|
 For city-dwellers accustomed to stress and tense agendas, the space and tranquility of the North-West province provide a welcome change. Endless fields of maize cloak the deep and fertile plains, and small villages with peaceful homesteads dot the pastoral landscape. Relaxing activities such as bird watching, hiking, horse riding and game viewing enhance the enjoyment of a true African experience. A number of excellent game reserves have been established, and rewarding safari options are plentiful. Set in the crater of an extinct volcano and known as The Jewel of the North-West, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is foremost among them. This is one of the few parks in South Africa, which support almost all of the species (including the Big Five), which occurred naturally in the region.
The Vaal River, rated the most popular playground of the Northwest, is always alive with holidaymakers who while away the days swimming, water-skiing, pottering around in boats and notching up record catches. Leisure resorts attract an appreciative clientele, and comfortable hotels serve farm-fresh culinary fare.
In the early part of the 19th century, the territory was dominated by Mzilikazi and his Matabele followers. During the 1830s, however Mzilikazi was conquered by white settlers who, with their Batswana allies, drove the Matabele across the Limpopo River toz Zimbabwe.
|
