Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
Wildlife and wanderings in the North West
Rustenburg – surrounding areas
Hartbeespoort Dam - water sport playground
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
Groot Marico provided great creative inspiration for Herman Charles Bosman, one of South Africa's literary giants, whose life and work are celebrated every October during the Bosman Weekend.
Rustenburg's surrounding areas offer activities and attractions to match all moods. There's the Sun City resort, with its glitz and glamour, endless entertainment, gambling, sports and world-class hotels - which can be reached in under an hour's drive. The Pilanesberg Game Reserve is Sun City's neighbour and here you'll find Africa's Big 5 (rhino, elephant, leopard, lion and buffalo).
Areas surrounding Rustenburg in the south east include the world's most important palaeontological site - the Sterkfontein Caves. Visit the underground grotto where 2 world-renowned hominid fossils, Mrs Ples and Little Foot, were uncovered. Across the valley, Maropeng is worth a visit for its unusual Tumulus building and fascinating and fun installations dealing with the history and sociology of humankind, as is the 2 200 million year-old Wonder Cave nearby.
There's yet more wildlife further north at Madikwe Game Reserve, with its 70 mammal species and rich birdlife. You can join our avian friends by opting for tree house accommodation in this Big 5 sanctuary.
Rustenburg lies within the Magaliesburg, believed to be one of the world's most ancient mountain ranges. A small distance to cover and you will find yourself in an idyllic world of crisp air, deep greenery and sparkling streams.
City slickers from Johannesburg and Pretoria love to escape to the human-made Hartbeespoort Dam at the weekend, with its spectacular aerial cableway. They arrive on motorcycles or in classic open-top cars for leisurely breakfasts, roadside markets, craft routes, adventure and water sport and family entertainments.
The vicinity in and around Rustenburg offers you history and culture in the form of the South African War (Anglo-Boer War), Iron and Stone Age sites, cultural villages, the hospitable Groot Marico (linked to a major literary character), colourful locals and home brewed mampoer (like moonshine only not quite as lethal) and geographical phenomena such as the Vredefort Dome.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
City of Rustenburg Tourism Information
Phone: +27 (0)14 590 3111
How to get here
Rustenburg can be reached on the N4 from Pretoria or Johannesburg by car or bus.
Around the area
Organise a car and drive to the Magaliesberg, Hartbeespoort Dam, Pilanesberg and then further afield to Madikwe and Groot Marico. Don’t forget to add the Vredefort Dome to your itinerary.
Tours to do
If you want a cultural experience, visit the Lesedi Cultural Village en route to Rustenburg.
Get around
Take a bus tour or organise your own vehicle in advance.
Length of stay
Spend a night or two in Rustenburg, then enjoy a week or two exploring the province.
What to pack
Binoculars and camera.
Where to stay
Game lodges are a good bet.
What to eat
Rustenburg isn't renowned for its selection of restaurants, but while you are here try out crocodile, impala, warthog at a boma bush braai.
Best buys
Roadside art and craft.