Local Attractions
City Overview: The Rustenburg area is known for its mining industry and the unique natural landscape that surrounds the city. The best known attractions in this area are the major nature reserves that are all within reasonable distance of Rustenburg itself. The region also boasts the most platinum mined in the world. The region is also a favored area of eco-tourism, due to the natural vegetation that encompasses the city.
Kgaswane Game Reserve: Situated above the town of Rustenburg across a varied habitat of quartzite mountain peaks, Kgaswane Game Reserve is open to hikers as well as vehicle visitors. It is a 10,514 acre reserve that offers a great range of viewing experiences to wildlife enthusiasts.
Madikwe Game Reserve: Madikwe hosts all the major plains species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) and has the second largest concentration of elephants in South Africa. The reserve is one of South Africa's great natural treasures.
Groot Marico Park: Located in the North West Province of South Africa, the rustic town of Groot Marico (Big Marico) is set in beautiful African bushveld and is steeped in history. This is the land where early pioneers set down roots following their long and grueling journey from the coast. Here is where many an Anglo-Boer altercation took place. This is the rugged bushveld in which renowned South African writer, Herman Charles Bosman, set his famous, much-loved, and often humorous, short stories based on the lives and experiences of the people who call Groot Marico and the Marico district home.
Pilanesberg Game Reserve: is one of the most accessible South African game reserves. It is the fourth largest National Park in South Africa. It is located right outside of Rustenburg and a 1.5 hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. The reserve is set high in the Pilanesberg range, across the base of an ancient volcano. Pilanesberg conserves all the major mammal species including lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Game viewing, overnight camps, and walking trails are all available.
