A vast stretch of rugged bushveld, running between Pretoria and the Kalahari and bordering Botswana to the west and Limpopo to the east, South Africa’s North West Province is home to some of its best and lesser-explored safari parks. Largely uninhabited, the majority of its population are from the Tswana tribe, speaking Tswana, with English widely spoken as a second language. From the Magaliesberg mountains, which extend as far as Pretoria and Rustenburg to the Vaal River, which runs along its southern border, South Africa’s North West Province boasts some extreme and truly wild scenery. Our collection of the best places to stay in the North West Province include some of the most luxurious, family-friendly and best value stays in this wild locale.

The Madikwe Game Reserve is a real gem, whilst Pilanesberg boasts superlative wildlife spotting and is very accessible, just a four-drive from Johannesburg. For an all-out luxury African safari experience, some of its five-star lodges can’t be beaten.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

• Take a detour off the N4, via Magaliesberg, and revel in a hang-gliding, hot air ballooning, or zip-lining excursion.
• South Africa’s answer to Las Vegas, have a flutter and explore the glittering lights of Sun City.
• Spot lions, elephants, and much more in the Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa’s fourth-largest reserve, covering 760 sq km of bushveld, savannah, grassland, and forest along the edge of the Kalahari Desert.
• Visit the cultural villages and experience the culture of the local BaTswana, Ndebele, and Sotho people, evident throughout in their colourful art, beadwork, pottery, homes, and music.
• Easily accessible from Johannesburg and Pretoria, the Pilanesberg National Park is a superb place to experience South Africa’s big cats, in a very convenient location, yet far less frequented than the Kruger Park.

Our collection of the best places to stay in the North West Province include something for couples, families, and every budget.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NORTH WEST PROVINCE

FOR A GREAT VALUE STAY

• Stylish rooms at a very inviting price, Bakubung Bush Lodge ticks all the boxes. There’s a pool, tennis courts, and several dining options – excellent value.

GREAT FOR COUPLES

• Laidback luxury with an extensive wellness menu, guests will find total relaxation at Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge as well as some impressive wildlife spotting.
• One of this boutique chain’s most luxurious properties, aha Shepherd's Tree Lodge, provides a well-priced stay, ideal for couples, with an enormous pool and gourmet dining.
• Very luxurious thatched huts, complete with billowing hour-posters, Madikwe Safari Lodge, is an opulent safari stay. From game drives, a massage out on your terrace, to relaxing in your private pool, there are plenty of ways to relax.

FOR A FAMILY STAY

• Plenty of space to spread out, each of aha Ivory Tree’s 63-rooms includes a private terrace as well as a large pool and very comfortable accommodation. Dine under the stars – explore the great outdoors.
• Great for all ages, Tuningi Safari Lodge has a kids’ club, excellent safari options, as well as an immersive spa. A very luxurious stay that all the family will enjoy.
• Indoor-outdoor living in this traditional thatched-style lodge, aha Thakadu River Camp is a rustic stay with excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, providing excellent value. Great for families.

Travel Information

• With temperatures ranging from 21°C in the winter to 31°C in the summer, the North West Province enjoys a temperate climate year-round, though do bear in mind, this is a semi-desert area, so things get chilly in the evening. Almost all of the state's rainfall is seen between October and April, whilst the best time for wildlife spotting is between May and October.
• With no major airport, the North West Province is best visited by driving from Pretoria or Johannesburg, served by O.R. Tambo International Airport, roughly a four hour drive.
• If you'd like to self-drive during your time in the North West Province, we recommend our partners Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Why not contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.