Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Rustenburg, North West, South Africa
1. Marakele National Park
Home to the Big Five and a diverse range of wildlife, Marakele also boasts the third largest population of Cape vultures in the world.
- Vulture Colony: Unique vulture colony is a major attraction.
- Big Five Safari Experience: Offers a chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
- Biodiverse Landscape: Varied landscape offers a rich and diverse wildlife viewing experience.
2. Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 240 bird species, diverse wildlife and numerous hiking trails.
- UNESCO Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Birdwatching Paradise: Ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts with over 240 species.
- Hiking Trails: Offers numerous scenic hiking trails for nature lovers.
3. Rustenburg Kloof Nature Reserve
A picturesque reserve with a variety of wildlife and stunning rock formations, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
- Stunning Rock Formations: Features unique sandstone formations.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to a variety of wildlife including kudu, eland and zebra.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails for nature lovers.
4. Pilanesberg Game Reserve
One of South Africa's most popular wildlife reserves with the Big Five and diverse vegetation.
- Big Five Safari Experience: Offers a chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat.
- Historical Significance: Has historical significance as it sits atop a volcanic crater.
- Diverse Vegetation: Features diverse vegetation zones providing a rich wildlife viewing experience.
5. Madikwe Game Reserve
One of South Africa's largest game reserves, known for its high density of wildlife and successful rhino breeding program.
- Large Game Reserve: South Africa's fifth largest game reserve.
- Successful Rhino Breeding Program: Has a successful rhino breeding program.
- High Wildlife Density: Known for its high density of wildlife.
6. Boomslang Nature Reserve
A small but beautiful nature reserve with a variety of birdlife and picnic spots.
- Beautiful Picnic Spots: Offers picturesque picnic spots.
- Variety of Birdlife: Home to a variety of bird species.
- Easy Access: Easily accessible from Rustenburg city.
7. Witpoortjie Nature Reserve
A small reserve with a variety of wildlife and picnic spots, perfect for a day trip.
- Picnic Spots: Offers scenic picnic spots.
- Variety of Wildlife: Home to a variety of wildlife including kudu, eland and zebra.
- Easy Access: Easily accessible from Rustenburg city.
8. Cradle of Humankind
A World Heritage Site famous for its fossil discoveries and guided tours.
- World Heritage Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Fossil Discoveries: Famous for its rich fossil discoveries.
- Guided Tours: Offers informative guided tours to learn about human evolution.
9. Hardekool Dam Nature Reserve
A peaceful nature reserve with a variety of birdlife and beautiful dam views.
- Peaceful Environment: Offers a serene and peaceful environment.
- Variety of Birdlife: Home to a variety of bird species.
- Beautiful Dam Views: Features stunning views of the Hardekool Dam.
10. North West Wild Cat Sanctuary
A sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of wild cats.
- Wild Cat Conservation: Dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of wild cats.
- Educational Tours: Offers educational tours about wild cats.
- Unique Opportunity: Provides a unique opportunity to see various species of wild cats up close.
11. Roodekrans Nature Reserve
A beautiful reserve with diverse wildlife and scenic views, perfect for hiking.
- Scenic Views: Offers stunning scenic views.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to a diverse range of wildlife.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails for nature lovers.
12. Silver Venus Nature Reserve
A small but beautiful reserve with a variety of birdlife and picnic spots.
- Beautiful Picnic Spots: Offers picturesque picnic spots.
- Variety of Birdlife: Home to a variety of bird species.
- Easy Access: Easily accessible from Rustenburg city.
13. Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden
A peaceful garden with a variety of indigenous flora and fauna, ideal for a day out.
- Peaceful Environment: Offers a serene and peaceful environment.
- Indigenous Flora and Fauna: Home to a variety of indigenous flora and fauna.
- Educational Tours: Offers educational tours about the local flora and fauna.
14. North West Provincial Birding Route
A birdwatcher's paradise with over 350 species of birds across various reserves.
- Birdwatcher's Paradise: Ideal for birdwatching enthusiasts.
- Over 350 Species of Birds: Home to over 350 species of birds.
- Varied Landscapes: Covers a variety of landscapes, providing a diverse birdwatching experience.
15. Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
A scenic reserve with hiking trails and a variety of wildlife, perfect for a day trip.
- Scenic Environment: Offers a picturesque and scenic environment.
- Wildlife Variety: Home to a variety of wildlife including kudu, eland and zebra.
- Hiking Trails: Provides scenic hiking trails for nature lovers.