Forming the southern part of the Kalahari Desert the North West Province offers almost year-round sunshine, making suntan lotion and a hat a prerequisite when visiting the North West Province, South Africa. The capital city, Mafikeng, enjoys weather indicative of largely the entire North West Province, with towns in the western areas only slightly hotter and those further south a bit cooler.

The summer months (from August to March) bring brief but refreshing afternoon thundershowers. The town has an above average rainfall of 300 to 700 mm annually. Summer temperatures range between 22 and 34º C and winter brings with it dry, sunny days and chilly nights. The average winter (from May to July) temperature is 16ºC but can range from an average of 2 to 20ºC in a single day.

Sun City and The Lost City

For those wanting to explore their gambling streak or just want big time entertainment, take a drive to the centre of a volcanic valley surrounded by the slopes of the Pilanesberg Mountains - to the extravagant Sun International resort. The complex is one of the world's foremost entertainment centres, and boasts a casino, world-class golf course and show arena. A visit to The Lost City, built on an adventurous lost world theme, feels like a trip through a time warp as you experience the mystery of an ancient African civilization through the Shrine of the Sacred Monkey, the ruins of old temples and caves, the Bridge of Time and the Valley of the Waves a totally realistic in-land seaside entertainment centre. The Valley of the Waves at the Lost City (Sun City) offers a gigantic man-made pool, a man-made beach, palm trees and a machine that produces bona fide waves! Death-defying water chute rides and the Temple of Courage waterslide will fix any adrenalin junkie! – blow of some steam, relax, feel on top of the world, live like a king, you will here.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Madikwe is one of South Africa's largest game reserves, covering an area of 60 000 hectares, and has the impressive distinction of being one of the few reserves in the world to be proclaimed purely on the grounds of being the most appropriate and sustainable land use for an area. Consisting of reclaimed farm land, is famous for the ambitious re-stocking program “'Operation Phoenix” that took place in the early nineties. The reserve is home to the famous Big Five, for its wild dog, spotted hyena, cheetah and elephant population, 61 other large mammal species, and an estimated 300 local and migrant bird species. Stay at one of the many excellent private lodges, or rough it in style, enjoy night and day game viewing on comfortable land-cruisers or take a guided bush walk – Africa lives here, come see it all.

Pilanesberg National Park

Pilanesberg National Park is in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province. "The Volcano that gave birth to a game reserve" Visit this beautiful game park set in the heart of the largest extinct volcanic complexes of its kind in the world. Its rare rock types and structure make it a unique geological feature. Left behind are beautiful hilly undulations that stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience a range of awesome wildlife and numerous Stone and Iron Age sites. Pilanesberg is in the middle of a transition zone between the dry Kalahari and the wetter lowveld region, allowing for a unique overlap of mammals, birds and vegetation, giving visitors the opportunity to view a range of species. The park is also home to the Big Five, and other African greats - the nocturnal brown hyena, the sable, the giraffe, hippo and crocodile, and a range of bird species. The Manyane Complex in the east offers a self-guided walking trail and walk-in aviary, and the park also offers a number of hides and picnic areas for those not wanting to take a guided drive. “May the dust of Africa settle on your Soul”.

Vredefort Dome

About 2000 million years ago a massive meteorite struck the earth, creating the crater near the present day town of Vredefort – seemingly the biggest and oldest impact site still clearly visible on earth. Pretty impressive stuff. From the air, one can clearly see a partial ring of hills forming an arc known as the Vredefort Dome, which has just recently been declared a world heritage site! "It's like being in the Bermuda Triangle," says Rodger Hart of the iThemba Laboratory for Accelerator Based Science. Graham P Collins of Scientific American magazine examines the strange magnetic anomalies of the Vredefort Dome. Vredefort's original impact scar measures 380km across and consists of three concentric circles of uplifted rock. They were created by the rebound of rock below the impact site when the asteroid hit. Most of these structures have eroded away and are no longer clearly visible. The inner circle, measuring 180km, is still visible and can be seen in the beautiful range of hills near Parys and Vredefort. It is this area that was named one of South Africa’s seven World Heritage sites. A number of landowners in the area of joined forces to form the Dome Conservancy, which is now one of the province's main adventure tourism sites, offering a range of activities including camping, hiking, cycling, rock climbing, canoeing and white water rafting – Out of Africa - something for everyone.

Mafikeng Capital City

“The place among the rocks” or Mahikeng, originally named by early traditional Baralong Chiefs is where the name Mafikeng comes from. Today Mafeking, the pulsating provincial and commercial capital of the North West is also a prime tourist destination. Victorian buildings stand next to a modern-day museum that boasts ancient San works of art and Tswana traditional exhibits in a powerful juxtaposition of cultures. This is something of a historical Mecca, full of the Anglo Boer War, the Mafikeng Siege and the Boy Scouts. There are a number of interesting places to visit, including the Mafikeng Museum, sites linking to famous South African human rights campaigner Sol Plaatje, the cultural village at Montshiwua Dam, and the 4600 hectare Mafikeng Game Reserve. Lots to do, a cultural and historical Mecca, with scenic and wildlife vistas, all in one.

Hartbeespoort Dam

Surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the Magaliesberg Mountains, the Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular spot for weekends and day trips, offering a range of activities, such as windsurfing, water and jet-skiing, and parasailing, hang-gliding and exotic hot air ballooning. The Hartbeespoort Dam also offers a private zoo, snake park, aquarium, with the scenic wonders of nature everywhere. Enjoy lunch while cruising across the dam in a floating restaurant. Sample some local cheeses at Skeerpoort cheese factory. For a magnificent view take the cable car to the top of the Magaliesberg or try the Magalies Park. An all-encompassing venue for outdoor activities, offering a restaurant, golf course, tennis courts, sauna and canoeing. Or swing by South East Harbour Development consisting of two restaurants - Dockers and the open-air Fisherman's Arms. For those wanting to add a spot of shopping, the Crocodile Ramble offers visitors the opportunity to explore the local arts and crafts route with the option of spending a night in one of the many bed and breakfast establishments. Pretty convincing, sounds like a good time spot - what?

Taung Heritage Site

This is another one of those scientific pieces of evidence that suggests you’re definitely related to this person. Yes a long time ago, but it’s seemingly true. Named after Tau, the chief of the Bataung people, meaning ‘The Place of the Lion', became famous in 1924 when a fossilized skull of a child was found, leading many scientists to believe that humanities early origins indeed began in Africa. The Taung site not only offers this historic significance, but flowing water over limestone cliffs into azure pools offers the perfect environment for hiking, abseiling and picnicking. Another Heritage site. Can you see it - Africa is a fascinating place.

Mafikeng Game Reserve

Visit this 5 800 hectare malaria-free reserve, home of the white rhino, located in open Kalahari thornveld west of Mafikeng. The area is one of the most prolific antelope and white rhino breeding grounds in the North West, making it an ideal place to view these animals. See other species, including buffalo, gemsbok and giraffe with some 200 species of bird. Plenty of game drives, enjoy picnics or barbecues amongst beautiful scenery, including one of the oldest volcanic craters in the world. While the area is generally mild to hot in the day, visitors are warned to dress appropriately for very cold winter nights. - Back to back nature, 360 degrees 24/7

Kgaswane (Rustenburg) Mountain Reserve

This area near the town of Rustenburg can only be described as a place of special beauty – a mountain range of immense natural appeal and the perfect place for a day trip. You’ll simply forget everything for a while, the nature is so overwhelming. The reserve is home to a large population of animals, including some 800 antelope (such as klipspringer, duiker, kudu, impala, zebra and springbok), and is particularly famous for the breeding of the sable antelope. Animal lovers might also be able to spot a number of predators, such as caracal, jackal or leopard. For an energetic adventure the reserve offers a number of hiking spots, with beautiful natural pools to cool off in afterwards - awesome. There is also a viewing hut on the vlei, perfect for bird lovers. Life is great in Africa.

Borakalalo National Park

Fell like something a little more tame than all those Big Five danger zones. This park is one of the North West's most diverse conservation areas, where visitors can walk safely folks, among the many trails and enjoy the eco-diversity of the area. The 13 000 hectares of woodland and open bushveld provide perfect opportunities to enjoy the scenery on picnics or barbeques, or take in the abundance of wildlife and birds, including soaring Eagles. The park is also a very popular fishing spot, with angling allowed on both the Klipvoor Dam and the Moretele River. Anglers will delight in trying their hand at catching carp, bream, barbell and the occasional big fight yellow fish. This is a nice spot for getting back to nature.

Mampoer Country

Groot Marico is a small town made famous by author Herman Charles Bosman. The spirit of one of his main characters, the feisty Oom Schalk Lourens, still lingers along the quiet streets of this enticing little town. Groot Marico is home to a vibrant artistic community – where the art of storytelling is alive and well - good Afrikaans stuff this Mampoer, originally made by the early Voortrekkers a potent spirit distilled from peaches, or any fruit for that matter, also know as witblitz or white lightning. He he! Stronger than Tequila - and you’d better believe it! Try this cocktail, even just once before you leave African shores. This is not for the AAA folks or for the wanabees.