Rustenburg being one of the oldest towns in the province is well established with many fine holiday resorts. The temperature is a good four or five degrees warmer than Gauteng.
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.
