The North West is blessed with several cultural villages that entertain and enrich, and serves as an essential link between South Africa and Botswana. It is the largest platinum production area in the world, and its Stelland area is the "Texas of South Africa", with some of the biggest cattle herds anywhere to be seen.

A number of excellent game reserves have been established, including the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, known as the "Jewel of the North West", and the Madikwe Game Reserve. The former is set in a crater on an extinct volcano and is home to the "Big Five", whilst the latter plays host to the ever popular Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City - offering gambling, golf, extravaganza shows, watersport and an artificial sea. It also is part of an endangered wildlife programme.

Major tourist attractions within the area include:

• Sun City - "South Africa's Las Vegas" - with casino, golf course and adventure area.


• The Hartbeespoort Dam - a popular spot for weekend outings, breakfast runs and yachting.


• The Pilanesberg Game Reserve - although a small park, it does have the "Big Five" (game viewing).


• The Madikwe Game Reserve


• Groot Marico - a typical small farm village, famous for its literature and Mampoer.


• The Magaliesberg mountain range.