South Africa Travels Blog

Nicknamed the ‘Platinum Province’ of South Africa, the North West Province has historically been of more interest to geologists seeking out the next big mineral mother load than to binocular toting tourists seeking big game. The area’s booming mineral industry, as well as its cultivation of citrus fruits, corn, tobacco and sunflowers have combined to send tourism plunging down on the list of income- generating industries. This is however slowly beginning to change, as small scale operators begin to exploit some of the regions new, or previous overlooked places of interest.

The North West’s climate is generally hot and dry, through out the year due to its proximity to the Kalahari Desert.
The natural landscape is dominated by bushveld, interrupted only by thicket and woodland on the rocky slopes.

The Magaliesberg mountain range and the massive Pilanesberg crater are two of the oldest geological formations on earth. The proximity of the most North West attractions to Pretoria and Johannesburg means that daytrips from these cities are quite feasible; or, let yourself be seduced by Rustenburg’s rapidly growing hospitality industry and use this quieter urban town as your base. However, be advised that in the absence of reliable inter-city transport networks, travellers are likely to need a car or tour operator to get around effectively.

Vryburg is located on the edge of the Kalahari Desert and sometimes called the ‘Texas of South Africa’, as ranching is carried out on a huge scale in the area, including some of the largest Herteford herds in the world and a progressive Brahman Stud Farm.

There are over half a million head of cattle in the district. Cattle Auctions are held every Friday morning. Over 200 000 head of cattle are auctioned annually.

The Vryburg Museum contains a collection of Bushman Art, as well as artefacts pertaining to the history of the town, among them the flag of the former Republic of Stellaland.

A modern cattle research station at Armoedsvlakte, founded by Sir Arnold Theiler.

The Leon Talijaardt Nature Reserve contains black and blue wildebeest, eland, gemsbok, red hartebeest, blesbok, cape buffalo, white rhinoceros and Burchell`s and Mountain zebra.