It is a malaria-free and relatively crime-free area and is only a ninety minute drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria. No wonder this region is a favourite getaway for Gauteng residents!

Given the natural bushveld vegetation that covers the entire area and with the added attraction of the Magliesberg mountain range, this region has much to offer the ecotourists.

It is a national game area with a number of fine game parks where it is still possible to capture the solitude and stillness associated with nature and the animal kingdom.

The Pilanesberg Game Reserve which boasts the "Big Five" is situated in the crater of a huge extinct volcano formed over 1300 million years ago. Game viewing, overnight camps, walking trails and hunting trips are are all available.

The Rustenburg Nature reserve offers hiking trails in the Magaliesberg with its abundant bird life and fauna and flora.

The Rustenburg area is also home to the famous Sun City Resort with its Lost City Palace Hotel. It is a dazzling experience in every way.

There is also a large variety of historical and cultural interest to be found in the area such as the German community of Kroondal that dates back to 1857, the indigenous Bafokeng, Bakgatla and Botswana tribes with their totemic and other tribal traditions.

The Bafokeng people originate from this area. Bafokeng means 'people of the dew'. They are originally from the Bakwena people, and settled near in the area more than 200 years ago.

It has a strong Voortrekker (Dutch farming settlers) influence and was one of the first cities of importance in their history. In 1851, they named the city Rustenburg, which means 'place of rest'.

Many past battles have been fought in the districts of Koster, Swartruggens and Rustenburg during the Anglo Boer War and other ethnic wars. Prominent battlefields, memorial graves and ruined forts are scatted throughout, and the area is also an archaeological treasure trove of iron and stone-age sites.

The Rustenburg Ramble which has been well established for quite a few years now has many delightful curios and gift shops to browse through.

Complementing the many fine hotels with their superb conference and banqueting facilities are a number of quaint and secluded guest houses that offer a personal and charming hospitality found throughout the region.

Activities

Rustenburg Museum
The museum, in the Town hall, has exhibits depicting local history and archaeology.

Anglican Church
Originally built in 1871 and relocated in Van Staden Street in 1967, is now a national monument.

Statue of Presidant Paul Kruger
In front of the Town hall and the work of French sculptor Archard, depicts the present during his last days of exile.

Historical Lutheran Church - Kroondal
Built in 1896, this church was restored between 1979 and 1982, at which time it was proclaimed a national monument.

Hervormende Church Square
The historical reconciliation between Andies Hendrik Potieter and Andries Pretorius which, averting a civil war, took place on the square between Plein and Pretorius Streets.

The Dutch Reformed Church
Construction began in 1898 but was only completed in 1903 after the Anglo Boer War, during which it served as a military hospital.

Saulspoort
North of the town, this is one of the old Transvaal's oldest Dutch Reformed mission stations.

Rustenburg Nature Reserve
The northern slope of the Magaliesberg are home to a large variety of bird and animal life.

Statue of Voortrekker Girl
Opposite the Hervormde church, this delicate figure symbolises the light of Christianity.

Pilanesberg Game Reserve
Some two hours' drive northwest of Johannesburg, one of the strangest of Southern Africa's geological features rises skywards from the flat Highveld plain.

Sun City Resort
The most remarkable destination in all Africa - Sun City - Africa's kingdom of pleasure!