Pilansberg National ParkRustenburg, which is located one hundred and twelve kilometers northwest of Johannesburg
and translates loosely as “Peaceful Place,” is one of the oldest towns in the
area. It is indeed a laid-back place where the locals make time to go hiking
and climbing in the nearby Magaliesberg Mountains.
About the most exciting thing that has happened since platinum was discovered here, has
been the extension of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium to a seating capacity of
42,000, and the installation of new floodlights and electronic scoreboards for
the 2010 FIFA World Soccer Cup.
Otherwise, Rustenburg semi-slumbers on while it continues to offer the following
fine tourist destinations:
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve in the hills above
the town covers forty square kilometers within which are towering quartzite
peaks and shallow grassy lakes providing magnificent hikes and views of sable
antelope, grey duiker, kudu, oribi, zebra, and waterbuck, as well as
occasional glimpses of caracal, black-backed jackal, and even leopards.
Magaliesberg Canopy TourMagaliesberg Canopy Tour
Magaliesberg Canopy Tour is a breathtaking eco-adventure that
involves safe zipping along steel cables between cliff-side platforms. Every
stop seems to provide even more magnificent views of the surroundings and
unique ecology. Two skilled guides attend every tour and enthrall with their
knowledge of local plants, bird life, and geology.
Rustenburg Nature Reserve
Rustenburg Nature Reserve at the western end of the Magaliesberg
Protected Natural Environment lies within four thousand five hundred hectares
on a farm once owned by President Paul Kruger. The vegetation varies across the
expanse from grassland and scrub to mixed woodland, ensuring an ever-changing
vista of plant and animal life. Wildlife includes oribi, common duiker, klipspringer, reedbuck, mountain reedbuck, kudu, red hartebeest and sable,
all of which are preyed upon by leopard, caracal, brown hyena and black-backed jackal. Vulture, martial and black eagles occur.
Rhino Pilansberg NPPilansberg National Park
The malaria-free Pilansberg National Park is the
fourth largest in Southern Africa, covering fifty five thousand hectares, and
embraces one of only three alkaline volcanic craters in the world. Before it
was proclaimed a National Park in 1979, the land was degraded and much wildlife
had disappeared because of human habitation and intensive agriculture. The
scars of human settlement have been removed and the game restocked in one of
the largest and most expensive rehabilitation projects undertaken anywhere in
Africa.
Palace of the Lost City
The Palace of the Lost City thirty kilometers
away is a hotel and entertainment complex that includes a casino, wild rides,
and much more. The architecture is based on an ancient city like Ankor Wat,
which may look incongruous in the dry African bushveld on first sight, but soon
lulls you into its illusion as you enter its walls and wander through amazing
rooms.
Rustenburg is a laid-back place that can offer just about anything you may desire. Enjoy
the soccer and casino – but also leave some time to listen to the heartbeat of
nature in one of the fine reserves.
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