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.

Hitch hiking in South Africa.
Given the unreliability, or often non existence of public transport to some popular destinations within South Africa, travellers often need to find other ways to get to where they are going.

Accommodations & Internet message boards often have messages for those seeking rides, or those seeking to share the cost of gas / petrol and where they can meet up.

Standing on the side of the highway or road with your thumb out is much more dangerous than making a new friend where you have stopped overnight. Safety issues are always imperative, even when you are travelling with another person. Hitch hiking means entrusting your life to a random person who happens to stop beside you on the road, as well as risking assault and sexual harassment, not to mention unsafe driving.

If you are a woman travelling alone do not hitch in South Africa. It is just too dangerous.
Avoid getting in the back of a 2 door car, or any other car that you cannot get out of again in a hurry. In addition, never let go of your back pack or bag.

Hitching at night can be particularly dangerous. Do not accept a ride if you feel bad karma flowing from the person who has stopped and if you ever feel threatened during the ride, insist on being let off, keeping in mind that in some parts of South Africa the vast distance between towns may leave you in an even more difficult position.

Remember that picking up hitch hikers can be just as dangerous as hitchhiking yourself. Use judgment and caution.