The North-West is one of the main producers of foodstuffs in the country. In the north this province borders on Botswana and the capital is Mafikeng. Tswana is the most widely-spoken language in the North-West (about 59%) and only 9% of the citizens speak Afrikaans.    Mafikeng With an area of 116.320 square km, the North-West has huge areas covered by maize and sunflower fields. The land is in part flat and in part hilly. Furthermore, mineral resources like platinum, diamonds, gold, chrome and iron, make up an integral part of the industry in the North-West.   The main tourist attraction in the province is Sun City which is also known as the Las Vegas of South Africa. A few sights to see:   Madikwe Game Reserve Mafikeng Pilansberg National Park Sun City Barberspan Nature Park Borakalalo National Park   Map of North West Region    North West Province   Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a visit to the North West Province, an area surrounded by natural beauty and breathtaking scenery, with rolling fields, majestic mountains, golden sunflowers and the neverending plains of African bushveld. Tourism attractions are plentiful here including the Hartebeespoort Dam, surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg mountain range, a popular destination for weekend getaways or day trips. All water sports are on offer here – including para–sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.   The North West Province is bordered by Botswana in the North, the Limpopo Province and Gauteng on the northeast and eastern sides, and the Free State and Northern Cape on the South, covering an area of nearly 119 000 square kilometres. The North West Province was created in 1994 by the merger of former homeland Mophuthatswana and the western part of the former Transvaal.   A trip to the historical capital town of Mafeking is a must on any itiniary, to savour its historical and cultural significance. Visit a traditional African village at Lotlamoreng or walk in the footsteps of Paul Kruger on his farm in Boekenhoutfontein. The North West Province is also home to a number of beautiful national parks, including the largest, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, which boasts a collection of wildlife and scenic wonders including Africa’s Big Five, and is set unusually in the crater of an extinct volcano. If the wonders of nature are not your thing take a trip to the world famous entertainment and casino complex at Sun City and the Lost City, to try your luck at the slots or relax on the manmade beaches. The North West Province truly offers something for everyone, and your trip will be filled with memories of wildest Africa.   Sun City and The Lost City For those keen on a spot of gambling or all round entertainment, take a drive to the centre of a volcanic valley surrounded by the slopes of the Pilanesberg mountains, to this awesome Sun International resort. The complex is one of the world’s foremost entertainment centres, and boasts a casino, world-class golf course and show arena. A visit to The Lost City feels like a trip through a timewarp as you experience the mystery of an ancient civilisation through the Shrine of the Sacred Monkey, the ruins of old temples and caves, the Bridge of Time and the Valley of the Waves – a perfect spot to enjoy the sun as you savour the relaxation and lap up the pampered lifestyle.     Madikwe Game Reserve Madikwe is one of South Africa’s largest game reserves, covering an area of 60 000 hectares, and has the impressive distinction of being one of the few reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area. The reserve is home to the Big Five, as well as 61 other large mammal species, as well as an estimated 300 local and migrant bird species. Stay at one of the many excellent private lodges and enjoy night and day game viewing on comfortable land-cruisers or take a guided bush walk – the perfect way to spot the beautiful lions, rhinos or cheetahs.   Pilanesberg National Park Visit this beautiful game park set in the heart of an extinct volcano, and experience a range of awesome wildlife as well as numerous Stone and Iron Age sites. Pilanesberg is in the middle of a transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter lowveld region, allowing for a unique overlap of mammals, birds and vegetation, giving visitors the opportunity to view a range species. The park is also home to the Big Five, as well as the nocturnal brown hyena, the sable, the giraffe, hippo and crocodile, and a range of bird species. The Manyane Complex in the east offers a self-guided walking trail and walk-in aviary, and the park also offers a number of hides and picnic areas for those not wanting to take a guided drive.   In the middle of nowhere surrounded by the slopes of the Pilanesberg Mountains, a wonderland rises out of the dust. Shimmering like an unbelievable mirage in the African sun is the fantastic Sun City Resort Complex. Offering entertainment for everyone, this resort is the main tourist attraction in the province and is also known as the Las Vegas of South Africa.   Mafikeng Capital City Early Baralong Chiefs originally named this city Mahikeng, or ‘the place among the rocks’, and is today a pulsating provincial and commercial capital and a prime tourist spot for its history, culture and wildlife – including the history of the Anglo Boer War, the Mafikeng Siege and the Boy Scouts.  There are a number of interesting places to visit, including the Mafikeng Museum, sites linking to famous South African human rights campaigner Sol Plaatje, the cultural village at Montshiwua Dam, and the 4600 hectare Mafikeng Game Reserve.     Vredefort Dome About 3, 000 million years ago a massive meteorite struck the earth, creating the crater near the present day town of Vredefort – the biggest and oldest impact sight clearly visible on earth. From the air, one can clearly see a partial ring of hills forming an arc known as the Vredefort Dome. A number of landowners in the area of joined forces to form the Dome Conservancy, which is now one of the province’s main adventure tourism sites, offering a range of activities including camping, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, canoeing and white water rafting – something for everyone.     Hartbeespoort Dam Surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the Magaliesberg mountains, the Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular spot for weekends and day trips, offering a range of activities, such as windsurfing, water and jet-skiing, and parasailing, as well as hang-gliding and hot air ballooning for the more adventurous. The Hartbeespoort Dam also offers a private zoo, snake park, aquarium and cable way, as well as the scenic wonders of nature. For those wanting to add a spot of shopping, the Crocodile Ramble offers visitors the opportunity to explore the local arts and crafts route with the option of spending a night in one of the many bed and breakfast establishments.   Taung Heritage Site This area is named after Tau, the chief of the Bataung people, and means ‘The Place of the Lion’, and became famous in 1924 when a fossilised skull of a child was found, leading many scientists to believe that early man had his origins in Africa. The Taung site not only offers this historic significance, but flowing water over limestone cliffs into azure pools offers the perfect environment for hiking, abseiling and picnicking.   Mafikeng Game Reserve Visit this 5 800 hectare malaria-free reserve, home of the white rhino, located in open Kalahari thornveld west of Mafikeng. The area is one of the most prolific antelope and white rhino breeding grounds in the North West, making it an ideal place to view these animals, as well as a range of other species, including buffalo, gemsbok and giraffe as well as 200 species of bird. As well as game drives, visitors can enjoy picnics or barbecues while they absorb the beautiful scenery, including one of the oldest volcanic craters in the world. While the area is generally mild to hot in the day, visitors are warned to dress appropriately for very cold winter nights.   Kgaswane (Rustenburg) Mountain Reserve This area near the town of Rustenburg can only be described as a place of special beauty – a mountain range of immense natural appeal and the perfect place for a day trip.  The reserve is home to a large population of animals, including some 800 antelope (such as klipspringer, duiker, kudu, impala, zebra and springbok), and is particularly famous for the breeding of the sable antelope. Animal lovers might also be able to spot a number of predators, such as caracal, jackal or leopard.  For the more energetic the reserve offers a number of hiking spots, with beautiful natural pools to cool off in afterwards. There is also a viewing hut on the vlei, perfect for bird lovers.   Borakalalo National Park This park is one of the North West’s most diverse conservation areas, where visitors can walk among the many trails and enjoy the eco-diversity of the area. The 13 000 hectares of woodland and open bushveld provide perfect opportunities to enjoy the scenery on picnics or barbeques, or take in the abundance of wildlife and birds, including the elusive Eagles. The park is also a very popular fishing spot, with angling allowed on both the Klipvoor Dam and the Moretele River. Anglers will delight in trying their hand at catching carp, bream, barbell and the occasional yellowfish.   Adventure   Balloon Safari For a truly unique and special experience try a hot balloon safari over the Magaliesberg mountains. Experience panoramic views as you sip champagne while hovering gently above rivers and valleys, hearing nothing but a distant bird calling and the occasional blast of hot air. After touching back down to earth enjoy a delectable breakfast before taking home your memories of a day in the sky – an unforgettable experience not to be missed.   Hartbeespoortdam Cableway Experience the excitement of a cablecar trip on the longest mono-cableway in Africa, followed by a picnic or barbeque in the clouds while you enjoy the panoramic view. Take in the splendour of the most beautiful man-made lake in Africa, Hartbeespoortdam, or watch the paragliders and hangliders in the tranquil surroundings. The Cableway is built on the farm Arendsnes (Eagle’s Nest) and is also home to the Fish Eagle and the endangered Black Eagle, as well as the White Backed Vulture who visits regularly. The Cableway also offers a fully licensed restaurant for those wanting to enjoy country cuisine at its best.   Rock Climbing For those more adventurous spirits, the North West Province offers some of the best and most diverse rock climbing in the world. The cliffs are big and often remote, and the area offers the perfect climate for being out and about. Climbers will revel in miles of unbolted rock and the pristine Magaliesburg range or in the Vredefort Dome. Travellers are warned that rock climbing is a sport that requires a great deal of experience so make sure that you know what you are doing!   Hunting Let your African hunting safari dreams come true. For the most incredible bush experience, the North West offers an unforgettable experience, with experienced hunters guiding you through the bush, sharing their knowledge of the various species on offer, including kudu, gemsbok and impala, with even a few predators on offer for those in the know. So book that safari now for the chance to take home the ultimate trophy.   Helicopter Flip Close to the town of Parys lies the Sunwa River Lodge, offering the ultimate thrill - the once in a lifetime experience of flying in an ex American Army Huey helicopter originally used in the Vietnam War. Feel the wind in your hair as you gaze at the scenic wonders below through the open doors, the wind force as high as your adrenalin rush. For the more daring choose the thrilling extreme flight or fly to the top of a cliff before abseiling down, or if that is not your scene enjoy the more leisurely scenic flight followed by a champagne breakfast – truly something not the be missed.   Arts & Culture   The Mafeking Museum This museum offers excellent displays, including information on a number of historical sites around the town. The museum is housed in the original Old Town Hall, built in 1902, which in its day dominated the centre of town with its elaborate architectural style. Train buffs will enjoy the 6-H class steam locomotive outside the museum, which was originally used to pull trains on the route between Mafeking and Bulawayo. The museum also houses a range of artefacts and photographs from Mafeking’s famous people, including an entire display dedicated to ANC founder Sol Plaatje. A trip to historical Mafeking would not be complete without a visit to the museum!   Kanon Kopje & Warren’s Fort On the outskirts of Mafeking, Kanon Kopje and Warren’s Fort pay homage to the frantic defences of the defenders of Mafeking.  Both sites have been well maintained and Kanon Kopje provides an excellent elevated view of Mafikeng. The kopje was probably first occupied by Stone Age people about 8,000 years ago. It was here the Goshenites first launched an artillery attack on Mahikeng between 1882 and 1884. Two forts were built during the Warren expedition of 1885 on either side of the Molopo River. To get to Kanon Kopje, take the Danville turn-off opposite the Tourist Information Centre and follow the signs. Kanon Kopje is adjacent to the hospital parking lot.   Buya Zulu Cultural Kraal   Buya Zulu is an authentic Zulu Kraal headed by Jo Mbogwazi. He and his group originate from Hluhluwe, Northern Zululand. The Kraal consists of six Zulu huts, one decorated to be a show hut. The others are used to live in. You will experience traditional huts with all the utensils of traditional Zululand, see people wearing traditional clothes, a show of shield and spear making, beadwork, traditional pottery, taste a sip of Zulu beer, maybe consult the sangoma and enjoy a real Zulu dance program, telling the stories of years long gone by. Camping facilities are available.     Oppikoppi Easter Festival Where: Northam, North West Website: www.oppikoppi.co.za Although smaller than the Oppikoppi bushveld bash in August, the Oppikoppi Easter Festival is the highlight of the year for some music lovers. Held over the Easter holidays - late March or early April - the show has one stage only and draws a traditional blues-and-folk crowd of roughly 1 500 people.   Oppikoppi Bushveld Festival Where: Northam, North West Website: www.oppikoppi.co.za Held in August, Oppikoppi has been showcasing the country's original musical talent since 1994. It started on Oppikoppi - "op die koppie" in Afrikaans, or "on the hill" - farm in the bushveld, made a turn in Worcester in the Cape, moved to Tshwane for three years and finally settled for good at the original venue in 2004. There are three permanent thatched stages, a smaller comedy stage and a stage for more chilled music at the top of the koppie. Oppikoppi has helped establish many South African musicians' careers, but it's not for the faint-hearted. This is real bushveld: hot, dry and covered in red dust and thorn trees. Expect to shower a lot when you get home. (Oppikoppi also hosts an Easter Festival in March.)   Woodstock Where: Hartbeeshoek, North West Website: www.woodstock.co.za Woodstock, first held in 1999, is the largest youth-oriented music and lifestyle festival in South Africa. In addition to mainstream music, the festival offers a market of crafters and alternative lifestyle products over four days. It is held at Hartbeeshoek Holiday resort near Hartbeespoort Dam in North West.   Bosman Weekend Where: Groot Marico, North West Website: www.marico.co.za Herman Charles Bosman was one of South Africa's greatest writers, and this weekend festival celebrates his work in dry town of Groot Marico, the setting for many of his stories. Some of South Africa's top actors read from and perform Bosman's work; there's also good food, good company - and lots of mampoer.   Aardklop Festival in Potchefstroom   27th September to 1st October 2005:    Aardklop is an annual national arts festival of top quality. Inherently Afrikaans but universal in character, the festival provides a platform for the creativity and talent of local artists. It is a display of the best current and developing cultural trends in South Africa. Aardklop creates a unique opportunity for upcoming talent to perform with established artists in front of existing and new audiences. Launched in 1998, Aardklop is now in its 8th year. A need for an arts festival in the north of South Africa was identified because it is too far for many patrons from Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State and other regions to attend the Cape based festivals. More than 25 000 people visited Potchefstroom for the first Aardklop Festival in 1998 and has grown tremendously to to 140 000 visitors in 2004. The word “Aardklop” signifies earth and rhythm. "Aard", because South Africans are people of the sun; and “klop”, referring to the pulsating rhythm of the music that the festival provides. Aardklop is a festival for the whole family. Arts enthusiasts of all ages, particularly children, enjoy special attention. Aardklop appeals to a large market by distinguishing itself from other festivals by focusing on quality productions delivered to the whole community. Thanks to the town’s beautiful surroundings and infrastructure, Potchefstroom in the North east Province is the perfect venue for Aardklop Festival.