Situated on the western part of Gauteng and stretching up to Botswana, the North West Province is bordered by the Magaliesberg mountain range and Kalahari Desert. A haven for nature lovers, the North West Province offers adventurous wildlife experiences and fun-filled family experiences. People from across the world book tickets to this globally famous destination. Here are just five memorable experiences you can look forward to here.
Spend a Day with Family at Bela Bela
Bela Bela, which means “water that boils on its own”, gets its name from the many natural hot springs located in the region. Situated about a 45-minute drive from the Carousel Casino, it’s a popular place for the family, complete with play parks and water-slides. If you are looking for a relaxed yet fun-filled holiday for your family, this is one of the best places to visit. While the kids are busy with their games and sports, you can treat yourself and your partner to a spa session.
Get Fascinated by the Slithering Denizens at Makopa Reptile Park
The Makopa Reptile Park is located on the outskirts of Bela Bela and is home to a variety of reptiles such as Albino Burmese Boa, The Burmese Python, crocodiles, alligators, and many more. You can book a demonstration tour of the snake park with your family, followed by a magnificent lunch in the tea garden. A trip to the park is entertaining as well as educative, especially for the little ones.
Feel Like a Forest Ranger at Big 5 Game Safari
The Dinokeng Game Reserve, situated about 15 minutes from Carousel Casino is home to the BIG FIVE of the Africa as well as lots of other jungle denizens. The whole holiday experience is incomplete without an authentic African Safari experience. We recommend that you book tickets for the game drive as the seats fill up fast. You can also drive your own vehicle in the reserve. Dinokeng is a birdwatcher’s paradise too with a large number of birds in the reserve.
Watch Sunrise from a Hot Air Balloon
Don’t we love the beautiful vermillion sky at sunrise and sunset? To carry home a very fond memory, go hot air ballooning with your partner during sunrise. The experience of riding these big sky balloons is literally like floating in the clouds and it sure does adds lots of romance to your holiday. We recommend that you reach Dinokeng Game Reserve early in the morning to experience a marvellous sunrise and grandly welcome the day.
Discover the Cultural Side
If you love culture and history, make sure that you explore Kwalata’s Cultural Tours. You will experience the warm and genial hospitality of the locals on the tour to Mandela Village; other stop-points include a tavern, meeting a sangoma or an African witch doctor, and a spaza shop (informal store). You will also be a part of the gumboot dance show and relish some of the most delicious and authentic African food.
Fun fact: Mandela Village was established during the time of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison, and features a life-size bronze statue of the iconic statesman.