North-West
The North West is home to the Botswana people, who produce exceptionally fine works of art and outstanding curios. A well-known tourist attraction is Sun City, a fabulous resort complex which includes The Palace at the Lost City, Africas most extravagant hotel. Sun City and the Lost City attract top international entertainers, provide exceptional sporting facilities, including two championship golf courses, and feature casinos, excellent restaurants and night-clubs. But there is much more to be discovered in this Big Heart Country province.
It boasts some excellent game reserves - such as the 60,000 hectare Pilanesberg National Park, adjoining Sun City and the newly created reserve of Madikwe, close to the Botswana border, which covers 75,000 hectares and has been stocked with over 10,000 animals in a project known as Operation Phoenix.
The province also includes Stellaland, in the Vryburg area, described as the Texas of South Africa, where large cattle farms and game ranches are to be found. The province abounds in resorts, game lodges, guest houses and bed & breakfast accommodation. The Diamond Route runs from Bakerville through Wolmaransstad and Christiana to Kimberley. Active diamond digging still takes place and is on offer as a tourist attraction. Near Christiana is a thermal spring resort and game reserve famous for rhino. Hiking and canoeing trails are located near Potchefstroom, Greet Marico and Rustenburg.
At Taung a plaque marks the spot where, in 1924, the front of the hominid skull of the Taung Child was found in a lime quarry. This was the first fossil of the so-called African man-ape to be discovered.
Related South Africa Information
Free State
Free State This landlocked province between the Vaal River in the north and the Orange River in the south is an area of wide, open spaces - an immense rolling prairie, checkered with farmsteads and windmills. Hospitality is one of the provinces prized assets and a Free State farm holiday offers a unique opportunity to get to know the friendly people who inhabit this region. One of South Africas major rivers, the Vaal the flows through the province and there are attractive holiday resorts near two of the rivers largest dams. The mountains of the eastern highlands harbour romantic hideaways and rugged
Kwazulu-Natal
Kwazulu-Natal State KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africas smallest provinces encompassing the territory known as Zululand towards the north. Near Eshowe visitors can stay in typical Zulu villages (with beehive shaped, thatched huts). In this region area number of important wildlife conservation areas, including award-winning Hluhluwe/ Umfolozi public game reserve, where the white rhino was saved from extinction, and the coral reefs and water wonderland of the St Lucia estuary and Lake St. Lucia. To the west are the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, with protected public parks from which the magnificent scenery can be enjoyed. This region is famed for
Limpopo Province
Limpopo Province (Formally Northern Province) Here is a region of vastness and variety, with a culturally rich and diverse people. The NI from Johannesburg literally splits the province in two, providing tourists with easy access to all areas. The Southern Region is famous for its many hot spring resorts, the Nylsvlei wetland and the un-spoilt mountains and flowing streams of the Waterberg. Wildlife in the game reserves is abundant and the scenery ranges from rolling hills to mighty cliffs of stark red rock. To the east lies the immense wildlife heritage of the Kruger National Park. By contrast, visitors can breathe in
Climate of South Africa
Climate South Africa lies almost wholly within the southern temperate zone and its climate is more equable than that of corresponding northern latitudes because of its surrounding waters. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate and is warmer than some areas further north that are affected by the cold Benguela Current on the west coast of Southern Africa. The winter months are mild and changeable, this is also the time when most the rainfall occurs. The Durban and Kwa-Zulu-Natal coastline is affected by the warm Mozambique current and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of
Climate of South Africa
Climate South Africa lies almost wholly within the southern temperate zone and its climate is more equable than that of corresponding northern latitudes because of its surrounding waters. Cape Town and the southernmost part of Western Cape has a Mediterranean-type climate and is warmer than some areas further north that are affected by the cold Benguela Current on the west coast of Southern Africa. The winter months are mild and changeable, this is also the time when most the rainfall occurs. The Durban and Kwa-Zulu-Natal coastline is affected by the warm Mozambique current and enjoys a sub-tropical climate, with plenty of
Gauteng
Gauteng Province This province is the commercial heart of South Africa containing the important cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. Despite the urbanization of the Johannesburg region, opportunities for getting back to nature bound. Game farms, dams lakes and rivers (for water sports and fishing, hiking trails), and picnic spots are plentiful and the Vaal River area is a particularly popular recreational area. The province is described as The Heartbeat of Africa. Johannesburg, known as the City of Gold or Egoli, is the commercial powerhouse of South Africa. Pretoria is about 30 miles north of Johannesburg is the countrys administrative capital, is known as
Mpumalanga
Mpumalanga This is one of the premier tourist areas of South Africa offering a variety of tourist routes, each with its own special attractions. An appealing diversity of cultures, featuring some of the most colourful and interesting tribal groupings in the country, is a particular highlight. Mpumalanga is a sportsmans paradise. There are golf courses in some of the provinces most scenic areas. Hang-gliding, micro-lighting and para-gliding are popular and hiking is available throughout the province with the world-renowned Kruger National Park offering guided walks for small groups. Large dams provide the opportunity for water sports whilst dams and streams in