Rustenburg: The holiday town

The region boasts the most platinum mined in the world

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Located in the heart of the savannah bushveld in the North West Province, the city of Rustenburg is nestled at the bottom of the stunning Magaliesburg Mountains. Mining is a big area of employment in the area, due to its rich mineral wealth. In fact, the region boasts the most platinum mined in the world.

Just 30km from Rustenburg you will find Sun City, which is internationally known as Africa's premier holiday resort. Here a large number of different relaxation and entertainment opportunities are on offer. The resort incorporates The Palace of the Lost City, where you will find hot air balloon rides, The Valley of Waves and a 25-hectare jungle.

What to see and do

Tourist attractions:

Rustenburg and the North West Province is a diverse and exiting area of South Africa, where you will find some of the finest game reserves, cultural sights and entertainment resorts.

 Kgaswane Mountain Reserve: Set in the hills above the city, this 40-square-kilometre mountain reserve offers incredible views and hikes for the adventurous. Beautiful rock formations and streams make this area uniquely attractive. A wide range of wildlife can be spotted here including the cape vulture, martial eagle, different species of antelopes, leopards and black-backed jackals. There are several hikes and biking trails available, with the 5km Peglarae trail being the best option for those who want to see all of the reserve's highlights. There are also a number of overnight hikes available.

 Pilansberg National Park: Covering an area of 55,000 hectares, the Pilansberg National Park is perched on the eroded vestiges of a volcanic crater. The area is famed for its rugged landscape and well-watered valleys, and virtually all the animal species of southern Africa are thought to live here. This includes lions, white and black rhinos, buffaloes, leopards, zebras, hyenas, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles. More than 300 bird species have also been counted.

The roads in the park are well-maintained, meaning you can travel around the area with a normal vehicle. Accommodation is also available in the park and consists of two rest camps with chalets, three rest camps with safari tents and some hotels.

There are also a number of picnic spots, hides for game watching, hiking trails and flights over the park in a hot-air balloon available.Tel: +27 14 5555355

 Rustenburg Nature Reserve: This nature reserve offers its visitors an escape into a mountain range of great natural beauty. There are more than 800 species of antelope, including klipspringer, grey duiker, bushbuck, kudu, oribi, mountain reedbuck, impala, zebra, springbok, steenbok, sable antelope and waterbuck. There are also caracal, aardwolf, black-backed jackal and leopards. More than 320 species of birdlife have also been recorded.

There are a number of hiking trails at the reserve, including the "Summit Route", which includes natural pools that you are allowed to swim in during the hike and the "Baviaanskrans Route", which includes the waterfall view and the garden of remembrance.Tel: +27 (0)1 533 2050

 Sun City and Valley of the Waves

Sun City is just 30km away from Rustenburg. The resort offers a myriad of activities including water sports, horse riding, golf, theatre performances, among many others. If you opt to stay for a night you will receive complimentary access to Valley of the Waves, which is South Africa's most famous water park. The park is dominated by a large lagoon, which has the ability to generate 1.8 metre waves every 90 seconds. There are five flume rides to choose from: "Temple of Courage" sends swimmers a heart-stopping 17 metres down a chute and under a bridge. Those who are less adventurous can opt to chill out on the "Lazy River". Website: www.suncity.co.za Tel: +27 14 557 1000

 Gary Player Golf Course: This course is ranked as one of the best in South Africa. Named after one of the finest golf players to have been produced in the country, it is acknowledged as being a very difficult course. Although predominately flat in nature, it is very misleading; there are a number of water hazards and sited bunkers hidden away.

Tel: +27 (0)14 557 1245

 Boekenhoutfontein (Paul Kruger's Farm): This farm was owned and lived in by Paul Kruger, while actively filling the role of a Boer resistance leader during the 19th Century. Although 20km away from the city, it is worth taking the afternoon out to go and visit the 500-hectare property. 32 hectares of this land is now a museum, where you will find some interesting insights into the man who lived there. There are four buildings on the farm that you can explore whilst there, each of which has been restored since they were built in the 1800s. These include the oldest surviving pioneer cottage, a house, Kruger's homestead and another house that was built for Kruger's son, Pieter. Behind the homestead you will find the place where the former president knelt down to pray. Visitors can view this sight from behind some railings.

 A round-up of what else is worth seeing:

Rustenburg Museum: This is located in the town hall and has exhibitions that depict the region's history and archaeology. It also has an interesting collection on the town's battleground, agriculture and mining history.Tel: +27 (0)14 590 3190

 Anglican Church: This national monument was originally built in 1871 and was relocated to Van Staden Street in 1967.

 Statue of President Paul Kruger: Located in from of the town hall, this sculpture depicts the president during his last days of exile.

 The Dutch Reformed Church: Construction on this building began in 1898, but was only completed after 1903 following the Anglo Boer War. During this time it served as a military hospital.

 Historical Lutheran Church - Kroondal: This church was originally built in 1896 and restored between 1979 and 1982. It is now regarded as a national monument.

Mike's Kitchen: With an emphasis on family-orientated dinning, Mike's Kitchen has a contemporary atmosphere, which is firmly grounded in kitchen at home. The salad bar and carvery buffet here are known throughout the city, while the menu features mainly South African cuisine. Tel: +27 11 463 9269 http://www.mikeskitchen.co.za/

Where to stay

>> Budget stays

Road Lodge Rustenburg: This hotel offers high quality accommodation and is ideal for those descending on the city for the World Cup and who are just in need of a bed to lay their heads at the end of a long day of sightseeing or watching football. The comfortable rooms on offer here are complimented with free parking, continental breakfast and snack facilities.Tel: +27 (0)14 537 3088

 Rustenburg Boutique Hotel: Located a short drive away from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, this hotel is a good choice for those who don't want to have to travel far to get to the football ground. The rooms are comfortable and you even have the option of requesting the chef to lay on a barbeque for you!Tel: +27 (0)14 592 4645 www.rustenburgbh.co.za

 Echo Garden Guest House: Offering comfortable accommodation a t low prices, this guest house is located a few minutes' drive from the Royal Bafokeng Stadium. This is a new property and the owners take pride in ensuring each of its guests feels relaxed and pampered.Tel: +27 (0)82 778 7200http://echogarden.co.za/

 Kedar Country Hotel: This hotel is ideal for those who want to splash out a little extra to enjoy some good amenities, such as a pool terrace, a selection of good restaurants, bar, children's playground and braai area. Located a short drive from the city centre, this hotel offers a peaceful setting for those who wish to stay somewhere that's surrounded by nature.Tel: +27 11 950 6000 http://kedarcountry.warwickhotels.com/

 Symphony Guest House: If you're looking for affordable but comfortable accommodation then look no further than the Symphony Guest House. The property offers en suite rooms at great prices. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool and tranquil garden that are located on the house's grounds.Tel: +27 (0) 14 592 2821

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