Discover the Rich Culture of North West Province

Exploring South Africa is always an exciting adventure. Each region has its own unique charm and character, offering a truly immersive experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired by the beauty of this amazing country.

The North West province is no exception. Known for the popular Sun City resort, this province has so much more to offer. As you travel from Johannesburg, you’ll be captivated by the changing scenery, as lush green landscapes and the glistening Hartebeespoort Dam give way to rugged mine shafts, arid hills, and vast horizons. But don’t be deceived by the wild bushveld; hidden gems await you here.

In 2012, I had the amazing opportunity to explore the Segarona Heritage Experience in the company of the local NGO, Open Africa, and the SAB Foundation. This unique travel route, designed for self-drive adventures, is located just a couple of hours away from Johannesburg. If you’re up for an unforgettable experience, you should definitely check out the ultimate 4×4 trails in the North West.

The main goal of the Segarona Heritage Experience is to promote and support responsible tourism in the northern half of the province. By drawing travelers to the region, this initiative aims to boost local businesses that greatly depend on the support of visitors like you and me.

Let me tell you a little bit about the name behind this one-of-a-kind journey. ‘Segarona’ comes from the seTswana language, and it means heritage. This word could not be more fitting, as the area is filled with fascinating Tswana culture and a rich historical background.

Check out these local kids having a blast playing ludo outside a spaza! It’s just one of the many fun things you can see and do along this incredible route. Brace yourself for a journey through some of the most beautiful rural landscapes you’ll ever lay your eyes on. But be careful, because you might come across a few cows crossing the road!

As you travel along, you’ll get to explore charming local villages and pass by two famous game reserves. But one of the absolute highlights of this route is Kaditshwene, a national heritage site. This place was once home to around 20,000 people back in the early 1800s! Can you believe it?

Here’s the really awesome part: Kaditshwene is an amazing example of original African Tswana culture. It’s like stepping back in time and getting a glimpse of what life was like all those years ago. And get this: it’s even comparable to the world-famous Great Zimbabwe! How cool is that?

If you’re worried about where to stay, don’t be! Kaditshwene has everything covered. You can find self-catering chalets and other accommodation options right on site. So, you can take your time and fully immerse yourself in the Tswana culture. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

When I think of Groot Marico, a small town in South Africa, two things come to mind: its mampoer, a famous homemade alcoholic drink, and the brilliant novelist Herman Charles Bosman. Groot Marico is a hidden treasure tucked away in the middle of the bushveld. Although the drive along the platinum highway (N4) might not be the most picturesque, this little town serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the western part of the route.

Just outside of Groot Marico, there is a special place called ‘The Eye’ (Die Oog). This is where the Great Marico River begins, and it eventually flows into the Limpopo River. ‘The Eye’ is a natural spring that is like a hidden treasure in the middle of the Highveld.

The water in ‘The Eye’ is incredibly pure, so pure that it is even bottled and sold commercially. The spring itself is about 17 meters deep, and you can go diving in the underwater tunnels. The water rushes out of these tunnels at an amazing rate of 300,000 liters per hour!

Groot Marico has a variety of places to stay, so there is something for every budget. You can experience the warm and welcoming hospitality of the locals. The local pub at the entrance to town is a great place to grab a delicious steak or burger. The staff there are really friendly and make you feel right at home.

Right next to me sits a beautiful reservoir called the Marico Bushveld Dam, also known as Riekertsdam. It’s a popular spot for all sorts of exciting water activities, like fishing, skiing, and sailing. You can immerse yourself in the great outdoors and enjoy these fun sports.

But that’s not all! If you’re looking for a place to park your caravan or set up camp, look no further. The caravan and camping ground here is top-notch! After a day filled with adventures on the water, you can relax, watch the mesmerizing sunset, and give your tired body the rest it deserves.

When morning comes, you’ll feel refreshed and ready for another exciting day on the road, be it exploring nature or embarking on a road trip to new horizons.

When you visit the North West, you can’t miss out on the chance to see some incredible wildlife. There are two amazing game parks to choose from: the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the Madikwe Game Reserve. These reserves are famous for their Big 5 sightings and are top choices for safari enthusiasts. Madikwe Game Reserve sits right on the border with Botswana, just 90 km north of Zeerust. It covers a vast area of about 75,000 hectares and was created in 1991. Its main goal is not only to protect our precious wildlife but also to help the local communities benefit from conservation and tourism initiatives. So when you visit, you can feel good knowing that you’re supporting responsible tourism.

Madikwe, which means “Africa in its majesty,” is a vast game reserve in South Africa. It is considered one of the largest reserves in the country. When visiting this reserve, you have the option of staying at any of the 13 lodges located on its perimeter. However, it’s important to note that Madikwe does not permit day visitors who have not pre-booked a lodge. So, if you’re looking to spend just a single day exploring and observing wildlife, it would be better to visit the Pilanesberg Game Reserve instead.

In the heart of South Africa lies the enchanting Pilanesberg Game Reserve. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale world, with its magnificent landscapes and captivating wildlife. You won’t believe that this magical place was formed by volcanic eruptions over a billion years ago.

The Pilanesberg is one of the largest volcanic complexes in the world, a true wonder of nature. It’s home to a diverse range of animals, from mighty lions and graceful leopards to the majestic elephants and buffalo. The opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close is truly unforgettable.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. The Segarona Heritage Experience takes you on a journey through the hidden gem that is the North West Province of South Africa. Here, you can immerse yourself in an authentic African bush experience, combining rustic exploration with a touch of luxury.

Start your adventure by stopping at a roadside eatery for some delicious shisa nyama and a refreshing beer. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the locals and get a taste of the vibrant culture. From there, the Madikwe Game Reserve awaits you.

Prepare to be amazed by the untamed beauty of the Madikwe Game Reserve. It’s a place where luxury blends seamlessly with the wildness of nature. As you explore the reserve, you’ll encounter breathtaking landscapes and encounter a wide variety of wildlife.

So if you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, come and experience the wonders of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve and the Segarona Heritage Experience. It’s an opportunity to connect with nature, indulge in luxury, and create memories that will last a lifetime.