Also known as Bojanala, the Eastern Region of the North West province is covered in natural South African bushveld, making it a favourite destination for eco-tourism.
Platinum deposits in this region of the North West are colossal. Other minerals include limestone, fluorspar iron and gemstones. Agriculture centers on tobacco, citrus and other fruit, cattle, groundnuts, sunflower seeds, maize and wheat.
The most scenic area of the North West, it offers adventure sports, holiday entertainment, eco-tourism, wildlife experiences, family leisure pursuits and sports, historic exploration and the opulence and excitement of Sun City and Palace of the Lost City extravagances.
On the fringe of the Kalahari Desert, the Sun City complex is South Africa's most luxurious resort. Internationally renowned as a leisure, entertainment and conference destination, it is a fantasy world with superb recreational and accommodation facilities. With adjoining Pilansberg National Park, it is South Africa's third most visited attraction.
The Sun City complex comprises the 6000 seat Superbowl, four luxury hotels, sporting and gambling facilities and two golf courses, including the Gary Player designed Sun City Country Club, host of the annual international multi-million dollar Nedbank Golf Challenge. Accommodation ranges from self-catering cabanas and stylish high-rise hotels to the Indiana Jones inspired Palace of the Lost City. Sport and recreational activities include surfing and gigantic waterslides in the Valley of the Waves, golf, horse riding, squash, tennis, swimming, mountain biking, ten-pin bowling, parasailing, water skiing, canoeing, wind surfing, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and the opportunity to fly over the Pilansberg Mountains in a vintage Tiger Moth.
Rustenburg (place of rest) is the oldest town in the Eastern Region of the North West province. It is a stepping off point for nearby places of interest and activity, including the village of Kroondal (crown vale), founded by Lutheran missionaries and today a centre of local German communities, and the Paul Kruger museum at Boekenhoutfontein.
The Magliesberg Mountains, a national heritage site, saw bloody battles in the 19th century during the rise of Ndebele chief Mzilikazi, as well in the Anglo Boer War. The slopes, popular for hiking trails, are dotted with holiday resorts.
The privately owned Mountain Sanctuary Park boasts bilharzias-free streams and spectacular kloofs. There is abundant birdlife and small antelope. Accommodation ranges from chalets and tented safari lodges to caravan parks and campsites.
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve is wonderful hiking, cycling and bird watching country, with Cape vulture, martial eagle, parrots and the paradise flycatchers and the rare black eagle. Most of South Africa's antelope species are here, as well as zebra, caracal, aardwolf, jackal and leopard.
The shoreline of the Hartbeespoort Dam is populated with marinas, holiday resorts and weekend retreats. It is a water sport paradise, with fishing, diving, sailing, power boating, water skiing, jet skiing, wind surfing and parasailing. Away from the water there is hang gliding, hiking, hot air ballooning, a nature reserve with abundant bird life, the largest freshwater aquarium in Africa and a cableway that spans the dam.
The jewel in the crown of the Eastern Region, and biggest tourist draw of the North West province, is the Pilansberg National Park. Developed in an extinct volcano with six mountain rings, it offers big game thrills with the big five of lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant, as well as hippo, cheetah, hyena, wild dogs, most antelope species, and over 365 species of bird life. Covering 650 square miles, with 200 kilometres of good tar and gravel roads, it includes Lake Mankwe (place of the leopard), with walk-in hides.
Accommodation in the Pilansberg National Park ranges from luxury game lodges, safari camps, self-catering chalets and hotel to tented bush camps, thatched cottages, caravan parks and campsites.
The Eastern Region of the North West Province in South Africa offers a variety of attractions and activities.
Here are ten things you can see or do in this area:
1. Pilanesberg National Park: Located near Rustenburg, this park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including the Big Five. It's a great spot for safaris and bird watching.
2. Sun City Resort: This famous resort near Pilanesberg National Park provides a range of entertainment options, including casinos, golf courses, water parks, and live shows.
3. Hartbeespoort Dam: A popular destination for water sports, fishing, and boat cruises. The surrounding area also offers hiking, cable car rides, and the Harties Market.
4. Magaliesberg Mountains: Ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying scenic views. The area also offers hot air ballooning and canopy tours.
5. Cradle of Humankind: This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes the Sterkfontein Caves and Maropeng Visitor Centre, where you can learn about the origins of humankind.
6. Ann van Dyk Cheetah Centre: Located near Hartbeespoort, this conservation center offers tours to see cheetahs and other wildlife up close.
7. Lesedi Cultural Village: Experience the diverse cultures of South Africa through traditional dances, music, and food in this cultural village near Hartbeespoort.
8. Royal Bafokeng Stadium: Situated in Phokeng, this stadium hosts various sporting events, including soccer matches and athletics.
9. Kgaswane Mountain Reserve: Located near Rustenburg, this reserve offers hiking trails, picnic spots, and opportunities to see wildlife like antelope and various bird species.
10. Buffelspoort Dam: A great spot for fishing, camping, and enjoying water sports. The surrounding area also offers hiking and mountain biking trails.
These attractions provide a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, cultural experiences, and recreational activities, making the Eastern Region of the North West Province a great destination for visitors.
Birdsview Guest House offers self catering accommodation in Potchefstroom in the North West. Birdsview Guest House is conveniently accessible from the main road N12 of Potchefstroom, offering a relaxing, clean, tranquil and peaceful self catering... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Rustenburg Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Rustenburg in the North West province. We have 20 meticulously clean, neat and spacious en suite rooms, which can accommodate 42 persons in total. Located in Safari Gardens, a serene... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
In the shadow of the impressive Magaliesberg Mountain Range lies the beautiful and vibrant city of Rustenburg. GRAND CENTRAL GUESTHOUSE, RUSTENBURG is a new guesthouse with a homely, laid-back atmosphere and offers affordable, yet stylish extra-ordinaire. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mgankla Lodge offers 2 self catering accommodation options near Brits in the North West province. The Nyala Camp: (Sleeps up to 14) with a private swimming pool, boma & braai area and a jungle gym. Kudu Camp: (Sleeps up to 12) (8 adults + 4 children) with …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The perfect weekend getaway on the banks of the Vaal river. Wooden cabins nestled amongst trees in a peaceful and tranquil environment with great fishing and fun for the whole family. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Atelier Isabella offers self catering accommodation at the Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West province. (Sleeps 8). Located in the quiet suburb of Kosmos overlooking the Hartbeespoort Dam. Relax in an artistic atmosphere where paintings enrich... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kumkani Country Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in Potchefstroom, North West. Kumkani is centrally situated on 4ha next to the Mooi River and Golf course. Potchefstroom shopping centres and restaurants within walking distance. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Fires Mountain Lodge provides self catering chalet accommodation in Hartbeespoort in the North West province. (Sleeps either 2,4 or 8 adults and children). Situated on the slopes of the Waterberg mountain range at Saartjiesnek pass... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kosmos Manor provides both bed and breakfast accommodation and self catering in Hartbeespoort in the North West province. Named after the quaint neighborhood Kosmos, Kosmos Manor bed and breakfast on the banks of the Hartebeespoort Dam consists of 6... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ponciana Superior Guesthouse offers... superior bed and breakfast accommodation in Hartbeespoort in the North West Province. We are an AA Superior Qualified Assured exclusive luxury guesthouse on the top of the hill in Ifafi which gives us the most... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Venue Country Hotel is located along the popular Magaliesberg R512 route (Pelindaba Road) between Johannesburg and Hartbeespoort Dam. Just 12km past Lanseria International Airport, the hotel offers guests gorgeous views of the Magaliesberg mountain... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Shangrila Innibos - Tented Camps & Camping is located on the Old Rustenburg Rd (R104), in the Hartbeespoort Dam area in the North West province. Shangrila Innibos is surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg Mountain range opposite the world famous... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Acorn Lodge offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the heart of Potchefstroom in the North West. This clean and affordable accommodation is centrally located close to the North-West University and a mall. Acorn Lodge offers 18 large clean rooms each... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Cosy Cottage offers accommodation in self catering cottages in Potchefstroom in the North West. We offer a choice of 7 self catering cottages (sleeps 2). Cosy Cottages, Potchefstroom, in the sun-drenched North West Province of South Africa. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Almar Exclusive Game Ranch provides self catering accommodation near Bloemhof in the North West province. We offer 2 x Luxury self catering units sleeping 8 people in each. Each unit consists of: An open-plan kitchen, lounge with DSTV & Air-conditioning. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
TshiBerry Boutique Bed and Breakfast is located in Phokeng to the north of Rustenburg in the North West province. Enjoy the flowing medley of traditional village charm and cultural hospitality as your travels lead you, and your hearts desires are... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
AnnVilla Guesthouse provides bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation in Klerkdorp in the North West province. This large suburban property was purpose built into thoughtfully appointed rooms. Twenty-five rooms are situated around King and Queen. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Scott's Manor Guest House in Lichtenburg provides a choice of bed and breakfast and self catering accommodation. 32 Luxury and Superior rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and coffee & tea making facilities. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Shangrila Innibos is surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg Mountain range opposite the world famous Elephant Sanctuary and within walking distance to the Monkey Sanctuary. Hartbeespoort Dam is very popular for weekend getaways or day trips. In the …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Willinga Lodge offers guests room-only accommodation with the option of a communal kitchen for self catering in Kosmos, Hartbeespoort. Set in the secure and picturesque village of Kosmos with wonderful views of the Hartbeespoort dam. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.