Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
It's all about the game... of the wild kind!
Dr Ngaka Modiri Molema Region
The endangered white rhino
© GFDL
Did you know?
Botsalano Game Reserve houses one of the oldest volcanic craters in the world which extends through the park into the neighbouring country of Botswana.
The malaria-free Dr Ngaka Modiri Molema Region of North West province is characterised by a preponderance of game reserves, game sanctuaries and game breeding facilities, just three hours' drive from the city of Johannesburg.
When the game is on, The Dr Ngaka Modiri Molema Region is where you want to be! There's the 4 600-hectare Mafikeng Game Reserve and white rhino breeding centre just outside the city, or just 30km away you might prefer the Botsalano Game Reserve where Kahalari thornveld supports more than 2 000 animals and 200 bird species and acts as a white rhino and antelope breeding station.
Locals are proud of their quaint North West towns and villages, and welcome travellers with warm tales of days gone by. Named after the only perennial river in the area, Groot Marico is a typical example. Made famous by renowned South African author Herman Charles Bosman, the town is steeped in history, art and culture, and well worth a visit.
Then there's Delareyville, 15km from Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, where a 2 000-hectare pan supports 12 000 bird species; Lichtenburg, with its diamond rush memorabilia and game breeding centre; and Ottosdal, where a number of spherical wonderstones (pyrophyllite) aged 2.8-million years old have been found.
The 'city of goodwill', Mafikeng, is famous for the Siege of Mafikeng, in which British forces led by Lord Baden-Powell resisted a Boer siege for 217 days. Learn more about this riveting war story and many others documented in the Mafikeng Museum.
Taste local heritage with a visit to Credo Mutwa's Cultural Village, a living museum of African culture, and pioneer black author Sol Plaatje's newspaper office.
However the hidden gem of the region has to be Wondergat, South Africa's deepest natural hole and home to strange fish, where scuba-diving is alive and well many miles from the nearest ocean.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
North West Parks and Tourism
Phone: +27 (0) 18 381 0067
Phone: +27 (0) 18 381 7341
Phone: +27 (0) 18 397 1500
E-mail: info@tourismnorthwest.co.za
How to get here
Take the N14 national road from Johannesburg, or fly in via Mafikeng's own small airport.
Around the area
At various times during the year the region celebrates its son and author, Herman Charles Bosman. Check with the tourism office for upcoming events.
Tours to do
* Madikwe Game Reserve, 70 000 ha of bush hosting cheetah, wild dog, hyena, lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and more.
* Barberspan Bird Sanctuary
* Disaneng Dam
* Kortfkloof Cultural Village
* Leopard Park Golf Course
* Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre
* Molemane Eye Nature Reserve
Get around
Self-drive is the best way to get around, but if you're planning to go offroad, a 4x4 would be advisable.
What will it cost
Entry fees to various reserves differ, so it's best to enquire on arrival.
Length of stay
At least a week is needed to explore all the region has to offer.
What to pack
Camera and bird book.
Where to stay
Contact the local tourism information offices for details on accommodation options, which include a variety of top-notch guest houses and guest farms.
Best buys
Arts and crafts outlets are plentiful and staffed by talented community members. Support them by buying curios to take home with you.