North West

About North West

The North West is filled with vast grasslands and endless views stretching from one horizon to the other. It has two of the country's largest Big 5 game reserves, the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve which is on the Botswana border, and Pilanesberg National Park near Sun City.

The North West includes two heritage sites and Mafikeng is its capital (famous for the Siege of Mafikeng during the Anglo-Boer War and the founding of the Boy Scout movement).

Popular areas are the Magaliesberg, Haartebeespoort and Pilansberg where you can paraglide, windsurf, and water-ski - for the adventurous, one can cave dive at Wondergat which has an extensive underwater cave network.

Sun City, the world’s largest playground, is less than two hours from Johannesburg, where you can enjoy the Valley of the Waves, outstanding golf courses, enormous casino, entertainment centre, spa and game viewing in the Pilanesberg National Park

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Seasons

• Summer (November to February) - Very warm, with some rains experienced in the afternoons
• Autumn (March to May) - Cooler and less rain. Daytime temperatures are still ideal for time around the pool
• Winter (June to July) - Can get very cold, especially at night. Pale light in the mornings is beautiful and seeing a Lion make its way across the frosted plains is magical
• Spring (August to October) - Warmer, but relatively dry making for great safari conditions. Evenings can be cold

Wildlife

The scientific name for the African Wild dog means “painted wolf”

At birth, baby rhinos weigh between 88-140 pounds

Leopards can see seven times better in the dark than humans

African elephants can currently be found in 37 African countries

Lions spend 16-20 hours of the day sleeping or resting

In The Know

• Enjoy night game drives in the Madikwe Game Reserve and the chance to see their packs of African Wild Dogs hunting their prey
• Fly into the Madikwe Game Reserve from Johannesburg and get the chance to see the vast reserve from the air before landing
• Enjoy a round of golf on one of Sun City’s 2 Championship Courses
• Take a private guided safari from Sun City into the Pilanesberg – this costs a little extra but gets you away from the crowds and allows for better exploration of this stunning reserve