhibits charting the rise of the Boy Scout Movement and a presentation on the famous 217…

  • Viewpoint

    Batlhako Dam Hide

    Batlhako Dam Hide, in the park's west, gets very few visitors and is excellent for birds; keep an eye out also for rhinos nearby and take the detour to…

  • Museum

    South African Hall of Fame

    Opened in 2016, this celebratory exhibition pays homage in words and photos to South Africa's high achievers. Most come from the world of sports, but…

  • Viewpoint

    Makorwane Hide

    A good option for birdlife, Makorwane Hide tends to get a few visitors, given its proximity to the main roads. Hippos, elephants and even the occasional…

  • Casino

    Entertainment Centre

    As well as housing smoking and nonsmoking casinos, this two-storey centre has food courts, shops, cinemas and the Superbowl performance venue. Its style…

  • Viewpoint

    Ruighoek Hide

    You never quite know what you'll get at this hide, although you'll probably have it to yourself as not many people make it out here. Hippos, lions,…

  • Viewpoint

    Malatse Dam Hide

    Quiet Malatse Dam Hide is excellent for birds, although when water levels are low it's a little far from the water. Watch for African fish eagles perched…

  • Viewpoint

    Lenong Lookout

    Offering the most extensive views over the park's heartland, Lenong, close to the geographical centre of the park, is well worth the climb. On a clear day…

  • Market

    Welwitschia Country Market

    Stock up on ’Boks tops and biltong, leather goods and wirework. Located just west of the four-way stop in Damdoryn, near the northwest corner of…

  • Viewpoint

    Mankwe Hide

    The Mankwe Hide can be good for birdlife, but gets overrun by vehicles close to sunset – it's the most accessible of the hides and it's where most…

  • Picnic Area

    Fish Eagle Picnic Site

    This elevated and fenced picnic sight overlooks the Mankwe Dam from on high, but most vantage points are closed off by dense and rather scruffy foliage…

  • Viewpoint

    Ratlhogo Waterhole Hide

    Busier than most hides as it's just off the main drag, Ratlhogo still has fine views of the rolling bushveld, hills, wading birds and even the odd…

  • Picnic Area

    Mothata Picnic Site

    This fenced picnic site is pleasant enough, but wildlife is fairly scarce and views are limited.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in North West Province.

  • Activities