The North West oozes beauty and perspective through its flat, boundless grasslands that are scattered with trees.
It is also known as the 'Platinum province’ owing to its abundantly rich soils that are full of minerals. So it should come as no great shock that the primary economic activity is mining - that of platinum, gold, diamonds and uranium which accounts for more than half of the province’s GDP.
Farming is also prevalent with different regions cultivating different produce. The list includes cattle, sheep, maize, sunflowers, tobacco, cotton and citrus.
The North West Province’s northern neighbour is Botswana, with the Free State and Northern Cape provinces to its south and the Limpopo and Gauteng provinces being its easterly neighbours.
The North West Province hides within its borders some of South Africa’s top attractions- The Sun City complex, the Big Five’s stomping grounds of the Pilanesberg and Madikwe Nature Reserves, the ancient Taung Heritage Site and a water lover’s haven, Hartbeespoort Dam. The province graciously offers a diverse range of activities and places that appeal to people with all interests. Whether it is adventure, culture, history, relaxation, nature or a city escape that you heart desires, all of the above can be satisfied with a visit to the Platinum Province.
The Hartbeespoort Dam is a playground for those wanting to escape city life. The dam and its surrounds serve up hours of entertainment for those with a variety of interests. From watersports and their adrenaline rushes to shopping and spa days - there is no shortage of things to keep you smiling. The Magaliesberg Mountains protectively watch over the dam and allow for majestic views. They have their fair share to offer visitors too. This escape is as good as it gets and you’d never believe that you are only an hour from Johannesburg or Pretoria (Tshwane)!!
The world famous Sun City Complex stands majestically amongst the wilderness and provides a myriad of activities for everyone. Hotels for all tastes and budgets, golf courses, the "Valley of the Waves", movies, shopping, a dam for adventure, casinos and plenty of kids activities are on offer. You will really feel as if you’ve entered the scene of a movie based in an African wonderland.
The North West province can help to satisfy your cravings for a Big Five fix. It boasts a multitude of parks, some of the best in the world that have exceptional facilities and spectacular game viewing opportunities. Think Pilanesberg National Park, Madikwe and Kgaswane Mountain Reserves to name a few that can accommodate travellers with all sorts of budgets and preferences. One thing is for sure: a feeling of immense satisfaction after spending some time bonding with nature and just relaxing.
The province has had its fair share of important discoveries that have impacted the world as a whole. The Cradle of Humankind has kept hidden ancient fossils, relics, settlements and art that when uncovered, proved where our origins as human lie. It is certainly worth a visit - whether it’s the museums, sites or caves you’re after or just a boozy lunch in bushveld without really getting your feet dirty, it's a worthwhile visit.
As is evident, a getaway in the North West province covers all bases but part of its charm lies with the minute towns and sleepy farming villages that have a certain authenticity with people who are heartwarmingly welcoming and helpful.
The Province was created in 1994 after the abolishment of Apartheid. It formed through the merging of the one of the former Bantustans or homelands, Bophuthatswana and the western part of one of four South African provinces, the Transvaal province.
Summer temperatures range from 17° to 31° C (October to April) and winter temperatures from 3° to 21° C (May to September).
