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Home - Travel Destinations - North West Province: South Africa’s Hidden Gem of Safari & Sun City Thrills
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.
Ready to swap the ordinary for the extraordinary? South Africa’s North West Province (also known as Northwest) is a destination that surprises at every turn. From the glitz of Sun City to the untamed beauty of Pilanesberg National Park, this hidden gem offers safaris, adventure, and relaxation—all within easy reach of Johannesburg. Whether you’re chasing the Big Five, soaring down the world’s fastest zip slide, or simply soaking up bushveld tranquility, the North West Province is where unforgettable memories are made.
Sun City is a luxury and vibrant resort and casino that sits in the North West Province. With four accommodation styles, it caters to everyone’s budget:
Besides the casino, it has two international-standard 18-hole golf courses, a Super Bowl Arena for hosting shows, and a man-made beach, named Valley of Waves. If golf is not your cup of tea, you may want to challenge someone on the tennis court. Or relax at the spa and wellness center. Alternatively, grab your sunglasses and relax by the swimming pool while you do some people-watching! Or read a book. So many options!
Set in tropical gardens with waterfalls, the resort has plenty of restaurants (fine dining included) and shopping opportunities, too!
Also, they offer Big Five game drives and safaris in the nearby Pilanesberg National Game Reserve.
If you’re craving adrenaline, the Zip 2000 at Sun City delivers one of the most exhilarating rides on earth. Officially recognized as one of the fastest and longest zip slides in the world, it propels you at speeds of up to 120 km/h (75 mph)—with some riders clocking in closer to 160 km/h.
Stretching an incredible 2 km across the Pilanesberg valley, the slide launches from a platform 280 meters high, giving you sweeping views of mountains, savannah, and the iconic Sun City resort below. The ride lasts about two minutes, long enough to feel like you’re flying, yet safe enough that even those with a fear of heights describe it as “exhilarating.”
Operated by seasoned adventure specialists, the Zip 2000 combines thrill with security, making it a must‑do for anyone visiting the North West Province. And the best part? Once you land, you’ll want to climb back up and do it all over again.
When people dream of a safari, their minds often jump straight to the sweeping wilderness of the Kruger National Park. But the truth is, the North West Province has it all.
Just a few hours from Johannesburg, the North West Province offers a comparable safari adventure—without the long drive or the hefty travel costs. Here, you can immerse yourself in the thrill of spotting wildlife while saving both time and money, making it a smart and unforgettable alternative to Kruger.
Big Five confirmed: Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhino are all present.
Unique setting: Formed in an ancient volcanic crater, the park spans 55,000 hectares with diverse ecosystems.
Malaria-free: A huge advantage compared to some other safari destinations.
Activities: Game drives, night safaris, birdwatching (over 300 species), and even hot-air balloon rides.
Tucked against the Botswana border, it’s the fifth-largest reserve in the country, covering 75,000 hectares. Unlike the more crowded Kruger, Madikwe offers a malaria-free Big Five experience with a strong conservation focus. What makes it extra special is its thriving population of African wild dogs—also known as “painted wolves”. These endangered carnivores are notoriously difficult to spot elsewhere, but Madikwe has become one of the best places in Africa to see them thanks to successful reintroduction projects like Operation Phoenix. Luxury lodges dot the reserve, offering everything from private plunge pools to gourmet dining, so you can track lions and leopards by day and sip fine wine under the stars by night. It’s safari indulgence with a conservation heart.
💡 Travel Tip: The 10 best lodges in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Just north of Brits, it spans about 13,000 hectares of woodland and bushveld. The name itself means “the place where people relax”, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll find here. While you won’t encounter the full Big Five, the park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with species like the African Finfoot, Meyer’s Parrot, and Grey-headed Kingfisher making regular appearances. Antelope roam freely—tsessebe, kudu, and impala among them—and the Klipvoor Dam adds a scenic water element that attracts both wildlife and anglers. It’s less polished than Madikwe, but that’s part of its charm: you come here for peace, picnics, and the joy of spotting a rare bird rather than chasing predators.
A different experience, this time a family‑friendly bush retreat near Brits. With game drives, pools, and even a supertube for the kids, it’s less about chasing predators and more about soaking up the bushveld lifestyle. Check out our post about Dikhololo.
The North West Province isn’t just about safaris—it’s also a playground for outdoor lovers, with reserves that showcase its rugged beauty and rich biodiversity. Like Vaalkop, a conservation area with private nature reserves. While it’s not a Big Five safari destination, it’s a birding, fishing, and bush retreat hotspot, with lodges like Finfoot and Mziki offering tailored experiences.
Location: The nearest town to Vaalkop Dam is Brits, in the North West Province. The dam lies about 54 km north of Brits, along the R511 road, and is also relatively close to Beestekraal, a small rural settlement nearby. For broader orientation, it’s northeast of Rustenburg and about a 90‑minute drive from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
So if you’re planning a visit, Brits is the most practical town for supplies, accommodation stopovers, or as a base before heading into the Vaalkop area and its private reserves like Finfoot Lake Reserve and Mziki Safari Lodge.
Beyond its famous safari reserves and Sun City thrills, the North West Province also offers charming escapes like Hartbeespoort, known for its scenic dam, mountain views, markets, and weekend activities. It’s one of the province’s most popular leisure destinations — perfect for day trips or relaxing getaways.
🕮 Suggested Read: If you love discovering South Africa’s hidden gems, don’t miss our guide to Hartbeespoort — a charming escape with Paris‑in‑SA vibes, mountain views, and plenty of weekend adventures.
The North West Province proves that you don’t need to travel far to experience the very best of South Africa. Luxury lodges, family‑friendly retreats, birding hotspots, and adrenaline‑pumping adventures all come together here in one diverse, malaria‑free playground. It’s a destination that blends thrill with tranquility, indulgence with authenticity—and it’s waiting for you to explore.
💬 We’d love to hear from you. Have you visited the North West Province, or is it on your bucket list? Share your thoughts, tips, or favorite experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear your story!
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