South Africa’s Platinum City: It’s Rustenburg
Set at the foot of the majestic Magaliesberg mountain range in South Africa’s North West Province, Rustenburg is one of the area’s oldest cities. Despite its name meaning place of rest in Afrikaans, this city is anything but sleepy. Extensive platinum mining in the area around the city, together with an abundance of opportunities for outdoor adventure, makes Rustenburg a hub of activity. Stay in the heart of the action by choosing one of the hotels in Rustenburg town or opt for something a little more secluded with a stay in a boutique B&B in the mountains.
Nature Reserves and National Parks
Outdoor adventure comes easy in Rustenburg thanks to a wide choice of national parks and mountain reserves in the immediate area. The cream of the crop is the Pilanesberg National Park which at almost half the size of Belgium is home to Africa’s Big Five - lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo. A trip to the Madikwe National Park, home to the country’s second largest concentration of elephants, is also a must. Visits to the area’s mountain reserves offer a more relaxed alternative to the bigger parks. The Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, set in a sprawling valley basin, features a profuse range of flora and fauna, including a breeding herd of 800-plus sable antelope and a colony of cape vultures. The animal and plant life in the reserve is best experienced from the selection of trails. Overnight options include the Baviaanskrans and Summit Trails although smaller day trails are also available, including the Vlei Ramble which is popular with birdwatchers.
Cultural Attractions
For more culturally minded visitors to Rustenburg, this city doesn’t disappoint. Start your journey in the tranquil town centre where ubiquitous purple jacarandas line the pretty streets and there are several galleries to explore. In the town hall, fronted by a statue of the exiled 19th-century Boer resistance leader Paul Kruger, you’ll find the Rustenburg Museum where exhibits depict fascinating local history and archaeology. Also of special interest to culture seekers are the city’s historic churches, all of which date back to the late 1800s. The Anglican Church, a national monument, the Dutch Reformed Church, completed after the infamous Anglo-Boer War, and the Historical Lutheran Church in the German settlement of Kroondal are all well worth a visit. To the north of the town centre at Boekenhoutfontein, you can discover the 19th-century artefacts on display at the restored Paul Kruger Country Museum.
Activities to Enjoy
The nearby Hartbeespoort Dam is a popular attraction. Situated on the other side of the Magaliesberg mountains, within a 50-minute drive of Rustenburg, the area holds particular appeal to water sports enthusiasts who can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and sailing. Additional highlights include Miracle Waters, one of the country’s few inland dive sites, and the nearby Crocodile River, where white-water rafting is among the many activities to enjoy. If you’d prefer to keep your feet dry, there’s still plenty of adventure to be had. Quad biking and abseiling in the rugged hillsides are popular pastimes as is taking to the skies in a hot air balloon to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the mountains, dam, and surrounding river valleys. More adventurous sorts can soar through the area’s brilliant blue skies on a hang-glider. Round off your day with a walk alongside African elephants at the nearby Elephant Sanctuary.
Day Trips and Excursions
While there’s plenty to keep you entertained in and around Rustenburg, South Africa’s landscape begs to be explored, and there are many tourist hot-spots to be enjoyed within reasonable driving distance of the city. Sun City, just 45 minutes north of Rustenburg, is a must-visit. Spend the day at the Valley of Waves, a picture-perfect water park with attractions for the whole family. As night falls, take advantage of the professional babysitting service to catch a concert at the Sun City Superbowl or show off your best moves at the Silhouette Nightclub. And if you can’t bear to drag yourself away from the excitement, you can spend the night in a luxurious hotel before heading back to Rustenburg. Excursions to the Cradle of Humankind, one of eight World Heritage Sites in South Africa and home to the Lesedi Cultural Village, are also popular, and less than two hours’ drive from the city.