SECTION 4: CITY GUIDES | < BACK | NEXT >

4.5 RUSTENBURG

Rustenburg means “Town of Rest” and was found in 1851. For some years, it was a frontier post and resort for hunters, explorers and prospectors who used it as a base from which to venture into the far interior. Rustenburg lies on the edge of the bushvelds igneous complex, one of the most heavily mineralized districts in the world. The main agricultural activity in the area is beef cattle, tobacco, citrus fruit, wheat, maize, sunflower seed and ground nuts. The platinum mines in Rustenburg are the largest producers of platinum in the world. Mines in the region produce platinum, asbestos, chrome, tin, lead, marble, granite and slate. Despite this being an industrial area the town is green and lush and has a delightful climate.

Rustenburg is soaked in history and tourism plays an increasingly important role. With a magnificent climate of typical bushveld topography, it offers ideal opportunities for relaxation. Within a radius of 30km there are no less than 20 holiday farms, as well as ample facilities for caravans and tents. Ample opportunity exists for sightseeing, sailing, clay pigeon shooting and combat school, oval racing, go-karting, many places to shop, restaurants, and nightlife includes a variety of clubs and pubs. There are several large parks and reserves in close proximity from Rustenburg.

Restaurant Guide: www.dining-out.co.za/South-Africa-restaurants-LocationID-625.html
Whats on in Rustenburg: Rustenburg Tourist Information Center ( 014 597 0904

SHOPPING
 
Rustenburg Square Shopping Centre ( 014 592 6677
Mid Town Mall ( 014 597 2808
Roberts Pottery and Craft ( 014 577 1498
Art of Africa ( 014 537 2521

OUTDOOR

 
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve. Rising above the city on the northern slopes of the Magaliesberg, the 5 300-hectare reserve has four trails, increasing in length and difficulty. The easiest is the Vlei Ramble, a two-kilometre stroll to the bird hide. Next is the Peglarea, a doddle at 5,5 kilometres, but with interesting rock formations and wonderful views. Things get tougher on the 19,5-kilometre Baviaanskrans Route and the 25,3-kilometre Summit Route, both of which have overnight huts that can accommodate 12 hikers each. ( +27-14-533-2050, www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/kgaswane.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve is in the Bojanala Region of the North West Province, adjacent to Sun City. Set in the crater of a long extinct volcano, the Park ranks among the largest of the parks in South Africa (it is in fact the fourth largest park) and covers an area of 55 000 hectare.  www.pilanesberg-game-reserve.co.za/
( 014 555 1600

 

Madikwe Game Reserve, situated against the Botswana border, 90 km north of Zeerust, just three hours' drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, is now one of South Africa's prime safari destinations. Madikwe is a Big Five game reserve covering some 75,000 hectare.
 ( 018 350 9931/2  www.madikwe-game-reserve.co.za/

Sundown Ranch Lion Park (  014 573 3121

Elephant Sanctuary in Brits ( 012 258 0423 www.elephantsanctuary.co.za/magalies.htm

HISTORIC MUSEUMS & CULTURE

Boekenhoutfontein, the historic farm of President Paul Kruger, at Kedar Country Hotel. ( 011-950-6226, www.kedarcountryhotel.com

Rustenburg Museum
The museum, in the Town hall, has exhibits depicting local history and archaeology.

Lesedi Cultural Village - awaits those willing to participate in an adventure that reveals the mystical cultures and traditions of the people of Africa, steeped in tribal folklore and ancestral traditions. Our culture is the light of our nation – whoever walks here amongst our cultures at Lesedi can also see the light.  ( 012 205-1394   http://www.lesedi.com

Sun City Multicultural Village The Village People at Sun City showcases most of the cultures and tribes in South Africa, highlighting the day-to-day living in rural areas through dress, song, dance and food. Experience the history, lifestyles, architecture, craftsmanship and beliefs of tribes such as Tswana, Zulu, Pedi, Xhosa, Ndebele, Venda, Shangaan and Ntwana. The village also offers a trendy African Shebeen specializing in authentic South African cuisine.  ( 014-5525080 Website: www.legendlodges.co.za

EXPLORE

Sun City and the Palace of the Lost City
The Sun City and Lost City Resorts are the prime tourist attractions in South Africa. The complex, which is set on the slopes of a picturesque valley in the Pilanesberg Mountains, captures the essence of an ancient African Kingdom in opulence and the astonishing and recreational facilities are all combined to enthrall the visitor. Casino’s, the Valley of the Waves and two world renowned championship golf courses are just some of the many attractions.

Groot Marico district, it's not hard to see how South African writer Herman Charles Bosman found his inspiration for the Oom Schalk Lourens stories. Whether it's sipping tea at Marico Memoirs and straining your ears to overhear the gossip at the next table, visiting Oom Johannes Palm at the Marico Eye, or talking history and life on the stoep of the information centre with Egbert and Santa van Bart, the town is a trove of tales, tall and short. Should conversation ever dry up, you can take a dip in the Marico River, pack a picnic and spend the day birding or hike up Stone Clad Mountain. ( 027-83-272-2958,

Predator World on the R556, five kilometers from Sun City. ( 27-76-817-6869, www.predatorworld.co.za.

ADVENTURE

Airtrackers operates from Sun City and offers hot-air balloon trips over Pilanesberg National Park.
( 014-552-5020 www.airtrackers.co.za.

Magaliesberg Canopy Tours. The tour comprises 11 platforms linked by steel cables which zig-zag across the gorge. Participants are given a harness and headgear and are then attached to the cables, which whizz you across at breathtaking speeds. It's a rush and a wonderful way of getting a new perspective on the world. The tour takes about 2,5 hours and includes a light lunch. ( 014-535-0150 www.magaliescanopytour.co.za.

Buffelspoort Dam, apparently one of the cleanest in South Africa. It's also a popular water sports venue for skiing, kayaking and canoeing. ( 014-572-3757

Cable car to the top of the Magaliesberg - Weekdays 10h00 - 15h30 Weekends 10h00 - 17h00
( 012 253 1706  www.hartbeespoortdam.com/cableway/

Hartebeespoort Snake and Animal Park Entertaining seal shows & snake handling demonstrations are performed on  Sundays & Public Holidays At 12:00 & 15:00 ( 012  253 1162 www.hartbeespoortdam.com/snake&animalpark/

Bergheim Trail is situated in the northern part of the Magaliesberg mountains, not far from Rustenburg
( 014 537 2363

Bobbejaan Trail -  Mountains and waterfalls in Rustenberg Kloof
( 014 594-1037/8/9

The SummitTrail  25,3 km, includes natural pools in which swimming is permitted in the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve. Overnight facilities. ( 014 533 2050 http://www.tourismnorthwest.co.za/kgaswane
Horse Riding - Rustenburg  ( 084 350 7238

NIGHTLIFE

The Tusk Bar is located in the Palace Hotel
Club Chirp, Sun City Entertainment Centre
Traders Night Club, Sun City Entertainment Centre
Rustenburg has a few bars on Beyers Naudè Drive, a pub on Heystek Street and a backpackers' bar on Leyds Street.

ENTERTAINMENT

Sun City Casino & Valley of the Waves. Every 90 seconds, a siren wails, followed by a wall of people rushing into the water to ride a 1,2-metre wave that breaks at 35 kilometers an hour. It's not quite Durbs, but it's the next best thing for landlocked souls. There are also scary, slippery slides that plunge down a 70-metre chute and a host of other rides and activities to thrill and chill. ( 014-557-1000, www.suncity.co.za

Rustenburg Information Centre, ( 083 272 2958 www.marico.co.za.

GETTING AROUND

Car hire

Africa-Car-Hire.com (  078 669 4444
Europcar ( 014 597 4666.
Avis ( 014 592 6994.

Metered taxis
New Era Taxis ( 014 592 2929.
Dinki Bus and Taxi ( 014 597 3645.

Safari Tours: ( 021 780 1391 www.e-gnu.com

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