Hot and dusty, the bushveld of the Northwest seems to capture the very essence of wild Africa.
Much of the land is now used for maize and cattle farming. The world's largest platinum mine can
be found outside Rustenberg, but Sun City, without doubt, is the area's greatest tourist
attraction.
Situated about 200km (124 miles) northwest of Johannesburg,
Sun City, offers casinos, a concert venue, a golf course designed by Gary Player, swimming
pools and cinemas. The Valley of Waves is virtually an oasis in the wilderness with palm trees
and artificially-generated waves. The fantasy land of the
Lost City is the latest addition to the complex.
The Pilanesberg National Park is the fifth-largest national park in South Africa. Established on
a number of extinct volcanoes, the park is home to the Big Five, as well as hippo, several
species of antelope, cheetah, zebra, hyena and crocodile. Secretary birds, booted eagles,
sunbirds and Cape vultures are just a few of the bird species which can be spotted.
Guided hikes with an armed ranger take place daily. One of the park's highlights is the Manyane
bird aviary. Visitors may walk around within the large aviary where the birds are fairly tame.
Hartebeespoort Dam, within easy reach of Pretoria and
Johannesburg, is a water sports resort on the slopes of the Magaliesberg. There are a number of hiking trails in the area. The Sterkfontein Caves, famous for their fossils of prehuman primates, are worth
a visit. Guided tours take visitors through the caves, which include an underground lake and
spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
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